Hello from a newbie with a question or two

[Fast Ed]

Hi everyone, I've been wanting to get into scrolling but was waiting for a "deal" on a used Dewalt 788. I wanted one based on a lot of research from experienced scrollers and because it was in my price range and probable usage. I can't believe my luck but was able to get an almost new 788 with stand and utility light/magnifier for a whopping $275 on craigslist. The gentleman unfortunately had a major stroke and no longer could use the machine, he even gave me a bag full of Olsen blades of assorted sizes....

I am preparing to start my first fretwork project so I thought I would use the magnifier to better see my lines but I can't seem to get just "one" blade under the magnifier??? I always am seeing a double vision of the blade. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Also would anyone have a recommendation on brand names for spray on or other adhesive for placing designs over blue painters tape? Thanks again

[pddesertrat]

Fast Ed, Welcome to the forum!  Glad you are here.  I can't answer on the magnifying glass other than maybe there is an imperfection in the grinding of the glass.  I have one I bought from Harbor Freight for around $40 and have not had that problem.  I use mine all the time.

For adhesive I use 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive.  I do not use the painters tape anymore, I adhere directly to the wood and cover with packing tape.  Just a matter of preference. 

[pierre62]

Welcome to the forumFast head

[jerry1939]

Years ago, I had surgery on 1 eye.  Ended up with double vision, which is corrected by prisms in my regular eyeglasses.  However, double vision doesn't allow me to use the magnifier that you have.  I use this & like it much better.  It is never in the way for changing the blade or threading the blade into the wood.

http://www.seattlefindings.com/Bausch-Lomb-Magna-Visor-wLenses_p_295.html?origin=pla&unique_id=295&gdftrk=gdfV24081_a_7c2124_a_7c8825_a_7c29_d_523&gclid=CO7n0u60vMICFcxcMgodJRoAzQ

jerry

[Fast Ed]

Thanks folks, I have a similar set of magnifiers to those B & L from my jewelry making days. What got me interested in scroll work was that my specialty in jewelry making was a process we called "piercing" which is basically fret work but with a hand held jewelers saw. And I'll be getting some 3M adhesive, thanks for the info....

[mlwmerk]

I like to use the blue painters tape applied directly to the wood and then apply the pattern with spray adhesive to the tape.  I found that if I omit the painters tape there is a lot of adhesive residue left that I have to clean up with mineral spirits, AKA paint thinner when I am finished cutting.  Besides the blue tape peels right off the wood cleanly.  Not a big deal but it takes a while for the paint thinner to evaporate before I can find sand the wood if I just use the spray adhesive. 

I do not bother with the clear packing tape over the pattern.  I didn't notice any difference when I experimented with it.  Maybe the blue tape provides the blade lubrication that others talk about, but I never noticed it.  I do find that sawdust seems to work its way under the packing tape and the edges lift up.  That can be a PITA.

OBTW, Welcome to the forum.

Walt in CT

[PigsFly]

I use blue painters tape and 3M 45 - it is cheaper than 77 and is strong enough for my purposes.

[jimr1cos]

I also use the painters tape for the reasons stated above. For  spray adhesive I recently switched to Elmer's which dries quickly and leaves less sticky residue than the brands I had been using. Welcome to the Forum and enjoy your Dewalt. I've got its twin from Delta sitting under the tree and am anxious to get it unpacked.
Jim

[bettyswood]

I have been using Elmer's glue sticks on the back of the pattern and love it.  Easy to get off - no mess.

[tbolt]

I tried krylon spray adhesive comes off with no residue very easily downside the blade also removes it in tight turns therefore ruining the pattern so went back to super 77

[Toneman]

I use the 3M77 adhesive and blue painters tape. I know they are a little expensive, but, have tried others and came back to these. I realize some folks use other brands and that is great. Just use what works best for you. I also have magnifiers, but I rarely use them because it seems I tense up and my eyes get tired. (if that makes since! LOL)So, I have just learned to really go slow in tight places. If I am cutting a portrait and fret work that has a critical small cut, I will use the glass only for those cuts.

Tony,aka,Toneman

[Danny]

WELCOME to the BEST Scroll Saw Forum EVER.  Everyone will ALWAYS be HAPPY to offer advice.  Me TOO....  Danny  :+}

[puzzleguy]

Welcome !
I get the  8 1/2 by 11 sticker sheets ( buy them by the 250 count from Online Labels.com )
part number OL175WX -plain with a back slit ----
and either attach them to blue tape on your project- or the clean wood . Yes the dust does pick them up a bit on plain wood
but for the most part i can get threw what im cutting before their is a problem .
Clear tape doe'snt work well ( for me anyways )- and spraying adhesive seems toxic to me - so i avoid it
as much as possible. ( i do alot of cutting )

Tony