Spiral blades

[boxmaker]

I have some of the old spiral blades, where the whole blade twist. I bought them when I first started scrolling and never used them, because the twist makes it a pain to keep it in my clamps. I was wondering if anybody knew how to get the twist out or will it break the ends of the blade. Next time I order from mike I am going to order some flat end spirals,and see if I can get used to using a spiral for some of my box tops. I have about 4 doz. of the old ones I would like to use up, or are they worth keeping.

[UHMNL]

Boxmaker,
Some people hit the end with a hammer and some put them in the vice. Don't over do it.
You can also take a pair of pliers and try to un-twist the ends.
It seems that the new spiral work bettter then the regular spiral, it also cuts more straight.
FD Mike

[boxmaker]

Thanks for the info mike. I need to order some more blades anyway, and some other stuff. Thanks again.

[Russ C]

Try adding a little heat from a small torch to help in straightening.
 

[UHMNL]

I would not recommend heat, you might reduce the hardening of the steel.
FD Mike

[GrayBeard]

All this talk about 'spirals' is making me dizzier!

Guess I will have to fire up ol' Yeller today and try one or two!

Wish me luck!

~~~GrayBeard~~~

[Russ C]

Worked good for me.  You don't want to turn it cherry red. A soldering iron would work to.     

[UHMNL]

Hi Russ,
(You don't want to turn it cherry red.)
That is my concern that they might heat it up too much.
FD Mike

[boxmaker]

So Russ, what did you use to straighten after you heated it, a vice or pliers, a hammer. I tried just pliers, and I  can get the twist out, but my ends do not line up for the clamps. I am ready to just toss them and order some of the flat ends from Mike. I have to place an order anyway.

[Russ C]

Heated them and flattened ends with a hammer. 

[boxmaker]

If I get a chance to get in the shop today I'll try a little heat and a hammer. Thanks Mark.

[boxmaker]

The heat worked, thanks, but you gotta be careful, I reddened one and it broke when I hammered it, but one out of twelve ain't bad. Thanks again.

[jon]

I just take a pair of vice grips and clamp them on the end of the blade  this takes out your twist also scruffs up the end a little so it stays in your clamps better. (it works for me)  just my 2 cents