First Project

[Dave W]

Well, I sat down at my new DeWalt for the first time having never even used a scrollsaw before, and decided to make my lady a lil something.  Took around 5 hours from first cut to last coat of laquer.  I definately have a LONG way to go, but I did learn some valuable lessons to be sure.  Thanks to Steve for providing the pattern and videos, and a big thank you to everyone who posts so much great information for the begginer such as myself.  A few of the things that I learned were:

- SLOW DOWN!  I'm ashamed to say I popped more than 1 blade  
- Be more agressive with my circular cuts, and start into them earlier
- Release the tension BEFORE releasing/inserting a new blade (not second nature yet, lol)
- Is that maple syrup I smell...oh wait, I am burning the wood.  Move on sucka.
- Just because you have "plans" to buy a heat gun it doesn't mean that the pattern will come off easier...
- You're, uh, doing delicate work now.  Those clamps that you use on 2x4's aren't well suited for scroll-work (see my glue-up pic for a laugh).  Necessity is the mother of invention...
- Glue BEFORE the lemon oil application!
- A serious sander is my very next purchase
- E's suck

Onward!



https://picasaweb.google.com/101297315339888703268/201208021stProject1a?authkey=Gv1sRgCO2QwrSiueiVQg#5772245481857517346

[TheMelster]

Hey don't feel bad, I still do ALL of those same things.....some days you have it, some days you don't. Nice first project.

[jlatorre]

my dear friend, first place is a nice gesture to his first job is to his wife, the first job is the most special, now have more patience and more practice and see that the results will be better, here in the forum always there will be a word of encouragement, hope to see more works of yours, thanks for sharing, greetings from chile

[Tomsunnu]

Hi Dave
First ,Great start! Looks very nice second,we all have been through these small issues and have developed our own way of doing what suits us :)so go ahead !
We wish to see more projects from you.
Any help you require it is just a click away .I am sure your wife will treasure this 1st scrolled gift.
Mahendra

[dgman]

Hey Dave, you did great for you first project! Here's a little tip... use Aleen's Tacky glue, in the brown bottle to glue the plaque to the base. Use a thin layer then press it down to the base. With this glue, you don't have to clamp it as long as the bottom of the plaque is flat. let it dry for 15 minutes, and you're ready for finish! I have never had a failure using Aleen's! You can find it at most craft stores.

[GrayBeard]

Well that is one fine first attempt!

And one sure way that you will NEVER throw away your furst cutting like so many of us have done.

And I heartily agree with Dan on the glue. I have found it in virtually every craft store I have ever visited and many other kinds of stores.

~~~GB~~~

[SheGold]

Great job on your first. No complaints from me... Sheila

[Keefie]

For a first job that is excellent work and as GB says, by making your first project for your lady, you will keep it forever.  The Tacky glue works well as everyone has said, but if you use a glue you already have that needs clamping, then any clamps you have are the ones to use. As long as they work and clamp the project together thats all that matters. It doesn't matter if they are 10 times bigger than needed as long as they work.
congrat's again on a great first project.

Keith

[newfie]

not a bad first project thanks for showing us

[Russ C]

Looks great for your first project, nick work. Thanks for sharing. 

[Al W]

Nice job.  Thanks for sharing with us.

[Judy Hunter]

Great Job!  Lucky Lady6

[Jim P]

You did very good for your first try.  Thanks for sharing

[daliclimbs]

Great first project! You should be more comfortable with the saw and process now, it should be easy sailing now my friend..

[smitty0312]

Nice job. You should be proud.