Plaque

[wntrrwd]

This is my first plaque. I thought I would ask a couple questions to help me learn. The first mistake I think I made was I did not enlarge the pattern so the plaque is 5 ? by 6 ? inches. Probably would have been easier to cut if it was a little larger.
Here are the questions I have.
1.   It seemed that no matter how tight the tension was it seemed I had a lot of vibration with the blade. 
2.   I have been using cheap blades from Lowes (only ones I have had the chance to get) how much of a difference will better blades make?
Thanks for any information.

[Keefie]

FD-UR blades will make a lot of difference, I found they are sharper and cut straighter and also last longer than any other blade I have used, you can look at them here   http://www.mikesworkshop.com/blades.htm
Mike is very helpful if you need to call or email him to discuss the blades.

[dgman]

Hey Mark, First of all, Very nice plaque! Nice cutting too. Did you create the pattern?
Now, when you say vibration, do you mean the the saw was vibrating, or the work piece or the blade? Second, Yes, better blades will make a world of difference. Most importantly, the right type of blade for the wood, thickness of wood and complexity of the pattern.
What kind of wood and thickness did you use?
I use two brands of blades, Flying Dutchman: www.mikesworkshop.com, and Olsen blades: www.sloanswoodshop.com.
Answer the questions above and we can recommend the brand and size you need.

[wntrrwd]

Thanks. The nice thing about a small picture is you can't all see the mistakes...lol

I used Steve's World Best Mother design.

The blade seemed to vibrating back and forth. I changed the blade once and it seemed to help for a little bit but then it started again.

I was using 1/4 inch birch plywood (I think). Sorry I should know but like I said was using stuff I had around the garage and I don't know my woods yet. Will have to learn.

I did stack it so I was cutting 1/2 inch. 

I was cutting on the 40-690. I am stilling learning the saw so that might have something to do with it.

[dgman]

Ok, For that project I would use a FD UR #3 or #5, Or an Olsen #2R or #5R.

[newfie]

nice work and good blades like FD blades do make a world of difference.

[Russ C]

Nice work, I like it. Thanks for posting. 

[campasano]

I think it came out great, you should be real proud.

Mike

[SheGold]

Great job... Sheila

[Al W]

Nice work, Mom will really like it.

Yes, quality blades do help - greatly.  BORG blades, unless you find the Olson, are not the best available, and considering we can buy high quality for less money than the home stores want, we owe it to ourselves to buy better blades.  Might have to buy a gross, but then I will use them.

[BigPete]

Great job for first plaque, better blades and more practice...Pete

[Rover2]

Nice job.  I think my first plaque went in the fireplace.    This one I would hang on the wall for all to see.  Mom will be happy.  You will discover from experience that better blades do help.

[wombatie]

You did a terrific job on your first plaque.  Everything is practice even with different blades.

Marg

[frankorona]

Excellent work, looks great.

[Dawie]

Great work!
David