How do I???

[Graywolf]

I am making my daughter-in-law a quilt rack that hangs on the wall. The problem is I want to do something on the top. My Delta saw is only 18" and the rack is 50 1/2". Am I going to have to revert to my saber saw??? Sure would like to use my scroll saw though.   

[Merlin]

Not to be smart.............. but have you considered Spiral blades.
I don't no what a     Quilt rack looks like.

***Merlin***

[Keefie]

Yep, spiral blades should work. I personally am not a lover of them but needs must, so give them a try.

[newfie]

yep i'm with the spiral blades as well.i don't get along with them very good but i think it's the way to go for that project!

[dgman]

Hey Graywolf, Something you might consider is cutting the rail in sections small enough to cut on your scroll saw, then assemble the rail with pocket holes on the back side. I have done this with pretty good success.

[GrayBeard]

SPIRAL BLADES!!!!!!!!

~~~GB~~~

[Russ C]

If you decide to use spiral blades and haven't used them before you might want to practice some first.

[Graywolf]

Thanks, guys. I did think about spiral blades, but like someone said I don't get along with them. Good news is I have some FD spirals and have used them before. DGMan I did think about cutting the rack into pices and then dowel them back together, but rejected that. I am going to give the spirals a try. I need to learn how to use them anyway.

A quilt rack is what you hang quilts/blanket on. The come in all shapes and sizes and can set on the floor or hang on the wall. What I am building is a rack that uses a 1 X 4 with trim running on the top of it. Screws will come through the back with knobs to tighten the trim on the quilt to secure it. It is for a wall hanging.

Thanks again

Gary

[dunk]

Have you considered doing an overlay.  Cut out your project and then attach it to the rack?

[BilltheDiver]

Do you have a router or a router table?  If so, cut patterns out of mdf of a length appropriate to your saw, then attach them end to end to make a full size pattern.  Use a flush trim or pattern bit with your router to cut the actual solid wood piece.  Just be sure to make the cut in several light passes so as not to bite off too much at once.  You still get to use the scroll saw, just not on the final piece.

[Al W]

Just another thought - I have heard of using a pair of pliers (your choice of style) to twist your standard blade 90 degrees (whichever direction you prefer) and then go with the cutting.  Not sure if this will work with your scenario, but thought it might.

Al

[Graywolf]

Thanks for all the help guys. Sometimes I think it would be nice if someone would build a saw where you could turn the blade 90 deg. I had a saber saw that had a knob on top of the blade where you could do that.

[troy_curtis]

Thanks for all the help guys. Sometimes I think it would be nice if someone would build a saw where you could turn the blade 90 deg. I had a saber saw that had a knob on top of the blade where you could do that.

They do have one, but all the rich guys snub my little Harbor Freight saw. With it I can put a blade in at a 90 degrees. Never had the reason to though. Well without having a Harbor Freight cheap saw, I would suggest a spiral blade. =)

[scrollriffic]

I have 2 things that I do to cut bigger pieces. First you can twist your blade 90 degrees and that will give you more cutting room. Also you can put the blade in backwards and cut. i usually stand behind the saw when I do that. I do not use spiral blades and I have cut 36'' crosses on my 18'' Heigher saw. Bobby

[ksaws]

if this helps..... i cut this sign with a  spiral blade (and my saw is only 16'') the sign is 21'' by 14''. I first tried a regular blade and only got 5-8'' then it hit the neck, changed to spiral and BINGO , I've been sawing for 11 months and thought I would never be able to use a spiral blade, all you have to do is go slow and practice practice practice, also the right tension and speed also is a factor because the blade will walk with you more easy....just my two cents worth.