Choosing the wrong scroll saw blade is the most common reason for poor cut quality, blade breakage, and frustration at the scroll saw. The right blade depends on four factors: your machine (pin-end vs. plain-end), the material, the cut type (straight or spiral), and the finish quality you need. This guide covers the full Proxxon scroll saw blade range.
Step 1 — Pin-End or Plain-End?
This is determined by your machine, not your material — check your blade holders before ordering.
- Pin-end blades — cross-pin at each end; clip in without tools. Faster blade changes, but the pin limits how close you can cut to an inside corner. For the Proxxon DSH/E scroll saw.
- Plain-end (pinless) blades — flat ends clamped by the blade holders. Allow tighter inside corner work and finer blade widths. For the Proxxon DS 115/E (No. 37088) and compatible machines.
Pin-end and plain-end blades are not interchangeable.
Step 2 — Straight Cutting or Spiral Cutting?
- Straight blades — teeth on one face only; cut in one direction. Rotate the workpiece to change direction. Best for controlled, precise cuts with a clean finish.
- Spiral blades — teeth wound around the full circumference; cut in all directions simultaneously. Move the workpiece freely without rotation. Best for freehand curves, tight radii, and fretwork — but leave a rougher finish on all faces.
Step 3 — TPI and Material
Higher TPI (teeth per inch) = finer cut, slower feed, better finish. Lower TPI = faster cutting, coarser finish, better chip clearance for thick or soft materials.
Pin-End Blades for DSH/E
- 10 TPI — Coarse (No. 28741) — for thicker wood and soft materials; fast chip clearance, aggressive cut
- 18 TPI — Standard (No. 28743) — general purpose for wood and plastics; the most versatile pin-end blade
- 25 TPI — Fine (No. 28745) — for NF metals, GRP, Plexiglass, and fine wood work; clean finish in hard and thin materials
Plain-End Blades for DS 115/E — Super Cut Range
Wood, Plastics & Soft NF Metals:
- No. 9 — 13 TPI (No. 28116) — coarser cut for faster stock removal in wood and plastics
- No. 5 — 17 TPI (No. 28117) — mid-range; balanced speed and finish for general wood work
- No. 3 — 19 TPI (No. 28118) — finer cut for detail work in wood and soft NF metals
Steel & PERTINAX:
- 35 TPI (No. 28112) — for mild steel and PERTINAX; coarser of the metal range
- 40 TPI (No. 28113) — mid-range for steel and PERTINAX
- 47 TPI (No. 28114) — finest metal blade; for thin steel sheet and precision PERTINAX work
Spiral Plain-End Blade
- Spiral — All-Direction Cutting (No. 28747) — 1.5mm entry hole; 360° cutting for freehand curves, tight radii, and fretwork in wood and plastics. Requires plain-end blade holders.
Quick Selection Guide
- Thick softwood, fast cuts (DSH/E) → 10 TPI pin-end (No. 28741)
- General wood & plastics (DSH/E) → 18 TPI pin-end (No. 28743)
- NF metals, GRP, Plexiglass (DSH/E) → 25 TPI pin-end (No. 28745)
- General wood & plastics (DS 115/E) → Super Cut No. 5, 17 TPI (No. 28117)
- Detail wood work (DS 115/E) → Super Cut No. 3, 19 TPI (No. 28118)
- Mild steel & PERTINAX (DS 115/E) → Super Cut 35–47 TPI (No. 28112–28114)
- Tight curves, freehand, fretwork (DS 115/E) → Spiral plain-end (No. 28747)
Compatible Machines
- Pin-end blades (No. 28741–28745) → Proxxon DSH/E scroll saw
- Plain-end blades (No. 28112–28118, No. 28747) → Scroll Saw DS 115/E (No. 37088) and compatible machines
All Proxxon scroll saw blades are sold in 12-packs. Shop the full Proxxon Saw Blades collection at Pro Tool Haus.