Messages

16

General Scroll Saw Talk / Soft wood scrolling

« on: May 06, 2016, 10:17:36 am »

Hi All, I need your help.  I am trying to cut a dragon pattern from thermally modified poplar.  I have cut multiple compound cutting projects with this wood and it is awesome for that and the color is unbelievably gorgeous.  When I planed the wood down to 1/8" to cut the dragon I found it's very, very soft.  I really want to use this wood, can anyone give me hints on cutting soft woods or know of a way I can harden it?

17

Pattern Requests. / Re: Twisted Clock Pattern

« on: January 13, 2016, 05:07:02 pm »

Someone did a pattern for me, but apparently he shouldn't have as it was deleted or removed.  I have taken the picture and enlarged it, but haven't tried cutting it yet.  It's on my list though.   

18

Pattern Requests. / Re: Twisted Clock Pattern

« on: November 20, 2015, 06:11:48 pm »

I believe you are thinking about the Holiday 2015 Scroll Saw Magazine...it was "dancing" clocks, very similar but not exactly it.  I like those, but the Twisted Clock is what really nabbed my enthusiasm.   

19

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: November 18, 2015, 11:11:23 pm »

Thanks Dunk, I checked with them and while they have the smaller/mini drill bits they don't have any long enough.  I am looking for drill bits that are 3" or longer.   

20

Pattern Requests. / Twisted Clock Pattern

« on: November 18, 2015, 11:46:08 am »

I saw this clock on a website and would love to make it, but haven't been able to find the pattern.  Does anyone know where I can find it?

Thanks,
Cathy

21

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: November 18, 2015, 07:42:21 am »

Starting to work on compound cutting again and have run into a little problem.  I do not have drill bits that are small enough or long enough to properly drill through my 2 X 2.  Can anyone tell me where you purchase your drill bits for this task?

Thanks,
Cathy

22

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Excalibur or DeWalt DX788

« on: November 08, 2015, 08:16:31 am »

Just wanted to thank everyone for your input and recommendations on a new scroll saw.  After researching some more and talking to everyone I knew that scrolled, I purchased the Excalibur EX-21K.  I LOVE THIS SAW!!  I haven't had the opportunity to check out all the features but so far it has performed beyond my expectations. 

23

Introduce Yourself. / Re: Hello from Virginia

« on: October 12, 2015, 11:49:55 am »

Hi Preston..Welcome to the forum.   I love your box...is that finish lacquer or mirror coat?  I am working on a similar box and was thinking of using mirror coat (system 3) to fill in around the scrolled work. 

Cathy from NC

24

General Scroll Saw Talk / Excalibur or DeWalt DX788

« on: October 11, 2015, 07:43:13 am »

I have the Porter Cable scroll saw that I purchased at Lowe's quite a few years ago.  Little things are beginning to go wrong with it and we have just about run out of "bubble gum and rubber bands" to keep it running.  So...I am looking for a new saw, I think I have my search narrowed down to either the 16 in Excalibur or the DeWalt DX788.  I certainly would appreciate some opinions on which saw to purchase.  Thanks, Cathy

25

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: August 07, 2015, 04:11:01 pm »

Hi Tony, thanks for the welcome.  Compound cutting is still giving me a rough time.  Had a lot more cleaner and straighter cuts but still having issues with the "top of the blade getting ahead of the bottom of the blade"....pretty sure that's user error!!    I haven't conceded, but I have laid that project aside as it was just something I wanted to do. I have a project that I am doing for a friend and needed to get that started.  IF it turns out, I will post a pic...  Thanks for all the support!!

26

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: August 02, 2015, 08:02:05 am »

Yesterday I saw a little success!!  While I am nowhere ready to say I have mastered compound cutting, I feel very encouraged.  Running the saw at 1200 spm made a huge difference as the blade seemed run a little truer, with less drag, but was still having problems with the cut outs that were closely spaced.  (Two nice cuts on top that turned into one big cut on the back).  I dragged out the carpenter's square and the level AGAIN and everything looked good but then noticed a little play in the table.  My husband set down at the saw, added some extra muscle to tightening the table lock and I ran a couple of test cuts.  The absolutely BEST and CLEANEST cuts I have had.  I can't wait to get back to the shop today and see how things go!!

27

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: July 28, 2015, 08:29:00 pm »

Thanks Jay, I will give the circle and square cuts a try.  I have also decided to go with a softer wood, see if that will help me.  I understand from the replies I have received and posts I have read that the kind of wood shouldn't matter, but hoping maybe it does for a newbie!!  I had a piece of Bloodwood that was the perfect 2x2x6 size, I know that is a really hard wood, but knew if I could cut it, it would be beautiful.  Next I tried a piece of Andiroba a lot softer, but still pretty hard...that was the last piece I butchered.   :-)  Going to use Poplar this time. 

28

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: July 27, 2015, 09:07:25 pm »

Thanks all, I really appreciate the advice and the support.  Took another stab at it today and for awhile things went really well.  Then the inevitable closely spaced cut outs; the back turned into one large cut out instead of the two smaller ones that were so pretty on the front side.  I AM going to get this, so I will just keep practicing until one of those practices turns into success!!  Have only used Olson blades, so think I might order some Flying Dutchman blades and give them a try.
Cathy 

29

Introduce Yourself. / Re: New scroller with a BIG question

« on: July 27, 2015, 08:52:05 am »

Thanks Julie, but I am confused.  When cutting the 3D or compound candleholder, I want the bottom cut to be a mirror of the top cut so that when all the excess is cut away I have identical sides.  I have a piece of wood that is 2 x 2 x 6.  I have the pattern attached to two sides and holes drilled for insertion of the blade.  Each cut forms the front and back of the design.  A perfectly cut top cut is giving me a bottom cut that is smaller and "deformed".

30

Introduce Yourself. / New scroller with a BIG question

« on: July 27, 2015, 07:55:20 am »

Hi all...scroll saw newbie here!!  I have completed a few projects and had fantastic luck and results, so I want to expand some on the things I am making.
I am completely taken with the 3D/compound ornaments and candle holders. I have made two attempts and failed miserably.  My bottom cuts are way off..I am going as slow as I can and trying to let the bottom of the blade catch up with the top, but obviously there is some user error going on here.   
Anyone out there willing to give me some pointers/advice on cutting these things?  What wood is best? And above all else how do I decide what blade to use?  HELP