Charles Dearing

[SheGold]

Charles I must say you are so talented.. Your indian maiden is beautiful.. I can only hope to get even half as good as you.. Thank you for sharing your work and talent... Sheila in Texas

[Waddawood]

Thank you Sheila.  You and anyone else is just as capable.  The pattern making takes a little practice but once you know how to use a scrollsaw/spiral blades, then the rest is ONLY patience.  I appreciate the kind words and I know you could do the same thing

[Gabby]

Hey Charlie how about some pointers for using the spiral blades. I have a hard time using them. They seem to break so easy, especially the Olson's I've tried. Chances are I'm not the only one having trouble with them.
Thanks,
Gabby

[Waddawood]

I use #3 and #5 flat end Flying Dutchman blades.  Any thinner and I break alot of blades.  The Hegner 18 inch I use doesn't seem to like thin blades...at all. 
Anyway, let me think....advice on spirals.  Hmmmm. Take in mind I generally do large cuttings but:
1- Let the blade do the cutting, just be mindful that you can move the piece as much or as little as needed.  Learning to use them doesn't happen overnight, but you can learn to use them.
2- When nearing the end of a cut, let the blade UNflex to end the cut.  Don't continue the feed to the end of the cut.
3- When doing a corner, do the same unflex just before the end...coming from either direction.  Sometimes I will stop just short of the corner and do a quick push to dig it to the tip of the point but immediately pull right back to avoid a round corner.
So much of what I do has come natural with time so I have to do some more thinking to see if there is any more advice.

[ShadowB6]

Charles, that sounds like real good advice. I have spiral blades in my inventory but have not used them yet. I think I'll print out your tips and post them right beside my saw. I've looked at your work and it knocks my socks off as to the detail in your pieces. Your work is an inspiration for me to try spirals. Thank you.

Mike

[Waddawood]

You're welcome Mike.  Ya made me blush

[Gabby]

Charlie I think this is partly the reason for the forum. Those of us who are learning need the help of those with the experience.
Thank you for your time and response.
No need to blush. 
Gabby

[TripleB]

Charles, I must agree with Sheila, you have an extraordinary artist ability when it comes to your pattern design. But I must also disagree with you, not everybody has natural artistic ability, so not every one can do what you do as easily as you say. I'm a perfect example, I can recreate others work, but it is extremely difficult for me to create my own. Your talent is your own, and it shows, and it's something to be proud of.

About spiral blades. Like many I was hesitant to use them due to all of the negativity surrounding them, but when I did my first portrait pattern I used spirals, I instantly came to like them. Granted they are not for everything, but if you're going to do a portrait, you've got to at least try it with a spiral blade. If you make a mistake with the spiral on a portrait, nobody will know except you and they are so much quicker than a straight blade. All I can say is,get over the fear and just try them.

Bob

[Waddawood]

Thanks Bob.  Also another little benefit of spirals is if you get a small wave in your cut line, the spiral can act like a mini-sander and just lightly go back to the "bump" and virtually sand it away with the spiral.

[scratcho]

A couple of things I would like to add about spirals. Fast saw speed with slow feed, I use a DW788 and always have it on the fastest speed. Slow feed for curves and a fast feed for straight lines. Seems to me the faster I feed, the straighter the line. Focus on the pattern line about 1/2 inch ahead of the blade. Dennis

[ChuckD]

One more little piece of advice.  There is no rule saying you have to use all spirals or all flats on any project.  Change the blade as needed.  The cut-out "Wolf drinking"  I recently post was a combination of blades.  Spirals are just another tool in the tool box.