Messages

1

Tutorials, Techniques and Tips / Re: Hand cramp

« on: January 12, 2017, 05:13:42 pm »

If my blade starts grabbing the wood I up the speed of the scrollsaw - or slow the speed of the feed - or go to a finer blade - maybe all 3 - you've got a lotta oak to cut through so I'm going to suggest a little experimentation.


Jay

2

The Coffee Shop / Re: Scrolls Saw Village

« on: November 27, 2016, 03:00:41 pm »

Don't feel alone - there must have been something a little amiss yesterday - at least for a while - when I logged in I got a warning from McAfee that the site held a risk and I should think twice about going further (which I ignored) - but I did run a site report - it was rated as "Medium Risk" at the time - no idea why - today - whatever the issue was seems to have disappeared - after running a site report again just now it is rated as "Minimal Risk".

Jay

3

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Soft wood scrolling

« on: May 06, 2016, 05:25:01 pm »

You don't say what the actual issue is but I'm wondering if sandwiching it between pieces of a harder wood or plywood for cutting might help.


Jay

4

Ask Steve a question. / Re: cuttiong speed

« on: April 04, 2016, 09:39:41 am »

This is something you will work out for yourself - if there is a rule of thumb (and I don't think there is) - then start at the slowest speed with a smaller blade and work up to your comfort level.  If you start fast, with an aggressive blade that gets away from you - then you may have ruined the piece.


Jay

5

Tutorials, Techniques and Tips / Re: Blade pots

« on: November 09, 2015, 09:43:15 am »

I purchased a couple sets of 6" plastic test tubes with stoppers from Amazon (very inexpensive) and use stick-on mailing labels to identify each kind of blade.

Jay

6

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: August 02, 2015, 09:29:27 am »

It is pretty much a guarantee that once you have conquered your issue and feel confident and comfortable in making clean, square and accurate cuts (sounds like you are very close to all), then you will be taking your own turn at providing the benefit of your skill and experience to someone else getting into compound cuts and needing a hand.


Jay

7

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: July 28, 2015, 11:31:46 am »

Yes - don't worry - you WILL get there ......

One other thing to check - make sure your table is exactly square to your blade - if it is off even a little bit this may be magnified in a thicker cut.

Assuming all is square then another little experiment might be to cut a couple 1" and 2" perfect circles and also a couple 1" and 2" perfect squares using wood that is the same thickness as your compound project.  Cut one of each moving the blade through the wood in a clockwise fashion and then the other moving through the wood in a counter-clockwise fashion.  See what happens.  Obviously they should be the same on the bottom as on the top.  Your results may help you to figure out what is going on - for example if your squares are fine and your circles are not - then that might be one suggestion that the blade is being pushed sideways in a curve - very easy to do - even when you are consciously trying not to.


Jay

8

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: July 27, 2015, 11:15:46 am »

Try some experimenting with a couple different blades on some simple compound shapes - have good tension - use your variable speed settings on the saw to see what works best for you - cardinal rule is to make sure to let the blade do the cutting - and don't forget to watch out for the tendency to push sideways on the blade (it is real easy to do when cutting thicker material).  Before cutting the second side also make sure your pieces are well secured.

You'll get it in the end - I always find it kind of a magical moment when you finish cutting your compound project - take the pieces apart - and presto - instant 3D figure ....

Jay

9

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Using spiral blades

« on: July 25, 2015, 07:13:13 pm »

I'm no expert here but have come to enjoy using spiral blades - having said that - the learning curve did have it's frustrations.

Try a couple of different spirals - I know a lot of folks like the 2/0 but for me the FD #1 Spiral with Flat Ends has pretty much become my go-to blade for almost all fine fretwork - I do use a 2/0 from time to time but rarely - the 2/0 doesn't seem quite as obedient .....

At least in my own experience the #1 likes a modest speed and slow feed. When I use a 2/0 it seems to like higher tension, faster speed and even slower feed. Spirals don't like a firm hand on the work - get used to using a softer hand that gently guides rather than steers - don't even think about pushing. Clean-up of the cut (if needed) works best on high speed with a gentle touch.  You aren't going to get the polished cut of a flat blade but you should be able to look forward to a smooth edge - not jagged.

The only other thing that can think of that might help would be your blade set-up - if you have a lot of front to back movement in your blade then you might try minimizing it as much as your machine will allow.

Good luck on a great pattern!


Jay

10

Brag Forum / Re: Train for my Brother

« on: July 01, 2015, 09:48:55 am »

Very, very nice - super piece of work.

Jay

11

Brag Forum / Re: Last Supper

« on: June 13, 2015, 04:50:44 pm »

Congratulations on a great piece.

Jay

12

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Spiral Blades Avice?

« on: March 29, 2015, 10:00:57 am »

Try a little experimentation with different spirals - my go-to spiral has become a #1 FD Spiral with flat ends for pretty much any thickness or type of wood that I use in the saw.  From time to time I will use a 2/0 or 3/0 which I know others use and love - but can't say that I've had the same warm feelings about them - always end up going back to my #1's. 

In addition to firm tension already mentioned make sure you are not pushing into the blade - just smooth, gentle guidance.  As far as saw speed goes mine will vary - but generally a moderate speed to start - increasing only if it feels comfortable - once the cut is finished I will clean it up at high speed - essentially sanding any uneven portions of the cut.

They take a bit of getting used to - but once you start feeling comfortable with sprial blades they become really enjoyable to use.

Jay

13

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: just received my first spiral blades- question

« on: December 17, 2014, 02:46:52 pm »

It's been my experience that I can't cut wood any thicker than 1/4" with the 3/0 spiral. I've tried it on 1/2" with no luck at all. I mainly use the 3/0 on 1/8" when I do portraits. Just my opinion.

I'm with tdub4ever on this - I've found a 3/0 to be a great blade for fine work - but it is fragile - my go to spiral blade is a #1 with flat ends - and if there is a need for finer work on some portions then a 2/0 or 3/0 in smaller bites - careful with the tension, fast speed and slow feed.  Also like tdub4ever - I don't think I've done anything thicker than 1/4 inch material with one - maybe 3/8 tops.

Jay

14

Brag Forum / Re: Wolf

« on: November 20, 2014, 09:42:56 am »

Wow - what a great job - pretty tough to beat .....


Jay

15

The Coffee Shop / Re: Free online Hearing Test

« on: November 05, 2014, 05:29:52 pm »

I didn't take the on-line test but can tell you - without a word of any doubt - that the best indication that your hearing is "going" is your wife and kids ....... and they are the only ones to listen to ......

..... been wearing my new aids for a couple of months now ..... she's happy .... I'm happy .....


Jay