Messages

76

Tutorials, Techniques and Tips / Re: Anyone have a mini 4" table saw?

« on: April 16, 2016, 12:06:37 pm »

I've never heard of such a thing' but that doesn't mean they don't exist.
I have seen people bolt a standard circular (Skill saw) to the bottom of a piece of plywood and make a plunge cut that allows the blade to protrude to the top side. It forms a table saw of sorts but, seems rather dangerous to me.
I think you would want to wire a switch that is readily accessible, but still without a fence or blade guard, disaster looms near by.
Regular 10" table saws are a lot different than a scroll saw and are inherently more dangerous but quite handy for cutting big pieces into small pieces. I've owned one for more than 10 years and couldn't do without it.
However they do take quite a bit of room in the shop which is probably your problem I gather. Cost is also something to consider but as is oft said "You get what you pay for."
I recommend that you go for the real deal and by a saw that will do the job in a safer manner than playing with a toy that will still cut off a finger.

77

Brag Forum / Re: ANGEL

« on: April 11, 2016, 04:49:38 pm »

Do you ever introduce your sister as "My sister the Sister"? 
I once thought that my son would become a priest and planned to introduce him as "My son the Father" but, it didn't come to pass.

78

Tutorials, Techniques and Tips / Re: Cutting Inlays

« on: April 05, 2016, 10:41:20 am »

Jim is right, tight corners are NOT easy but, once it is done it looks all right.
The eye WANTS to see a sharp corner, so it does. If the sharp pointed part is some what rounded it will be seen by the person who cut it but, no one else will notice it





I don't do nearly as many inlay projects as Jim has done but, I enjoy it when I do them and they seem to get a lot of attention from  others.

79

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Jig Saw Puzzle Blades

« on: April 05, 2016, 10:26:03 am »

I've used the puzzle blades on 1/8" plywood with no problem....Other than it takes a lot of time.
Even if you veer off of the line, who would ever know it? As long as the pieces fit you are OK.
Some people don't even use a "cutting pattern" at all, they just free hand the entire thing. Let it go where it may and it will be all right.
The thinner puzzle blades just let things fit together much better and will make tighter turns when cutting than the larger, thicker ones.

80

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Psalm 34:4

« on: March 26, 2016, 12:46:33 pm »

Do you want  just "Psalm 34:4" on it or the entire scripture? The entire Psalm would be a lot of lettering!
I assume you would want the shorter version and it could just be cut out of the coaster and left with open letters but, you also could do some inlay.

I would print it out on the computer....Psalm
                                                        34:4   and apply it to the coaster and cut it out.
If you scroll down to "Tips, Tricks and Tutorials" there are some posts on cutting out letters and some on doing inlay that might help you out a bit.



For example.

81

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Blade angle

« on: March 23, 2016, 11:46:37 am »

Jim,
What kind of saw do you have? All of the current saws that I've seen have two arms on them one upper arm and one lower arm which causes an arc at the blade. With blade installed there is about 5" of difference between the upper clamp and lower clamp so, the arc is very slight but, it is still there.
I think that more than likely your saw is set up very well but still, the blade doesn't run in a true straight up and down movement. I have cut 1-1/2" thick wood on my De Walt  saw and don't really see any difference from the top of the cut to the bottom but, I'm sure there is some difference. If I check for square with the arms at the upper limit and compare to arms at the lower limit, there is a slight difference.
Ideally. the area just above the table should be a true 90 degrees with the arms in a center position but, sometimes that is difficult to achieve.

82

The Coffee Shop / Re: Proofreading, or not

« on: March 18, 2016, 11:00:56 am »

Thanks for posting all of those headlines.
I always enjoy a good laugh in the morning (with my coffee)

83

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: A matter of practicality?

« on: March 14, 2016, 10:20:28 am »

If you use a "Crown Tooth" blade, you can turn it up side down and get a bit more use out of it. But of course a crown tooth blade isn't necessarily good for some types of cutting.
I like the idea of using the plywood(or any thicker wood) on top of the table to gain some space. However, it may make it a bit more difficult to change the blade and depending on the thickness of the wood you are cutting, the top arm could hit your project.
I realize that blades don't grow on trees but, there is some ongoing expense to any hobby and I consider scroll saw blades to be a lot cheaper than most things. Don't take up golf for gosh sakes! Golf balls can add up to serious money over the summer!

Rog

84

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Glue options

« on: March 10, 2016, 12:00:47 pm »

I think that if you use spray glue (I use Loctite also) and you spray both surfaces it is suppose to make a permanent bond. That's what it says on the can anyway.
However for a good strong bond you need to use a good wood glue like Titebond or something similar. Most wood glue joints are in fact stronger than the wood it's self.
Spray glue may be a bit faster but, I think it is messier and not nearly as strong.

85

Ask Steve a question. / Re: Software for compound scroll saw patterns

« on: March 05, 2016, 11:22:38 am »

I'm not sure what you are asking about.
I have made several 3D items over the years and as far as patterns, I've just drawn my own. I draw a picture of what I want the front to look like and another picture of the side and apply the pattern on the wood and start cutting.
You sometimes have to tape the drop off pieces back into place for doing the side view on the saw.
I have made chess pieces like that copying the pattern several times on a copy machine. Some times the front and side are the same shape which makes it easier like these salt and pepper shakers.



I have also just drawn the pattern directly on the wood and cut it as in the "Fish key chains"



If you are asking about how to make patterns on the computer, I have no idea!
 

86

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Tung oil and glue

« on: March 05, 2016, 10:50:12 am »

NO.
Glue doesn't like oil of any kind. In fact some of the oiler woods need to be wiped down with naphtha or mineral spirits before any glue up or they will separate shortly.
Always try to do any glue up before finishing with anything. If you are careful not to get finish at critical areas where you want glue, it can be done however. You can use blue tape to cover the glue areas and then put finish on it before gluing.
I know that several people say that  certain glues will stick to a painted or varnished surface but, I wouldn't recommend doing that myself.

Rog   

87

Brag Forum / Re: Baltic Birch Ply Scroll Saw Shell

« on: January 30, 2016, 04:26:00 pm »

Beautiful project! I really like it and need to find out how to cut one of those.
Isn't plywood a fun wood to use for a different look? I had some old 3/4" ply from the days before there were so many voids in it. I have made several things out of it over the years.
I have bowls, vases, coasters and a lot of things that make people ask about them.






Rog

88

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: "sand flea" or a flat sanding machine

« on: January 29, 2016, 10:16:53 am »

As with anything, it depends on the type of work you are doing.
I make a lot of bowls and vases so I couldn't do with out an osculating spindle sander and flap wheels.
As for flat work. I just use sanding blocks and fingernail files.

Rog

PS I know that has nothing to do with your original question but, I just had to add my two cent worth.

89

The Coffee Shop / Re: Steves "Plumber" pattern Jan 20th

« on: January 27, 2016, 11:11:07 am »

Jim,
You are preaching to the choir.
I was a mobile Mac Tools distributor for 20 years. I'm quite aware of what tools mechanics use.   
If you're a farmer, all you need is two pair of Vice-Grips!
All in fun.

Rog

90

The Coffee Shop / Re: Steves "Plumber" pattern Jan 20th

« on: January 26, 2016, 05:55:06 pm »

They use a lot of "push together" connections as well but, that wouldn't be nearly as interesting.
I still consider that plumbers and pipe wrenches go to together and mechanics and crescent wrenches are more in line with tradition.
As I said before, this is not at all a big deal. Just teasing Steve a bit.


Rog