Shopsmith Forums

I inherited a 20" shopsmith scroll saw (model 555272). I just bought and installed the new blade change system. I should have bought the blades when I bought the blade change system, but I didn't because I thought my local hardware store might have some. Unfortunately they only have pin end ones.

I need some advice on what kind to buy. My first project is building a pinewood derby car with my daughter. Can anyone chime in with the blades I need?

Thanks,
Jody

I'm actually no longer a scroll-saw owner, but I had heard one recommendation to use a blade tooth-pitch which keeps about 3-4 teeth inside the thickness of wood you are using. Basically to avoid using too fine-pitched a blade inside too thick of a slab. This is what I try to do with my other saws (bandsaws, coping saws, jigsaws) and it seems to be good advice.

Chris

Here is a set of pinless blades that are supposed to be much better quality than you'd find in typical hardware stores, if you found pinless locally: https://www.amazon.com/Reverse-Flying-D ... B0070FWOO8.

If you are in a rush the pins can be driven out pretty easily.

I've never made a pinewood derby car but the ones I've seen seem a bit wide to cut with the scroll saw???????????

Ed

While Flying Dutchman brand blades are often regarded as the best, I prefer Olson brand. Pegas is another brand that comes up often among those who do a lot scroll/fret work. The size depends and the kind of radius and thickness you'll be cutting. But unless the radius is really small under 1/8" you should be able to work with a #5 or #6 blade. I'm pretty sure you can get Olson at Rockler, Woodcraft or Ace Hardware.

I know there is a website dedicated to scrolling pine wood derby cars. I thought it was way over the top. The derby is for kids to have fun and learn a little about woodworking. Don't forget to use a little graphite on the axles and to keep the weight up near the legal limit. Good luck.

I've always found the Olson and SS brand blades to work well. The wood used in a Pinewood car is soft, so any blade should work. Go with a fine blade for less sanding.
In my son's Scout Troop the Pinewood Derby was a big event and a great day of fun. Here's some advice FWIW:
Let your daughter design the car and build as much as is safe.
Get a copy of the rules, adjust the design and build to meet them, no fun showing up with a car that can't race.
Polish the axles and use lots of graphite. You don't want it grinding to a stop mid track.
Think about organizing a build party for the troop. An amazing amount of kids won't have access to the tools needed to build a car. It's more fun for the kids to build along with their friends.
Lastly,post a picture here when your done. Have fun!

I would suggest you visit this site: http://scrollsawer.com/

Then, search pinewood derby. There are a number of good articles on cutting out pinewood derby cars.

I hope this helps.