delicate patterns

[Young_Scroller]

Hi everyone, im a beginner here and have been having a lot of trouble cutting delicate parts on patterns. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to cut delicate parts in a pattern like a deers antlers or something similar. Thanks.

[Scrolling Steve]

Joe, I am sure we all have different methods but I always like to work from the inside out...Trying to give the delicate areas as much outside support as possible...also larger cut out areas can be taped back in place to add support.....You will work out a system..Just keep scrolling!

[amazingkevin]

tape a playing card over the hole on your table where the blade goes thru for support of delicate pieces and cuts

[Young_Scroller]

tape a playing card over the hole on your table where the blade goes thru for support of delicate pieces and cuts

thanks thats a very good idea, I will try that

[LarryEA]

Tough question. Practice is probably the best answer.

There are lots at play here. The wood, the thickness, the blade, speed and the type pattern itself.

Inside out is good. Insuring proper anchors (bridges) on all the cuts.

Parts like antlers might want to wait to cut when all around it is cut.

Sometimes, I have left a piece to hold and cut that last.   OR not cut it and use a soldering iron to darken

the area to appear cut.

A playing card has a down side, makes a tipsy outer edge that affects the cut angle.

Practice is the teacher that can't be replaced. WE all cringe on delicate cuts.

[TripleJScroller]

Patience.  When I was first starting I would find myself rushing trying to get on to the next cut and had my share of unfortunate breaks or bad cuts.  Now I put on some good music and just take my time and let the blade do the work.  Your job as a scroller is to simply guide the blade on its path.  Other than that practice and more practice.

[DWSUDEKUM]

One of the ways that is fairly popular to cut those hard areas is to cut them first.  When you cut them first this has the best chance of staying together.  Another way is when you cut them do not discard the wood that you cut out rather put it back in where it was and use something like blue tape to hold it together this also helps keep the delicate parts from getting damaged while you cut the rest.  Other than that use a sharp blade, a magnifying lens if needed and be relaxed.  Practice makes it easier however it is never totally easy to cut the delicate patterns.  Some like me for instance while I can and have cut them I prefer a more simple pattern to cut ( my eyes are not good hehe ).  Looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

DW

[Gordster]

Hi there all I can add is to do the delicate parts first. I always cut the eyes first in a portrait.They

have to be exact.In a case such as an antler you could work around it somewhat by cutting just outside

the line as opposed to right on it.Thats provided you have the room.In an antler no one will know any difference.

keep practicing, you will conquer.saw speed too, can give you trouble.too fast you may overshoot fine lines and

sometimes too slow, the blade will grab more than you want.welcome to the village.

[dgman]

If you are cutting thin wood like 1/8" Baltic birch, attach it to a sacrificial piece of plywood, or another piece of BB ply. This will give you better control of the cut and lessen the agressiveness of the blade. This is called stack cutting. Do a search on stack cutting and you will find many ways to attach or make up a stack.

[Scrappile]

Everyone does it differently.  I save the delicate stuff until last.  Reason, I'm afraid I migth break it while I am moving the blade from one hole to the next.  Lifting the piece up and down...  When cutting out a large area around the delicate stuff (cat whiskers, etc.) I cut small pieces at a time away.  I do not want a large piece to flop around and break the delicate piece.  Also on delicate things I like to go at them with a spiral blade so I can file along the delicate piece.  Use the spiral as a file.  Does that make any sense? 

[Young_Scroller]

Everyone does it differently.  I save the delicate stuff until last.  Reason, I'm afraid I migth break it while I am moving the blade from one hole to the next.  Lifting the piece up and down...  When cutting out a large area around the delicate stuff (cat whiskers, etc.) I cut small pieces at a time away.  I do not want a large piece to flop around and break the delicate piece.  Also on delicate things I like to go at them with a spiral blade so I can file along the delicate piece.  Use the spiral as a file.  Does that make any sense? 

yes that makes perfect sense thank you