1st ever scroll project

[rljohn56]

compared to all of the artwork i have seen on this site since joining a month ago, this isn't much, but it is my very first!  spiral blade #5  was used(several broken in the process).  a lot harder than i thought just to cut a straight line!  I am so hooked now!

[Travis]

That looks great!  I think you're well on your way.  Welcome to the sickness...errr...hobby!  

[Denny Knappen]

Very good for you first.  Spirals are very hard to make straight lines.  I suggest a flat blade.

[rljohn56]

thanks for the replies.  ok, newbie question 1:  spiral blades in general...i know these particular blades have teeth all around the blade, but can you pull your work sideways while cutting with these blades? or is that not wise.  when i snapped the blades i was using it seemed it happened when i did that.  i understand i still have to get a feel for the proper tension when installing them and to go easy on forcing the wood.

[NC Scroller]

NICE first project. While I use spiral blades when they are the right blade for the job for that project I would have used a #5 Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blade. Don't be afraid to experiment and experience. There are a number of projects I have used both flat and spiral blades to complete. I will often use more than one size blade on a given project. Time and your own experiences will be your best guide. What is right for me might not be right for you.

 

Save that piece and revisit it in 6 months. You will be amazed how you grow.

[crupiea]

Off to a great start. ejnoy it.

[dgman]

Yup, pratiice and experience is your best teacher. However a little advice helps too.

Try it again using a flat blade, with high tension and you will be surprised at how much easier it is to cut the straight lines.

As a scroll saw instructor, I start m students off using flat blades.

[Jim Finn]

Remember... a scroll saw, using any blade, is absoulutely the slowest cutting tool/saw in a woodshop.  Take your time do not bend the blade when feeding the wood into it..

[Denny Knappen]

With spiral blades can cut in any direction.  Breakage indicates pushing the wood and not letting the blade do the cutting.

[Travis]

thanks for the replies.  ok, newbie question 1:  spiral blades in general...i know these particular blades have teeth all around the blade, but can you pull your work sideways while cutting with these blades? or is that not wise.  when i snapped the blades i was using it seemed it happened when i did that.  i understand i still have to get a feel for the proper tension when installing them and to go easy on forcing the wood.

 

For blade breakage, I'm going to take a guess.  Some spiral blades twist the entire blade.  So the spots that get clamped in the holder also have a twist.  When you tighten it up, sometimes it catches the edge of the blade instead of the side.  This will kink the blade weaken the metal at that spot.  You'll know that this is the case if the blade keeps breaking where the clamp screw is.  I know I've had trouble with this in the past.

 

The trick is to tighten slowly, making sure the blade twists so that you're clamping the side of the blade.  Some people will use pliers to straighten out the end of the blade.  Others will use a small hammer to straighten out the ends.  You can also purchase flat ended spiral blades that will take out that frustration.

 

You should be able to cut in all directions.  However, there is more stress when going side to side.  When a blade cuts, there is a slight forward/backward rocking motion.  Putting side pressure adds another axis and additional stress.  So if you cut side to side, just take your time and let the blade cut for you.  You want to avoid flexing the blade side to side as much as you can.

 

 

Here's a piece of advice I give new scrollers.  I'd learn to cut with flat blades first, then do spirals.  Flat blades will have more precise control.  Plus it's easier to cut straight lines, long sweeping curves, and sharp corners.  Once you're comfortable with flat blades, try spirals again.  I only use spirals on portraits or projects that have a organic/wavy lines.  If you start with spirals first, it's hard to go back and learn flat blades because you've been "spoiled" with the option in cutting all 4 directions.  That's my 2 cents, for what it's worth.  LOL

[bandaideman]

looks very nice first cutting. I would agree with the rests suggestions. The main thing is to be patient smile and have fun.

[LarryEA]

Your avatar and your scroll work are nice.

Good job

[Lucky2]

Ray, it looks great for a first cutting, and it's even more impressive that you used a spiral blade to do it with.

Len

[WayneMahler]

Ray

Getting out of the gate with this as your first project. Your off to a very good start. As time and practice comes you will grow. Thanks for sharing and welcome to the addiction

[heppnerguy]

The spiral blade seems to be a lot like liver......either you love them or you hate them. Sporal blades can make cutting some patterns a lot easier. but the flat blade is easier to control and manage, at least for most scrollers. I have been scrolling for a number of years and have never liked the spiral but this years I decided to take the plunge and i have been trying to use the spiral more. It is starting to get easier for me but I still am not very comfortable with them yet. The main thing is to have fun.. Stay atteched here and you will find many helpful people here to help you with any questions you may have.. Keep up the good work and don't tackle anything too difficult at first.

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[wombatie]

Well done Ray.  Can't help you with spiral blades I hate them and never use them.  Try a flat blade your straight lines will look a lot straighter. 

 

Marg

[woodduck]

Like the others say use a flat blade for the present you will find it much easier. try the spirals after you have mastered the flats, & practice practice practice on the spirals, you will master them eventually.

[Phantom Scroller]

Excellent first piece, keep the picture to see how you progress and you will.

My thoughts on spirals is I hate them, only use them if I can't turn the piece on the table. Well done you.     Roly

[Honeycow]

I like the pattern!

[DWSUDEKUM]

Ray for a first go at scrolling you did great!  You learned several lessons that are difficult to believe.  One cutting a straight line is not as easy as it looks.  Two - Spirals take practice and these too are not as easy to use as one would think.  Three - There are many many of us addicts to scrolling out there, all around the world.  Third as for breaking of blade this happens, however you can with patience and practice learn what causes the breakage and reduce or stop most of the causes. Fourth - Welcome to the Village.  We all have been were you are now and have many many many years of combined experience.  And this is one of the friendliest groups of folks you will ever wish to meet.  Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

DW

[Jim Finn]

compared to all of the artwork i have seen on this site since joining a month ago, this isn't much, but it is my very first!  spiral blade #5  was used(several broken in the process).  a lot harder than i thought just to cut a straight line!  I am so hooked now!

When I first started using a scroll saw much I tried a spiral saw blade.  What I found out is that it makes a very rough cut edge on the wood.  I can see it can be useful when doing fretwork but I do not do fretwork.  I started cutting out toys and had to sand the saw cuts using the spiral blade.  The cut edge you get using a straight blade is so smooth that any sanding of it will diminish the finish of the cut.

     There are many other techniques to try when using a scroll saw.  Lettering, like you have tried, toy making, compound cuts bowl and basket making, double bevel inlay, fretwork,  scroll saw boxes, segmentation, intarsia, and sign making.  Research them and give them a try.   Lots to keep you busy.

Edited May 7, 2016 by Jim Finn

[amazingkevin]

compared to all of the artwork i have seen on this site since joining a month ago, this isn't much, but it is my very first!  spiral blade #5  was used(several broken in the process).  a lot harder than i thought just to cut a straight line!  I am so hooked now!

These(they are the same project) were done with a spiral.Spirals cut much slower than a flat straight blade.Keep the spiral very taunt ,go slow and you to will be cutting straight lines with no problem.The wood i used was white pine ,very soft and i used one finger to slide the wood against to get the straightest line i could.Keep posting your projects .I want to see just how fast your catching on as a newbee.Looks like you have all the skills to pass me up soon.Keep coming back Friend! :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

[jerry1939]

A lot of people either LOVE or HATE spirals.  Personally, I tolerate them.

 

Based on the above pictures, you are an Amazing Kevin.  I don't even dream about having 1% of your talent Friend.

 

jerry

[rljohn56]

thanks again everyone for the followup.  great to have a place where the family is eager to help one of their own out.  look forward to future conversations.  by the way, i've already signed up for the Scroll Saw anonymous group....Hi, my name is Ray, and i am addicted to scroll sawing.....

[Alexander Helbich]

Awesome first pattern and cutting!
 

Coming from one noobie to another, If you get some nice blades (Flying Dutchman I started to use), It makes a whole difference.

 

Try different blades, different styles of cuts.

 

I went from a piece like you did there, to doing some intercsecting word art. It takes time, and more time. haha.

 

Doesn't come within a few months or even a few tries.  For me, Working on a pattern and finishing it, I learn more about scroll sawing the more I work on new peices of work.

 

You WILL make mistakes and Swear at your saw ....I know I did a few times!  HAHA

 

 

Anyways, Keep up the good work! It will deff come with pratice.