First Portrait

[Toneman]

Cut my first portrait yesterday! Wow! Will not attempt that for a while!LOL I cut the Sitting Bull and wolf that Steve has on the free pattern page. Guess I should have chosen something simpler.LOL Anyway, I should have taken my time and cut it a little at a time, but, once I started, I could not stop.(6 hrs, with a lunch break) I used 1/4" baltic and #2 Olson blade, but, would appreciate advice on what wood and blade would work best. All went well except for spinning a long piece of wood toward my large stomach.LOL (could not see through magnifyer and had to stand up). I am sure there are procedures that make it easier.so, I am listening. I know my pattern color will not be black next time. I could hardly see the entry holes! When my wife gets back in town next week (she has to finish and frame it), I will post picture.

Tony,aka,Toneman

[Keefie]

I try to convert all my patterns to a light grey fill with a fine black line for the edge to be cut, I find it so much easier to follow the cutting line that way. I'm looking forward to seeing your portrait when it's framed.

[dgman]

Way to go Tony, looking forward to seeing the compleated project! Have you tried spiral blades yet? I'm not a big fan, but sometime that's all that will work especially if the workpiece is bigger that you throat depth.
1/4" BB is fine for portraits. I like to use 1/8" BB. I usually stack three or four layers thick. That way you have extra pieces if you have an accident. Plus if they all come out, you have three to sell or give away! In my case, sell.
If you don't want to use spirals, an Olsen #2 skip tooth is fine. For portraits, I will use several blades. Olsen 2/0R and 2R and Flying Dutchman # 1 UR and maybe a # 3 UR and FD NS #2/0.

[MOONIE]

That's a fun pattern to cut.  I used Olsen 2/0R blade for the one I did.  I'm really partial to te 2/0, I guess because I use it alot and have gotten accustomed to it.   When I'm cutting and start thinking 'this is starting to be work'  I take a break.  But that's me.  I try to avoid work when I'm not at work. 

[mrsn]

dgman mentioned stack cutting and that can really help sometimes. It sounds odd but having a slightly thicker stack can make the piece easier to control. I usually cut a stack of 3 1/8" pieces or 2 1/4" pieces. I really notice a difference in how the pieces handle. Last weekend I was going between two different patterns that I was working on, one I was cutting a stack of 2 1/8" pieces and the other was a stack of 3 1/8" pieces. I was really amazed at how much of a difference I noticed in how the pieces cut.
Your blade selection is pretty good, everyone develops a favorite type and size of blade.

[zeiglerswoodshed]

I have gotten partial to the size 9's.  I have been using the Olsen Precision Ground but made my first order of the Flying Dutchmans UR blades this morning which according to Mike @ mikeswoodshop  are similar.  I cut an inch thick all the time....  so 4 1/4 inch pieces, and unless my hole needs to be under 1/16th inch works GREAT!!!   its is stronger allowing less play in my blade.  it cuts great but not too fast allowing great control.  I have smaller blades but dont use them much.  the bigger blades can make messes if not controlled right though

[SheGold]

For what it's worth, Tony, I use a 2/0 blade on my portaits. I know many here use the spiral blades but I have trouble with them. Having learned on flat blades I find it easier for me to use the 2/0. You can get a great detailed edge or nice points with one. I am giving this advise only to those using flat blades. I'm one that takes my time when cutting portraits. Cut a little while then stand walk around and enjoy the process. Due to the fact that my tummy gets in the way on occasion I catch myself sucking in and curling around the work. (Laughing at self) I'm sure folks would die laughing seeing my antics. Now for wood I use 1/8 to 1/4 inch wood for portraits. Thats my choice. Here's hoping I've helped you some.  Sheila

[Toneman]

Thank ya'll so much for your advice and opinions. That is what makes this forum family so great! Sheila, I started laughing at your comment about sucking in your stomach because that is just exactly what I had to do and still try to view my cutting through the magnifyer and make a turn with my neck stretched to the limit.LOL Wonder if raising the stand in the back would help?

Tony,aka,Toneman

[Danny]

Hey Tony....In  reference to your last question.  I would say raising the back of the scroll saw for sure helped me with feeling more relaxed and able to follow the line much better.  I raised mine 3.5".  Don't use the mag. but think this would help you.  Danny  :+}

[Toneman]

Thanks Danny, I am going to raise the back of my stand this evening and see how I like it; seems logical to do this.

Tony,aka,Toneman