Scroll Saw Blades

About Scroll Saw Blades

Scroll saw blades are precision cutting accessories designed for intricate curved cuts, fine detailed work, and complex patterns in various materials. Unlike standard saw blades, scroll saw blades are thin, narrow, and feature fine teeth that allow for exceptional control and manoeuvrability when cutting tight curves, interior cut-outs, and delicate fretwork. These specialised blades are essential for woodworking projects requiring detail and accuracy, from creating decorative wooden ornaments to cutting intricate joinery.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes blades suitable for different materials and cutting applications, from general-purpose wood cutting to specialised metal cutting. Scroll saw blades vary in tooth configuration, blade thickness, and overall design, with options for straight cuts, curved work, and side-cutting applications. Brands such as Dremel and Einhell offer blade sets tailored to specific tasks, including fine wood cutting for detailed work, general wood cutting for everyday projects, and metal cutting for working with softer metals and plastics.

Most scroll saw blades are supplied in sets containing multiple blades, providing excellent value and ensuring you have replacement blades to hand when needed. Blade lengths typically range from 100mm to 130mm, with varying teeth-per-centimetre configurations that determine the smoothness and speed of the cut. Whether you're a hobbyist creating intarsia patterns or a professional craftsperson producing custom signage, selecting the appropriate blade type is crucial for achieving clean, precise results.

Jargon Buster

• Teeth Per Centimetre (TPC): The number of teeth within a one-centimetre length of blade. Higher TPC numbers produce smoother, finer cuts but cut more slowly, whilst lower TPC numbers cut faster but leave a rougher finish.
• Kerf: The width of material removed by the blade during cutting. Scroll saw blades have a very narrow kerf, minimising waste and allowing for tighter curves and more intricate patterns.
• Throat Depth: The distance from the blade to the rear frame of the scroll saw, which determines the maximum width of material that can be cut from the edge. Side-cutting blades help overcome throat depth limitations.
• Pin-End vs Plain-End: The two main blade mounting systems. Pin-end blades have small pins at each end for quick changes, whilst plain-end blades (also called pinless) require blade clamps but offer greater versatility for tight interior cuts.
• Skip Tooth Configuration: A blade pattern where every second tooth is missing, providing better waste removal and reducing blade clogging when cutting softer materials or thicker stock.
• Side-Cutting Blade: A specialised blade with twisted ends that allows lateral material feeding from left or right, enabling cuts longer than the saw's throat depth would normally permit.

Who Uses Scroll Saw Blades?

• Woodworking hobbyists and craft enthusiasts creating decorative items
• Cabinet makers producing intricate inlays and decorative features
• Model makers working with wood, plastics, and soft metals
• Signage manufacturers cutting custom lettering and designs
• Luthiers crafting musical instrument components
• Toy makers creating detailed wooden toys and puzzles
• Jewellery makers cutting precious and semi-precious materials
• Professional woodworkers specialising in fretwork and marquetry
• Educational institutions teaching woodworking and design technology
• Restoration specialists replicating period decorative elements

How to Choose the Right Scroll Saw Blades

Selecting the appropriate scroll saw blade depends primarily on the material you're cutting and the level of detail required. For general wood cutting tasks, choose blades with 6-8 teeth per centimetre, which provide a good balance between cutting speed and finish quality. When working on highly detailed projects requiring exceptionally smooth edges, opt for fine-cutting blades with higher TPC ratings, though be prepared for slower cutting speeds.

Material compatibility is crucial when choosing blades. Tooled-Up stocks dedicated blade sets for different applications: wood-cutting blades feature configurations optimised for timber's fibrous structure, whilst metal-cutting blades have different tooth geometry and hardening treatments to handle ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Using wood-cutting blades on metal will quickly dull the teeth, whilst metal-cutting blades in wood may produce rougher cuts than necessary.

Consider your scroll saw model's blade mounting system before purchasing. Check whether your saw accepts pin-end or plain-end blades, as this will determine compatibility. Blade length is also important – most scroll saws accommodate standard lengths, but always verify your machine's specifications. For projects requiring cuts longer than your saw's throat depth permits, side-cutting blades offer an innovative solution by allowing lateral material feeding.

Purchasing blade sets rather than individual blades often provides better value and ensures you have replacements available. Professional users and frequent hobbyists should maintain a selection of different blade types to handle various materials and cutting requirements without interruption. Always inspect blades before use and replace any showing signs of damage, dullness, or tooth breakage to maintain cut quality and safety.

Popular Accessories

• Scroll saws and moto-saws (Dremel MS20 and similar models)
• Blade storage cases and organisers
• Work-holding clamps and jigs for securing small workpieces
• Dust extraction systems and attachments
• Pattern books and cutting templates
• Blade lubricants and cutting waxes
• Magnifying lamps for detailed work visibility
• Push sticks and finger guards for safe material handling
• Sanding attachments and finishing accessories
• Zero-clearance throat plates for improved support

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate eye protection when operating scroll saws, as small wood chips and metal fragments can be ejected during cutting. Ensure blades are correctly tensioned and securely mounted before operation – loose blades can break or detach during use, creating potential hazards. Keep fingers well clear of the blade path and use push sticks or hold-downs when cutting small pieces that would bring your hands close to the blade.

Inspect blades regularly for signs of damage, wear, or tooth breakage, and replace damaged blades immediately rather than attempting to continue working with compromised tooling. When changing blades, ensure the scroll saw is disconnected from the 240v mains supply to prevent accidental activation. Maintain a clean work area free from dust accumulation, which can obscure visibility and create respiratory hazards – consider connecting dust extraction equipment where possible.

Follow HSE guidance regarding prolonged exposure to fine dust particles, particularly when cutting treated timber or composite materials. Never force material through the blade; instead, allow the blade to cut at its natural pace, as excessive pressure can cause blade breakage or workpiece kickback. Store blades safely in their original packaging or dedicated storage cases to prevent injury when handling and to protect the cutting edges from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do scroll saw blades typically last?

Blade life varies considerably depending on the material being cut, cutting frequency, and blade quality. In softwoods, a quality blade might last several hours of continuous use, whilst harder materials or improper technique can dull blades much faster. Signs that replacement is needed include increased cutting resistance, burning marks on the material, or the blade wandering off your marked line. Many users keep multiple blade sets on hand to ensure uninterrupted workflow.

Can I use the same blade for both wood and metal cutting?

No, you should use blades specifically designed for each material type. Wood-cutting blades and metal-cutting blades have different tooth configurations, spacing, and hardening treatments optimised for their intended materials. Using wood blades on metal will quickly destroy the teeth, whilst metal-cutting blades in wood may produce unnecessarily rough cuts and won't perform optimally. Tooled-Up.com supplies dedicated blade sets for different applications to ensure best results.

What causes scroll saw blades to break during use?

Blade breakage typically results from excessive tension, forcing the cut too quickly, twisting the blade whilst cutting, or using worn blades beyond their serviceable life. Operating at excessive speed settings or cutting materials thicker than the blade is designed for can also cause premature failure. Ensure proper blade tension according to your saw's specifications, allow the blade to cut at its own pace, and always keep the workpiece flat against the table to minimise breakage.

Are pin-end or plain-end blades better?

Neither is inherently superior – the choice depends on your scroll saw's design and your specific requirements. Pin-end blades offer quicker, easier changes and are ideal for beginners or production work requiring frequent blade swaps. Plain-end (pinless) blades provide greater versatility for threading through drilled starter holes for interior cuts and generally offer a wider selection of specialist blade types. Check your scroll saw's compatibility before purchasing.

How do I achieve smoother cuts with my scroll saw?

Smoother cuts result from using blades with higher teeth-per-centimetre counts, reducing feed speed, ensuring proper blade tension, and maintaining sharp blades. Select fine-cutting blade sets for detail work, and always cut slightly outside your marked line, then sand to the final dimension for the smoothest possible finish. Proper workpiece support and maintaining consistent feed pressure also contribute significantly to cut quality and edge smoothness.