Product Review: Flying Dutchman Scroll Saw Blades

What is up, my brethren? When it comes to Nerf blogs, one thing you don't see too much of is tool talk. Tool selection is one of the most important parts of modding, and quality tools can save you loads of time and frustration. I remember my early days of modding when I didn't even own a Dremel--it took DAYS to hand file anything! Anyways, I have discovered a great new product recently that I thought I'd share with you guys: Flying Dutchman scroll saw blades!

This post obviously only applies to people that own a scroll saw. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the tool, it looks something like this:

The blade oscillates up and down while the work is fed into it. One of the unique uses for the scroll saw is the ability to make internal cuts by drilling a hole in the work, removing one side of the blade, inserting it through the hole and reattaching it, then making the internal cut. Pictured above is my Craftsman 16'' scroll saw that I picked up for a little of $100, which puts it in towards the low end. For those of you like me with an insatiable appetite for more power, you will inevitably find yourself considering this handy device at some point or another. The fact is, cheap plastic Nerf parts have a limit to the amount of stress they can endure, and certain power level can only be reached by home-fabricating your own parts!

To learn how to scroll, I embarked on the usual internet journey through forums and websites when I found Mike's Workshop. Mike is a great guy and a master scroller; through his website I discovered the Flying Dutchman blades. Mike is so confident in the quality of his German-made blades that he actually gives out 2 free samples! Obviously, I picked them up--Mike recommended the Polar #5 blade, which is specifically designed for "wood, horn, and various plastics." When I received the blades, I had no idea how much of a difference they would make. The blades sliced through 1/4'' polycarbonate like a hot knife through butter! My cheapo Craftsman actually felt semi-classy.

In conclusion, I highly recommend these blades to any serious modders out there that own a scroll saw. The blades that come with the Craftsman are made for wood, and really aren't optimal for our purposes. Do yourself a favor and invest in quality blades--they will make life so much better. No blade bending, wandering, grabbing, or plastic melting. At around $3 for a dozen blades, there's no reason not to try them out! For those that are curious, the Ultra Reverse blades have teeth pointing both directions, so you get cutting action on the down and up-stroke.

Hope you guys enjoyed this product review,
~T da B

P.S. Work is nearly complete on my Longshot shotgun grip! The solvent is curing, and assembly should be happening tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have the writeup posted tomorrow night for you guys--all I gotta say is that things are looking pretty damn good. It also isn't fugly like most shotgun grips out there...