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Piercing saw blades

  • Edmund Massow
    • 77 posts
    April 7, 2013 9:48 AM EDT

    An old Goldsmith-rule says: " Three tooth tips should always be within the sheet thickness."
    Edmund

  • Denise Poole
    • 0 posts
    April 7, 2013 11:40 AM EDT

    Thankyou, that's helpful.

  • Isabel Trujillo
    • 0 posts
    April 11, 2013 1:12 AM EDT
    Practice, proper position and a lubricant will help you too. Take a look: http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/771/Quickly-Accurately-Saw-Around-a-Sharp-Corner Isabel
  • Lillian Jones
    • 4 posts
    April 11, 2013 9:18 PM EDT

    I'd vote for at least a 2/0, but the 1/0 might work.  Either way it would cut, but the larger gap between the teeth will cause the sawing motion to hang up and be a struggle.  2/0, 3/0 or even 4/0 would cut smoother, however the smaller blades are naturally more delicate, and require more finesse to get much life from the blade.

    Lillian

  • Edmund Massow
    • 77 posts
    April 12, 2013 10:04 AM EDT

    A time ago anyone asked the same question in the "Art Jewellery Magazine". I searched and copied my answer. Here the result:

    I think it is easier to saw metal sheets than to cut it with shears if you follow some rules.

    1)      Clamp the saw blade so strong into the jewellers saw frame, that it gives a little “clink” if you snip with your fingernail against the blade. The teeth-tips must lock downwards in direction of the handle!

    2)      Always 3 teeth should be within the sheet metals strength. If the blade is finer, you need more time, if the blade is coarser, the blade stall.

    3)      Wax the blade from time to with a candle stump. A waxed saw run much easier.

    4)      Saw with long equal strokes and with a lose hand. Don’t cant the saw sideward.

    5)      Let run the saw by itself. Exert no pressure on the saw blade.

     If you have to saw a very thin metal sheet, lay the metal sheet on a thin piece of plywood and saw both parts together. You can, if necessary the metal and the wood glue together with adhesive tape on one or two edges.

  • Denise Poole
    • 0 posts
    April 12, 2013 12:00 PM EDT

    Thank you Edmund, this is such great advice. I have fitted the 1/0 blade and cut 3 straight pieces from an offcut. The blade was waxed and I'm very happy with the result. It didn't take as long as I expected to cut the copper, and the edges were quite smooth and didn't need too much filing.

    I may even try a shaped piece soon!

    Warmest wishes, Dee x

  • Denise Poole
    • 0 posts
    April 7, 2013 5:43 AM EDT

    Dear Folks,

    I have not used a piercing saw before, I have 1/0 blades for my 20 gauge copper, (53 teeth per inch), is this right or should I be using blades with higher TPI?

    Advice most welcome, thankyou.

    Dee in the UK x