Clocks

[bigred7469]

Here are a few of my first projects.  Long Straight lines and curves are my weakness so any advice would be great.  Thought about maybe sanding my scrollsaw table to make it more slick.  Anybody ever done this?  Thanks

Red

[DWSudekum]

Red cutting straight lines is a skill set you pick up and are constantly refining.  I find though that if I am right on top of the work it is much harder to keep my lines straight than if I was sitting a bit further away from the work almost at arms length you need to be comfortable and relaxed.  Also if you happen to veer off the line one way or the other do not suddenly force it back on line but try to blend it by easing back to the line rather than a quick adjustment.  The blend will not be as noticeable as the quick adjustment.  Those are nice looking clocks.  Thanks for sharing them with us.


DW

[dgman]

Hey Red, Your clocks look great! As far as your table, yes you can sand it down. I use 220 grit sandpaper with some WD40 as a lubricant. Clean off the WD40 with some mineral spirits, then wax the table with wax such as Johnson's past wax.  the wax will make the table slick and protect it from rust. Do not use automotive wax that contains silicone as it interferes with finishes.

[Russ C]

Great job, nick work on the clocks. Thanks for sharing. 

[Danny]

Happy to meet ya's Red....  Welcome aboard....  Back a few years ago when I got started with Scrolling I had the same problem of staying on the line with a long curve or straight line.  Even had thoughts of just quitting as my projects just didn't look good....Then I joined this Forum and learned from good, experienced people tricks etc.  I can confidently say now I am a pro at cutting curves and straight lines.  Practice makes perfect.  I mainly feed the wood into the blade at a slower, but steady rate.  Keep your eyes on the line at all times and relax and not let anything distract you while your cutting.  Hope all this jabber helps....  Danny  :+}

[GrayBeard]

Just like when you are driving ...
don't keep your eyes focused on the point where the blade meets the wood!
Look ahead of the blade at the line so you see where you are GOING and not at where you are.

AND practice, practice, practice......and then practice some more!

The clocks look good and the more you cut the better you will get at the looooong cuts!

~~~GB~~~

[aubec]

Hi Red
Thanks for sharing your work.  The clocks are great for some of your first work.  Just keep cutting and it does get easier.
aubec

[Oges]

Nice work on those

.. Thought about maybe sanding my scrollsaw table to make it more slick.  Anybody ever done this? ..

I get a product from my woodwork specialist called 'Silverglide', it comes in a tin and you just rub it onto the surface, it's meant to protect cast iron tops from rust but it also provides lubrication for running timber over the surface and it doesnt leave any residue on the timber.

[Mainewoods]

Nice work Red!

I think everyone agrees the two hardest cuts to make on a scroll saw are straight lines and long sweeping curves!  Like GrayBeard said -- practice practice practice!  And keep practicing as it is a perishable skill!

[newfie]

nice looking clocks thanks for posting

[wombatie]

What more can I say that has not been said, its just practise and I have found I have a bad habit of tilting my head to one side, not good for a straight line,so keep your head straight.  Your clocks are great.

Marg

[SheGold]

Red, I guess the best tip I can give for straight lines is to have quiet hands.. Don't force your work just guide it.. Keep your eyes a little ahead of the blade and use those quiet hands... Same for circles... Hope this helps ... Sheila

[frankorona]

Indeed, for many of us the great lines and curves are a problem, but with practice and patience can be overcome.
Your works are wonderful, so go ahead.
Thank you for sharing your talent

[jimbo]

Nice clocks I like the deer one
Jimbo

[bigred7469]

Thanks everybody!!!!

Red