Hey Rob, I'm a scroll saw instructor at Woodcraft in Ventura, Ca. I start beginners on 3/4 pine with an Olsen #5 skip tooth blade. I use Olsen's because that is what the store carries. If you have ordered Flying Dutchman blades, then still use a #5 of what ever you ordered. Start out with 3/4" pine. Draw a few straight lines, Some curvy lines then some zig zag lines just to get started. Don't worry about cutting shapes until you can cut the practice lines. Start with that, then check back with us for more advice!