How long before items are displayable?

[new2woodwrk]

I know everyone is different, and some take to skills better than others, however...

How long would you all 'guestimate" it would take a newbie to become "proficient" (not expert) enough to be able to display their creations proudly - I'm not talking about selling. As it is right now, I don't even want to take pictures of the crap I'm doing

For example:

I've done 6 basic cut outs so far (from a book I have) - simple bells and simple trees (no inside cuts) - and not a one of them would I consider hanging on my wall LOL!

I've been using 1/8" hardboard for the most part to practice with on medium to high speed (not all the way up) with an Olsen #5 skip tooth blade.

While they have gotten better, I still feel like I am extremely far from getting curves and specially angles cut well enough to display.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance

Edited January 29, 2018 by new2woodwrk

[NC Scroller]

Every one grows at different speeds.  I can tell you most of us are way to critical of our own work.  Let me suggest something.  A #5 blade is too big and aggressive for a single piece of 1/8 th material.  I would use a #1 blade.

[ike]

I would forget about useing 1/8 hard board I have herd that the fumes from it are harmfull . Home Depot has 1/4 (actual 3/16) plywood for under $20, they will cut it to 2'X4' pieces . just get some and after 2 pieces of 4x8 ply you should be ready to take pictures and hang on the wall.

IKE

[Fab4]

Hi Jes:
You're on the right track, you are asking the experts here at the Village
Never be afraid/shy to ask  - 
As you are making designer firewood, you will get a good response to your questions
You have already from Ike and Scott
Feel free to post your work for us to see, and we will get you on the right track
So, for now, Sounds like you should be changing your blade and wood choice
You will notice an immediate difference in the way your projects turn out
Looking forward to seeing your work
Good luck and most of all, keep it fun...
Fab4

[Scrappile]

I'd say if you are planning on selling, you will need several copies of everything you cut.  So instead of cutting 1/8" material, stack to or three and cut that.  You will find, I think, that a little thicker material is easier to cut blade control wise.  That is also where you may want a #5 blade, but gibe a #3 a try also.  Also do not be shy about trying different "types" of blades, you may find one that works better for you.

[Lucky2]

Jes, this is a loaded question, there is so much that depends on you getting an answer that applies to you and your outcome. The major one, is how critical you are of your own cutting capabilities. And just a few of them are, your god given abilities would be #2. By that, I mean how well you take to the task of scroll sawing, and the issues that pertain to it. The accuracy at which you can follow a line with the blade, and the level of difficulty of the pattern. The quality of the saw you use, and the quality of the blades you use also. And as mentioned above, using the proper size of blade and material to cut. There are a whole bunch of other things that, will depend on the quality of your work and feeling like it is worthy of displaying it. Others will be able to add to what I've mentioned, as there is many differing ideas on what it takes to be proud/confident enough to show others you work.

Len

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I never did have a problem right from the start. Just a matter of getting the techniques down so that you relax when cutting. Being tensed up means alot when cutting and the ease. I sold the very first piece I made. I will say this it took a little time to learn the tricks of pushing the wood, types of wood cut differently, blades cut differently, saw speed has meaning and as mentioned each saw has its own little quirks that you learn as you go. It is a learning process but is quickly picked up. I will say this also yes we are our own worse critics so do not be so hard on yourself. Also some people for the lack of better words have the shakes and it cause runoff when cutting and probably never will be correctable. But do not let that deter from this great hobby. 

After about 5 or 6 projects it is time to step up to some better materials and put those experiences to work. Work at your own pace but you will notice the faster you start cutting the better your mind lets you stay on the lines and the cuts get smoother. The eye works in conjunction with the hands. Hand/ eye coordination. Good luck and start posting.

[MrsN]

You have gotten some good advice. I would totally second changing your wood and blade for better results.

I  would also recommend finding a simple project that you would want to display as your next project. Sometimes working on something real rather than practice makes it easier to like the result. 

 

One more thing, Take pictures and show us. We are a pretty gentle audience to show things to and we will let you know if you are being too critical of yourself.

Edited January 29, 2018 by MrsN

[Bill WIlson]

As you may have already discovered, the simple answer is "It Depends". 

I'll give you an example from my own experience.  I started scrolling about 20 some years ago.  I had no mentor, no outside resources to help me learn, just 15-20 years of experience making sawdust as a carpenter and hack woodworker, that taught me a lot about tools and wood.  My first projects were pretty decent, nothing I would be ashamed to give as a gift or hang on my own wall.  At that point my expectations were relatively high, because I already had some experience working with wood and knew what I should be able to do.  However, after a number of years of scrolling on my own, I found and joined a local scroll saw club.  I'll tell you, the talent and skill those guys had (have) was amazing and I was thoroughly intimidated to bring any of my stuff for show & tell at the meetings.  I've outgrown that and after all this time, feel that my best stuff would stand up next to most anything those guys did.  That's not bragging (at least it isn't intended as such).  It's just that it took a long time for me to reach that point and be comfortable putting my work next to theirs.  The point is, becoming proficient is a relative thing.  It's relative to what it is being compared to.  If you stick with it and keep practicing, you will find that your skills should progress pretty rapidly, to a point.  How far you go beyond that point and how long it takes, will depend on how committed you are and what you are striving to achieve. 

[Fireball]

You got this! I just started as well and I really benefitted from cutting some 3/4in stock. It’s so much harder to keep the blade straight because it’s so much slower. So when you jump down to 1/4in material it’s easier to rely on the blade to do the cutting. 

The first piece I cut I wanted to throw out but someone offered to buy it! I cut through three places, couldn’t cut a straight line, and definitely couldn’t cut a circle. I didn’t sell it but it’s crazy to think how critical we are of ourselves. 

I got my saw on Christmas. The nativity scene was my first go on dec 30. The girl was Jan 8 so there is hope. Just keep going slow. Let the blade do the cutting. And find something with irregular lines because you’re the only one that knows if it’s messed up! Straight lines and circles are the hardest for me. 

[Rockytime]

You're doing excellent.

[amazingkevin]

On 1/29/2018 at 8:50 AM, new2woodwrk said:

I know everyone is different, and some take to skills better than others, however...

How long would you all 'guestimate" it would take a newbie to become "proficient" (not expert) enough to be able to display their creations proudly - I'm not talking about selling. As it is right now, I don't even want to take pictures of the crap I'm doing

For example:

I've done 6 basic cut outs so far (from a book I have) - simple bells and simple trees (no inside cuts) - and not a one of them would I consider hanging on my wall LOL!

I've been using 1/8" hardboard for the most part to practice with on medium to high speed (not all the way up) with an Olsen #5 skip tooth blade.

While they have gotten better, I still feel like I am extremely far from getting curves and specially angles cut well enough to display.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance

Paint,gloss,glitter,Most anything you add to your project will take prying eyes off of looking for boo boo's.Doll it up .They will be to busy admiring your work to complain about inuendos. Your cutting look great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tomsteve]

great replies here.

something i actually wish i would have done was save some of my very first cuts but i used them for kindling- fancy schmancy kindling. which didnt help start a fire any better.

if i would have saved a couple pieces, i could pull them out when i start getting too hard on myself.

[Travis]

There's good advice on how to improve your results.  But don't ever feel embarrassed by your work.  Making something from nothing is what it's all about.  Is there room for improvement?  Of course.  I never met an expert or beginner who didn't have room for improvement.  But, I think if you made it, there's always something to be proud of.  Don't be too hard on yourself.  It's better than you think.

[rdatelle]

Hang in there. Remember, we were all beginners at one point. Buy some good blades to. Blades that come with the saw are junk. Trow them away. If your going to use 1/8 or 1/4 inch wood, stack cut 2 or 3 pieces together and tape them together. A # 5 blade is good on 3/4 or larger. I use a #3 for most of my cutting and a # 2. Give them a try and you'll see a big difference. Don't be afraid to experiment on scrap wood..

[Chunkthekid]

I started on my saw almost a year ago, with no experience at all. I cut through the same sample patterns that you are and had the same thoughts. If you would have showed me then what I would be able to do by this point, I would not have believed you. But I loved the relaxation I found at the saw, so I kept at it and before I knew it, those tight corners weren't so intimidating anymore.

And to touch on what a few others have said, we are always our own biggest skeptic. We know what the pattern looked like as a 2-D, black and white, piece of paper. When that paper comes off, so do the mistakes. My wife and I did a craft show at her church last Friday. It was the first time that most of my cuts have seen the light of day. I had a pile that I wanted to take, just the ones I thought worthy ( and that wasn't many) but while I was at work my wife loaded up everything I had and set it up. I was blown away by what people had to say about things that I was ready to just pitch in the fire. And when people realize that it isn't laser cut, they get REALLY impressed.

 

[Roberta Moreton]

When I like it, it’s displayed. When I don’t, it’s firewood. 

Believe me, I still make firewood. 

Edited February 2, 2018 by Roberta Moreton

[Phantom Scroller]

First of all, throw that hardboard out get down the tip or see if your neighbors or family are throwing out old furniture the plywood backs on wardrobes are good to practice on then practice by drawing straight lines and curves and learn how to turn the wood around corners and most of all do not give up and keep the first ones so you can look back and see the difference as you progress. Keep on cutting and have fun. Roly

Edited February 2, 2018 by Phantom Scroller