Comparison of cut with and without tape

[tux_linux]

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.



You can clearly see the difference. So my tip is: Don't forget the tape!

[dgman]

Hey Torsten, I agree using tape does help a lot. I prefer clear packing tape on top of the pattern.

[GrayBeard]

Definitely with Dan on this...

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

~~~GB~~~

[Russ C]

Yeah clear packing tape works great on wood to. Helps to lubricate the blade.  

[Keefie]

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

[TripleB]

Good job on the comparisons Torsten, What size blade did you use?

[Marcellarius]

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"

[Fab4]

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

[ChuckD]

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.

[tux_linux]

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.

[Gabby]

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

[tvman44]

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.

[daliclimbs]

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..

[zgrimsley]

I always use painters tape on mine. I think i might try to add the packing tape.