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General Category => Tutorials, Techniques and Tips => Topic started by: tux_linux on December 18, 2011, 09:10:51 am

Title: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: tux_linux on December 18, 2011, 09:10:51 am
Today I've cut some 3/4" alder. Alder is a semi-hard wood somehow like Pine, but with a much finer grain.

The rough cut was without tape and burned, the fine wordart cut was with painters tape on both sides.

(http://www.torsten-harms.de/holz/div/Compare_Burning.jpg) (http://www.torsten-harms.de/holz/div/Compare_Burning.jpg)

You can clearly see the difference. So my tip is: Don't forget the tape!
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: dgman on December 18, 2011, 12:09:36 pm
Hey Torsten, I agree using tape does help a lot. I prefer clear packing tape on top of the pattern.
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: GrayBeard on December 18, 2011, 01:49:08 pm
Definitely with Dan on this...

Clear, Good Quality Package Tape is the way to go!

~~~GB~~~
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: Russ C on December 18, 2011, 01:59:46 pm
Yeah clear packing tape works great on wood to. Helps to lubricate the blade.   :D
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: Keefie on December 18, 2011, 07:01:08 pm
I've never used the tape method yet, so fat I've been lucky and had no burn marks, but I think I will get hold of some and try it
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: TripleB on December 18, 2011, 10:49:37 pm
Good job on the comparisons Torsten, What size blade did you use?
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: Marcellarius on December 19, 2011, 08:11:17 am
I read it before from Steve I think, but it's great to see this test.
we should do more of this tests and call the section "saw busters" ;)
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: Fab4 on December 19, 2011, 02:54:02 pm
Hi Torsten:
100% agree with the tape method
Clear tape for me also
Great comparision
Blade size and speed will also make a difference
I just don't want people thinking that if they put tape that they are home free
Thanks
Fab4
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: ChuckD on December 23, 2011, 11:40:10 pm
A lot of the woods and plywoods I use don't burn.  However,if I even get a whiff of burn then I will add the tape.  It is easy to poke the holes.
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: tux_linux on December 24, 2011, 04:34:46 am
Good job on the comparisons Torsten, What size blade did you use?

I used a FD-SR#5. That is a high-speed blade which is great to cut thicker/harder wood than you'd normally would use. Cuts fine in 3/4" beech, where I would normally use a #7.
The wood here shown is 3/4" alder, which is softer and can also be cut with a #3.

Clear tape is good. Clear Tape on the bottom side of the wood makes it slide much easier - good for fine cuts with lots of corners!
However I have found that painters tape works better for me. It doesn't stick so hard and therefor won't harm the wood when I peel it off.
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: Gabby on December 28, 2011, 02:45:42 am
My nickels worth.
The clear packing tape has pretty strong adhesive and can be hard to get off after cutting. I make sure to put the blue painters tape on both sides first and it all comes off much easier when you are finished cutting. Your choice whether to cover everything with the packing tape or not.
Since I use the spray adhesive to attach the pattern and packing tape to cover it but don't wrap the back of the project. No problems with friction on a clean table.
Confused?
Me too! LOL
Gabby
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: tvman44 on December 29, 2011, 02:57:36 pm
What I have done on a couple of  projects is put the blue tape on the wood then spray adhesive on the pattern and  stick it to  the blue tape then put clear packing tape over the pattern because I have found if I don't protect the pattern the ink smears from handling.  Sometimes I spray some Krylon "Preserve It" on the pattern to prevent smearing, works well and does not cause a glare like the packing tape does when the light is not right.
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: daliclimbs on December 29, 2011, 03:29:33 pm
Nice little experiment Torsten. I always use clear tape over my patterns. Bit I also put down the painters tape first. It Just makes pattern removal so much easier..
Title: Re: Comparison of cut with and without tape
Post by: zgrimsley on December 29, 2011, 04:09:19 pm
I always use painters tape on mine. I think i might try to add the packing tape.