Messages

1

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Padauk - does this work well for scroll sawing?

« on: May 09, 2018, 01:09:24 pm »

I have used it. It is very hard and pretty. You need to put packaging tape on both sides to help reduce burning of the blade. Yes - reverse-tooth blades would be desirable. Also - please wear a mask. While it smells almost sweet (somewhat like coconut!) it is very toxic, as are most hardwoods. Please respect that and wear a mask while cutting.

Sheila

2

The Coffee Shop / Re: I am Home after 2 months in hospital!!

« on: March 09, 2018, 11:08:57 am »

I am glad you are home, Judy. I hope you continue to recover. I am also sorry about your dog passing. It is so hard to lose our fur children. They are such a comfort to us. May you continue to improve and get well and closer to your saw. (((HUGS)))  Sheila

3

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Beginner/Blades

« on: February 18, 2018, 10:07:18 am »

We have an article for this subject (and many other helpful articles) on our website here: http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com/articles/scroll-saw-blade-selection

I hope this helps you.

Sheila

4

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Scrolling on Cherry Wood

« on: February 16, 2018, 09:20:44 pm »

Hi.

If you cover the piece with postal packaging tape (the clear type - that is about 2" wide) then it helps considerably when scrolling any type of hardwood (including cherry) from burning. The adhesive on the tape helps lubricate the blade and keep it cooler. It really works wonders. I tape both sides if the wood is considerably dense. But try applying a layer of it over your pattern to one side and see if that helps. I am sure it will. Good luck, Sheila

5

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Dull Blade Question

« on: December 28, 2017, 12:53:53 pm »

There is no way I would use a dull blade. (I am editing this post to say that like the answer above - I DO use them to 'rough cut' wood into smaller pieces to handle the wood better. Many times they give out and break when doing that, but at least I don't have to use a new blade for this rough cutting. ) They are so cheap and they aren't made to last forever. It makes things difficult to cut and burns the wood and doesn't cut right. That isn't the place to pinch pennies on sawing. When you have to push harder, you are more likey to make more errors. It just isn't worth it. At less than $1 per blade (typically) let it rest in peace.

Sheila

6

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Thumb screw fix?

« on: December 03, 2017, 01:55:57 pm »

That is good. Yes. From the first post I misunderstood. I hope it gets you through your holiday scrolling.

Sheila

7

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Which Glue

« on: December 03, 2017, 01:07:47 pm »

Hi, Mark:

That sounds awesome, but I am not sure on the glue. I would think most would fill the pores of the wood, and therefore look different when finished from the rest of the piece. But many make cutting boards that have alternated species of wood, so it must be possible. Maybe someone here who makes cutting boards can recommend something. I will love to see the photos of your finished project.

Sheila

8

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Thumb screw fix?

« on: December 03, 2017, 12:55:27 pm »

I am not sure I understood the exact piece you were referring to. Yes - the little 'pad' just pushes in. Still - be careful about getting any oil on it or near it. It will cause your blades to slip.

Happy Christmas Scrolling!

9

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Thumb screw fix?

« on: December 03, 2017, 10:34:50 am »

Hi, Jim:

I think it would be best to replace the part. Any lubricant or oil or WD-40 that you apply will in all likelihood contaminate the face of the screw and the blade will slip when cutting. This area needs to be as clean and dry as possible and even the motion of the arms of the saw moving will be enough to redistribute the oil to this area. I wouldn't want to chance it. The piece is very cheap and in my opinion, needs to be replaced.

Sheila

I also want to add that the housing that is threaded (the part you screw the 'anvil' into) is made of aluminum, not steel. The steel screw that goes through it and holds the blade will cause the aluminum to fail over time. The fact that it is hard to turn may indicate that the aluminum threads may indeed already be crumbling and are getting ready to fail. This piece can be replaced fairly inexpensively, as I mentioned above. It probably just had its time.

10

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: font help please

« on: November 26, 2017, 06:28:19 am »

It is very unusual to find a nice font for scrolling that you just 'type and scroll'.  Lots of people think that is what Keith and I do with our word art projects. In reality, it takes many (MANY!) hours to redraw every letter and flourish so that not only will it withstand cutting, but also be flowing and pleasing to the eye. If there were an easy way to do it with beautiful results, we would be out of business. Some of his large sectional plaques take over a week of solid work drawing the various letters.

There are some that take less work (like stencil letters) but they aren't nearly as attractive in my opinion. I suppose it depends on what you need it for.

Sheila

11

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Terminology

« on: November 12, 2017, 12:35:55 pm »

I am glad it helped! And I never intended to make you feel foolish! I was just funning with you.   There are so many new terms and techniques to learn when venturing into a new hobby. I know I can speak for us all here when I say "WELCOME!"  

Sheila

12

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Terminology

« on: November 11, 2017, 05:36:26 pm »

Hi, Gary -

What I think you are referring to is a "Zero Clearance" set up. It is where you add something to your table to keep the hole that the blade goes through as small as possible so you have as much support as possible for your piece you are cutting. This is important for intricate cutting.

I have an article about it on my website here: http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com/articles/scroll-saw-zero-clearance

I hope this helps you.

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Sheila

13

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: help with tape???

« on: October 29, 2017, 07:03:45 am »

How about putting them in the oven to warm the tape to remove it?  Not a hot oven, but maybe start at about 200 degrees and see how that goes?

Sheila

14

Intarsia / Re: Maiden Intarsia

« on: October 24, 2016, 03:01:07 pm »

Beautiful, beautiful work!

Sheila

15

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: I won

« on: September 14, 2016, 10:27:30 am »

Always great news to hear! Congratulations!   I am so happy for you!

Sheila