A "Suggestion" From a Newbie

[knightyme]

Well, I certainly don't wish to come across as a "smart-aleck" or anything along those lines, so suffice it to say I'd like to share a real-life personal experience with you.

 

I recently (October) took up scrolling as a rather serious hobby/small business. Just like anything with me, I tend to learn faster through trial and error, with the emphasis leaning a tad heavy in the direction of error.

 

I am fortunate in that I have a "scrolling mentor" who lives about an hours drive from me. I asked him the other day "how does one determine if they're pushing too much, aside from recovering from a broken blade, far too often?" Rather than try and answer my question, he asked me what blades I was using since he knew my primary material I am cutting (3/4" MDF). I told him I was using a #7 Olson and he suggested a #3 Ultra-Reverse blade from Mike's, The Flying Dutchman.

 

So, I ordered the blades and got them in. Voila'!! I wish I asked him sooner!! I would have NEVER guessed using a #3 blade, period, due to the thickness of my stock. The cut was so smooth and clean, I did another one and another one.

 

I'm BRAND NEW at this hobby folks, however, as a way of saying "thank you" to many of you who have already opened up with suggestions and encouragement, I felt compelled to share this information with you.

 

Back in July, this year, we had a horrific shooting (Baton Rouge, LA, USA) here that left three of our law enforcement professionals dead and two, seriously wounded and still recovering. I said that to say this. Using my new blades which I described above, I made a plaque for one of the wounded Deputies (the other one remains unconscious). This coming Thursday, I am going to his home and gifting him the plaque I made for him, as a surprise.

 

This is said plaque.

 

[hawkeye10]

Ron thank you for doing this. I know it will mean a lot to the officer you are giving this to. I am also very proud of you and wish I could shake your hand.

[Scrolling Steve]

Ron, I like what you have done here...Tell us a little about how this is made ...looks a little like fabric over wood...just curious ?...Is it an actual patch mountd to a piece you scrolled ?

Edited December 5, 2016 by Scrolling Steve

[knightyme]

Ron, I like what you have done here...Tell us a little about how this is made ...looks a little like fabric over wood...just curious ?...Is it an actual patch mountd to a piece you scrolled ?

 

Thanks hawkeye and Steve.

 

Steve, what I've done is taken a 9x12 piece of MDF, which is one of ten I have ripped from a 2'x4' sheet. I sand one side of it, then, using spray adhesive, I apply a high-definition image to the sanded side. I then follow the shape of the patch or badge with my scroll saw. Then, using a special recipe containing multiple types of chemicals, I apply an acrylic-like finish to complete the plaque. It keeps me busy and out of trouble.

 

Edited to say: the plaque you see in the photo is roughly 10" tall and slightly under 8" in width.

Edited December 5, 2016 by knightyme

[Montserrat]

Hope you are using a mask scrolling MDF, cause that stuff is nothing but bad for your lungs!

[knightyme]

Hope you are using a mask scrolling MDF, cause that stuff is nothing but bad for your lungs!

 

I did get a mask, thank you!

[WayneMahler]

Beautiful work, and a greater heart behind it. Glad to hear your wearing a mask, that is some bad stuff your playing with. Can't help but wonder what that patch would look done in intarsia. 

[knightyme]

Beautiful work, and a greater heart behind it. Glad to hear your wearing a mask, that is some bad stuff your playing with. Can't help but wonder what that patch would look done in intarsia. 

 

I'm betting it would look outstanding in intarsia. The latter, though, is a bit our of my league right now. :/

[Dave Monk]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing your story. dave

[Lucky2]

Nicely done Ron, I'm sure the recipient will appreciate getting this.

Len

[Be_O_Be]

 I keep a copy of this in my shop:

 

ScrollChart.pdf

[knightyme]

 I keep a copy of this in my shop:

 

Very nice Be_O_Be, thank you for sharing!!

[Ron Johnson]

Credit to you Ron. Well done.

[Sparkey]

Very nice. I'm sure the officer will love it.

[amazingkevin]

Well, I certainly don't wish to come across as a "smart-aleck" or anything along those lines, so suffice it to say I'd like to share a real-life personal experience with you.

 

I recently (October) took up scrolling as a rather serious hobby/small business. Just like anything with me, I tend to learn faster through trial and error, with the emphasis leaning a tad heavy in the direction of error.

 

I am fortunate in that I have a "scrolling mentor" who lives about an hours drive from me. I asked him the other day "how does one determine if they're pushing too much, aside from recovering from a broken blade, far too often?" Rather than try and answer my question, he asked me what blades I was using since he knew my primary material I am cutting (3/4" MDF). I told him I was using a #7 Olson and he suggested a #3 Ultra-Reverse blade from Mike's, The Flying Dutchman.

 

So, I ordered the blades and got them in. Voila'!! I wish I asked him sooner!! I would have NEVER guessed using a #3 blade, period, due to the thickness of my stock. The cut was so smooth and clean, I did another one and another one.

 

I'm BRAND NEW at this hobby folks, however, as a way of saying "thank you" to many of you who have already opened up with suggestions and encouragement, I felt compelled to share this information with you.

 

Back in July, this year, we had a horrific shooting (Baton Rouge, LA, USA) here that left three of our law enforcement professionals dead and two, seriously wounded and still recovering. I said that to say this. Using my new blades which I described above, I made a plaque for one of the wounded Deputies (the other one remains unconscious). This coming Thursday, I am going to his home and gifting him the plaque I made for him, as a surprise.

 

This is said plaque.

 

Lots of ways to make impressive projects with little scrolling .glued on pictures is one .I'm glad you saw the light to do this as it's very impressive.! Keep your work coming friend !

[Lucky2]

 I keep a copy of this in my shop:

Bob, that's quite the chart, it really takes any guessing out of the game. It's almost enough to make me want to switch blade brands, not quite enough, I don't think I'll ever give up on the FD brand, I like them to much.

Len

[Be_O_Be]

  I hope it helps taking the guess work out of matching project to blade. In time it will come naturally.

Edited December 6, 2016 by Be_O_Be

[lawson56]

As former Police Officer,(Williamson W,Va)I Thank You,and Salute.It is a Beautiful gift.  

[Phantom Scroller]

Well done but I personally would use a No5 UR but that's just me. Roly

 

PS: I wouldn't use MDF anyway bad stuff.

Edited December 6, 2016 by Phantom Scroller

[Falcon]

Very very nice!! It will be appreciated very much. I for one would like to know your secret recipe and maybe a short video of how you do that. Thanks they should love it. 

[Bill WIlson]

Learning a new skill is great.  Having an epiphany while learning is even better, but the gesture you made in gifting that plaque to the wounded Deputy is priceless!  Outstanding!

[125 CSL]

Found myself thinking about your project. It would make for an interesting intarsia. However a much less complex idea would also work. Something like what Mr. French shows in this video.

 

https://youtu.be/mjuAXW_vyKQ

[knightyme]

Found myself thinking about your project. It would make for an interesting intarsia. However a much less complex idea would also work. Something like what Mr. French shows in this video.

 

https://youtu.be/mjuAXW_vyKQ

 

Craig, that's really cool!! Thanks for sharing. It's an idea I'm going to want to try.