zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Oct 9, 2013 18:10:13 GMT -5
To cut out a pendant from a sheet of sterling silver, I've used snips/scissors & also a jeweler's saw. Neither is ideal & I'm thinking about using a jig saw. Are the 4/0 blades that I use in a hand saw going to survive the rapid motion of the electric motor? Is there a speed at which I can use a scroll saw with these super thin blades? What about a thicker blade?
BTW, we need a forum for silver smithing. I couldn't find a good category for this question. Lynn
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,797
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Post by gemfeller on Oct 9, 2013 19:19:49 GMT -5
I think the main problem would be blade breakage. Once you learn the basics of using a jeweler's saw, work goes pretty fast.
1. Be sure to insert the blade so it cuts on the downstroke. It should be tensioned so it makes a slight "pinging" sound when plucked. Use a rigid slotteed hardwood bench pin. 2. Lubricate the blade sparingly with beeswax. Too much slows cutting.
3. When starting your cut from the edge of the metal, use a few upstrokes to create a slot and keep the blade from skidding.
4. Most important rule: the blade must be kept perpendicular to the sawing surface of the metal at all times. This is a little difficult to learn and you'll break a few blades until you get it right.
5. Avoid excessive forward or downward pressure while moving the saw. The saw will move forward with regular sawing pressure. Concentrate on the direction you want it to cut.
6. Never use force when backing out of a cut. The blade has to come out exactly the way it got in or "ping!" It takes a little practice and patience but I think the results are worth it. And if you do figure out a way to use a jigsaw please let me know how!
Rick
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 9, 2013 21:30:27 GMT -5
Jewelers blades will work. Feed very slowly with light pressure, and use a beeswax cutting lube on the blade. Make sure the scroll saw will accept plain end blades. Some require the pin end blades.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,797
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Post by gemfeller on Oct 9, 2013 22:35:20 GMT -5
Zar, if you try that please report back. I'm very interested in the outcome.
Rick
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Oct 18, 2013 3:23:53 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. I haven't bought a scroll saw yet. Still looking for the right deal. If I get one, I'll report back. Didn't want to be the guinea pig, though. I was hoping that one of the group had some experience using one for sheet silver. Lynn
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