Just Moaning

[Bill WIlson]

You've gotten a ton of good advice in this thread.  Compound cutting isn't really all that difficult, but several factors come into play that aren't as important when cutting thinner stock.

One piece of advice I have not seen posted yet pertains to the positioning of your pattern.  Applying the pattern precisely is absolutely critical to getting a good, finished piece.  IMHO, it's just as important as all the other great tips you've gotten so far.

I take great pains to ensure that my pattern is aligned correctly on the blank.  I won't go into detail, because people will think I'm nuts, but trust me, it's important.  You can have your table precisely at 90%.  Your stock may be perfectly perpendicular.  Your cut may be flawless.  But if the pattern is even slightly skewed on the blank, then your end result will not be symmetrical.

[rdatelle]

18 hours ago, Foxfold said:

Many thanks for all your input.

I was using just a piece of pine that I found in hubbys shed. I was using a No3 reverse blade, I'm pretty certain my table is square because my 'letters' fall out perfectly.

I don't have a photo as I threw the piece onto the fire, literally   But it was exactly the same problem I had when I tried thicker flat wood, the 'backside' was nowhere near the shape of the pattern that I'd cut on the front. I tried not to  'push' but perhaps I did without thinking.

Where I cut on the front of the pattern looked perfect but when I looked at the 'backside' the cut was miniscule.   If I had to describe what I saw, then I would say a 'V' shape.  I may try using a piece of 'proper' wood and a different blade next time. But I'm easily discouraged and don't feel like trying again just yet.

¼" plywood (which I use mostly) is such a forgiving wood that I don't have a problem cutting that.

I have an Axminster Trade Series saw which performs beautifully on anything else I cut.

 

 

Brenda, two things come to mind right off the bat. Pine which is not a good wood to use on compound cuts and the blade you used. A #3 reverse is not good to use either.  A # 7 or even a #9 skip tooth would work better. You could also be pushing the wood in to the blade to fast. Let the blade do the cutting. You can't rush compound cutting. Slow down the saw a little to. Hope that helps.