starting to get frustrated

[newfie]

think i bitten of more then i can chew.i started a rather large project which i plan on donating to our local cancer relay.its a charlie dearing pattern of the last supper it 4 feet long and 18 inches wide.i'm cutting it from 1/4" meranti board.i'm using spiral blades to cut it but having alot of problem cohtroling the blades i know practice,practice,practice. i used them before but not an such a large piece its just sterting to get to me i guess the trouble is in controling the project more then the blade.ole will keep at it i suppose and see what happens.
enough of my babbling folks hop you all have a good one.
Todd

[Mainewoods]

Todd, I've seen where Charlie and others use something to support the work that would otherwise be hanging off the table.  In some of Charlie's pictures, I've seen what appear to be outfeed rollers like you would use with a table saw or the like.  Others have built up a table area around their saw using plywood. 

Hope this helps!

Glen

[cdrover(Clyde)]

Keep at it Todd. With this storm upon us there is nothing else to do so  I expect to see a finished piece by Sunday. 

[king310]

Hey newfie when you finish! If you show me yours I'll show you mine!
I started one with 14' of wood
1"x12"x14' red oak. I have already spent 3hrs on it and only have the wood cut to lenghts with the pattern glued on them. I'll start drilling an cutting friday.

[Russ C]

I have never used it but from my research about meranti board it is not a good choice for scrollsawing. Lots of voids, inconsistencies in how it is made/layers (several different types). That might be the reason for your problems also. Just going off of what I have read for other sources.     

[newfie]

i don't think that the meranti board is the main problem.i'm sure it's not the best board for scrolling but up here i don't have much of a selection to choose from and if i have to send for it the shipping would most likely be more then the wood itself.i think its the size of it and i'm not so good a using spirals

[GrayBeard]

I am a spiral user thru and thru and I truly hope you have another piece under that board.
Cutting a single layer of 1/4" is a BI%CH!
That coupled with the problems with the wood itself could lead to big problems...

~~~GBV~~~

[troy_curtis]

I love spiral blades and can only offer what works for me. #1 I dont turn my project unless I have to. #2 I make cuts continuous and when I want to change directions I stop then move in new direction. #3 maintain a steady speed of cutting.

LOL, now, keep in mind I am pretty new at this so my giving you advice probably isnt the best thing, but I do love spiral blades and maybe what I think might help. Good luck on your project.

[Marcellarius]

I'm not that happy with spiral blades, don't use them much, I like to "lean" to the side of the blade with my project.
but 4 feet long.!!!! wow that's a big project.
would like to see you finish it so hang in there!!!

can you give us a WIP picture along the way?

[newfie]

see what i can do for the WIP pics shouldn't be any trouble.