Sqigglies

[TAIrving]

I don't know what else to call it.  Look at the picture.  

When I drill a hole I get these annoying little squigglies around the hole.  They make it difficult to see the pattern line.  Of course I can brush them off or push them out of the way.  Does anyone else have this problem?

I know what causes it, I just wonder if this happens with other types of tape.  I am using Scotch Shipping Tape under my patterns.  The spray adhesive sticks well to it, it does not pull up when I am sawing, and it does not leave a residue when I remove it from the project.  But it does result in the squigglies.

I ran out of blue painters tape.  I bought a roll of clear shelf film from Walmart as recommended by others but it leaves a sticky residue when i remove it from the project.  

I am ready to do something different.  What do you use and how does it work?

[dgman]

Your problem is one or both of two things. Your drill bit is dull or the speed of the drill is incorrect. I always use a drill press to drill my holes. Drill bits are designed to operate at an optimum speed. You can find a speed chart at woodmagazine.com

[Rockytime]

Dan is correct about the drill speed but about the shelf paper, I use Duck removable shelf paper and it never leaves a residue. What brand do you have?

[TAIrving]

Gorilla Grip.  I think this is the product.  https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Grip-Original-Removable-Coverings/dp/B0848PXDBF/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=gorilla+grip+shelf+liner&qid=1603664053&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFVUldYRFRMUkExVlMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTEwNDY1MDIxMzZJWDlXNEFBTkkyJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0NTM2NzEzSTI5T1BLRzA2UjJIJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==   

I will check on my drill speed and will check my drill bits for sharpness.  

I use a Wen 4208 drill press.  I can change drill speed but it is a bit of a bother to do so.  Right now it is at the speed set at the factory, whatever that is. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQONFVE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

[Foxfold]

My advice for what it's worth is to get a can of repositional craft glue like 3M Spray Mount, spray back of pattern, wait 30 secs and place on wood. Cut patterns and then dampen with white spirit and the paper will fall off with minimal residue. I always do this and never have a problem even with the most intricate cutting.

[TAIrving]

Good idea Brenda.  That would get rid of the squigglies.  

Others have suggested that the intermediate layer, be it tape or shelf liner, etc, would have the added benefit of lubricating the blade.  Do you have any thoughts on that?

I love the portrait.  Is that a self-portrait?

Thurman

[rjweb]

Besides all the other good points, it looks like the drill bit is too big for the size blade you have, RJ 

[WayneMahler]

If your concerned about blade lubrication. Put the clear packing tape on top of the pattern your cutting. I do this on thicker cuts with no issues. You can even do this after you drill the holes, the blade will just push through the tape.

[dgman]

By the way, what you call Sqigglies is called tear out.

[ike]

I have these once in a while when that happens I up the speed or get a new drill bit, and use a drill press when possible then a plunge router with my Dremmel

IKE

[MrsN]

My guess is a dull drill bit, that is usually the cause for tear out on my projects. 

What size drill bit are you using? Since it is plenty big for the blade. Making a smaller hole (even with tear out) will not obscure your pattern lines as much.

[OCtoolguy]

For the size drill bits that most of us use, run your drill press as fast as it will go. High speed means high speed. The only time that the speed really matters is when you are drilling metal. Or very thick and very hard wood. At least that's how I was taught.

[Foxfold]

I agree with what's been said about your drill bit. It's too big and either dull or not fast enough. I too use a drill bit but I also use a normal drill so it can be done with both.  The portrait is of Barbara Streisand. 

[TAIrving]

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful.  It seems the problem is the drill and drill bit, not the packing tape.  And I was using too large a drill bit.  

All has changed.  I bought a roll of blue tape and a new Pegas scroll saw.  (I might have the order of importance reversed.)  

Bottom feeding, or top feeding for that matter, are much easier with the Pegas.  So I can use a smaller, and hopefully sharper, drill bit.  So maybe it won't matter if I do not change the speed on my drill press.

Did I mention I got a new Pegas today!  I already love it.  

BTW, I love this SSV.  You guys are great!

[Jim McDonald]

You can buy a 10 pack of 1/16th or 1/8" bits at Harbor Freight for very little money and they are definitely disposable at that price.

[amazingkevin]

Seems like it doesn't take long to wear out a tiny drill bit!