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Scroll Saw Blade Tooth Types: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
Scroll Saw Blade Tooth Types: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
Scroll saw blade tooth type. What is the difference?
If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is in tooth types on scroll saw blades, you’re not alone. Knowing your blades can mean the difference between a project that’s a cut above the rest or one that’s just cut-rate.
First, let’s talk about plain end vs. pin end blades.Â
- Pin End Blades: These blades have small pins on each end, which hook into holders on the scroll saw. This makes them very easy to install and remove. Fewer options are available but are usually thicker, more robust blades. These blades come in 3″, 4″ and 5″ lengths.
- Plain End Blades: These do not have pins and are held in place by clamps on the scroll saw. Plain end blades come in a wider variety of tooth types. 5″ blades are the most common length.
Below we go over the various tooth types available and their uses. This way you can choose the right one for your project.
(A) – Regular Tooth blades have teeth evenly spaced along the blade. Perfect for the no-fuss woodworker looking for straightforward cuts. Comes in Plain End and Pin End options. .
(B) – Skip tooth blades are excellent for fast cuts that provide smooth finishes and good chip clearance. The most common type. Univ No. 3/0 – 5 blade sizes can be used to cut cold milled rolled steel, copper, brass, aluminum sheet and bronze. Soft metal up to 1/8″ thick can be cut easily, whether there are single sheets or several thin sheets in a stack cut. Comes in Plain End and some Pin End
(C) –Â Double tooth blades have two teeth together followed by a flat space for efficient chip removal. They cut fast, leaving clean edges in wood and plastic. Comes in Plain End
(D) – Reverse Tooth blades have skip style teeth with the bottom couple teeth pointed in the opposite direction, providing a smooth, splinter-free finish.
   There is also a Double Reverse Tooth Blade – that is a reverse tooth blade with double teeth.
(E) – Crown-Tooth blades have one tooth pointing up connected to each tooth pointing down. Smoothest, but slowest. Not common. Crown tooth blades cut on both up and down strokes. Two way cutting action provides a smooth, splinterless finish, and clean edges. When worn, the blade can be turned over for cutting with a fresh set of teeth! Come in Plain End.
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 (F) – Spiral blades saw in all directions with 360º cutting capability. Excellent for 0º radius scroll/fret work – no need to turn the work piece. Bevel cut letters and numbers. Comes in Plain End and Flat End for easier blade installation and retention.
(G) Premium blades use different types of steel for dense wood. Â Our PGT (Precision Ground Teeth) Plain End blades have razor-sharp reverse teeth with wide-spaced gullets for straighter, faster, smoother, and more accurate cut.Â
Want to learn more about scroll saw blades and the universal numbering system? Learn more HERE
We hope this article has helped you navigate the complexities of scroll saw blades, making it easier for you to choose the right type for your projects. Whether you’re a beginner looking to make straightforward cuts or an experienced woodworker seeking precision and finesse, there’s a blade that perfectly matches your needs. Happy scrolling!
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