Scrollsaw Woodworking & Crafts Winter 2017 Issue

[stevan]

Page 22, NOEL with a snowflake in the O.

The Materials and Tools note says to use a #5 blade on the snowflake and the snowflake is not removable, it's anchored in 4 spots.  I realize my skills are not yet up to doing the snowflake but even if they were, I don't think I could do this with a #5 blade, maybe a #1?

I just can't wrap my head around a #5 blade here.  What is your opinion on it? 

I would post a picture but I'm not sure of the copyright rules.  Opinions on the this too.

[dgman]

It depends on what kind of wood and what thickness. My reccomendation would be  to experiment with some scrap wood with different  size blades. Never say never, experiment!

[meflick]

@stevan Here is a link to the Magazine's Website and info. showing what is in that "Current Issue" - you have to scroll down a little to see the picture but anyone not familiar with it or who doesn't get the magazine can see it there: http://scrollsawer.com/2017/09/05/scroll-saw-woodworking-crafts-winter-2017-issue-69/

Several members on here I think have cut it and posted them here so you might look for those threads.  I forget who all has cut it so far- I think that @Denny Knappen and maybe @Rolf and maybe @Montserrat and I think @trackman may have among others.  I found Paul's @Scrappile in this thread here: 

Trackman's is here: 

I didn't find the others on a quick search here.  Did find some of them on the magazine's forum.  Denny noted over there that he used FD UR #1 and #3 blades to cut his from 3/4" poplar which is also what the magazine article suggested using for the wood.

Like you, I have not been convinced  I was ready to attempt that snowflake!  Maybe some of those who have cut it can share some more tips and tricks - especially on the snowflake!

Edited November 28, 2017 by meflick

[MrsN]

I bought the issue mostly for that pattern, but haven't got to cutting it yet, but here are my thoughts. Start with the little inside bits of the snowflake. then the top and bottom that make the inside of the "O". Lastly the rest of the letters. I would use a #5 on the big letters, and maybe on the snowflake.

If I remember correctly the 4 places that are holding the snowflake in are probably deceptively strong.

I think you should find a piece of wood and give it a go. If you want to practice, just cut the "O" out and make it an ornament.

[Lucky2]

Stevan, it is only a suggestion, of what blade they either used or would use for the project. Personally, I use whatever blade "I" think is best for cutting a project out, I hardly ever use what blade is suggested by someone else. 

Len

Edited November 28, 2017 by Lucky2

[stevan]

Thank you one and all.  I appreciate the time you take to respond to these sorts of questions.  Scroll Saw Village is the best.

[kmmcrafts]

Everyone has a different preference for blade sizes, styles and brands.. I rarely use any blade smaller than a #3 unless it's spirals.. then I rarely use anything larger than a #1.. I'd most likely use a #3 on the snowflake part and a number #5 on the rest.. that said.. sometimes a #3 will cut faster and give better details than a #5.. I've cut some types of wood where the #5 would hardly cut.. and a #3 would cut through like butter.. because the width of the blade is smaller and slices through better.. then times it's just the opposite.. you'd think a larger more aggressive tooth blade would cut better.. just not always the case..because it has to chop through more wood ( width of the blade )  

[Rolf]

I have now made three of them. I cut them out of 1/2 inch curly maple.  Honestly I never look at the blade recommendations, after about 13 years of scrolling I have my go to blades . I agree a#5 is a bit big but I tend to use much smaller blades than most.

For this I used an Olson Mach 3 blade for almost all of it. 

I thought that the snowflake would look better if it stood proud of the rest of it. So when I was all done cutting I set my table to 3.5 -4 deg left side down and with an Olson #2 blade cut the 4 points connecting the snow flake. I put a small mark at the top of the snowflake (on the back) to maintain the orientation.  Withe a bit of wood glue at the 4 points I pushed the snowflake back in. I also put a few drops Of thick CA glue from the back in several places for additional strength. The image with arrows shows direction of cut so that the snow flake stands proud. Also this picture was taken before I removed a bit of glue squeeze out.

[MrsN]

I really like the look of the snowflake pushed out. Nice job on that.

[stevan]

Wow!