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Hello everyone, so for as far back as I can remember I was never able to cut out jigsaw puzzles with anything smaller than a UR#5 blade. When I went to a UR#3 blade I wasn't able to slide the pieces into each other from the front, it was always from the back. So 2 weekends ago I was frustrated enough that I sat down and started studying things on this. Because I knew I should be able to cut the puzzles with a UR#3 blade with no issues. After about a 1/2 hour of studying and looking at things I finally notice there was a tiny tiny tiny gap between either the top or bottom of the blade an my square I was using. So I started tinkering and got it all sit correctly and am now able to cut the inside puzzles pieces with the UR#3 blade with no issues at all. Next step will be to try and get to a UR#1 blade. I tried it a couple of times but the blades slipped and got all bent up and that was just as the blade was starting to touch the wood. Well, like I said I will try it again a little bit later on and see if I can get it to work. Readers Digest Version: So basically the table wasn't square with the blade. Thanks Jim

My daughter asked me to build a changing table on 1 August after the one she bought from Amazon broke as they started to assemble it. Of course I said yes but couldn't start it until mid-August and so spent anywhere from 4 to 10 hours a day in the shop. I wasn't able to finish it before my granddaughter arrived on 1 Oct but I finally delivered it last night. There are 28 mortise and tenon joints, 4 sets of hand cut dovetails, and 6 scroll work pieces adapted from Steve Goode's patterns (daughter asked me to use fairies in the design). There's also a LED light in the back with a dimmer so they doesn't have to use the overhead light at night. Changing Table Front by Scott Baker, on Flickr Changing Table Front with rear light by Scott Baker, on Flickr

A while back I got into making military emblem plaques for members of my surrounding family that has served... I really enjoyed the little project and all that received them seemed to be really appreciative... I made 4 USMC ones because I wanted to ensure I had enough that I had one for myself... Well that did not work out.... next thing I knew all emblems were gone.. none for Papa.. So,, I made another just for me... Got it done today.. It will go on my wall above my computer desk... I made some enhancement for myself... I increased the size by 20%. The original ones were a little over 7" in diameter,,, mine is 10". I also I increased the size of the "Semper Fidelis" an additional 5% so I could scroll it. On the others I used decal because it was too small for me to scroll. On mine I have about 10 coats of "Gloss" finish on the center part,,, with sanding to 15K grit. between coats... I wanted it to shine. The reat is about 5 coats of simi-gloss. This is the results... First picture is comparison in size, not sure why the Navy one looks so out of round.. it is not... the second is a better picture of mine... I am thinking of making more as time allows, just to give out when the occasion calls for it.. Trust me.. they are well received... I don't think I have made much of anything that seemed to mean so much to the person receiving it....

My projects from the last week.

My grandson spent a couple of weeks visiting us from Oregon. He mentioned that he was wanting somethings for his girlfriend for Christmas and she was a big unicorn person. I had him look through some of my patterns and he came up with the unicorn clock, which it a Steve Good pattern. I printed out the pattern and quickly realized that the one size clock I had in my drawer was too large for the pattern as it was printed. I enlarged it so that the clock with fit. He watched me cut and finish the clock and was able to take it home with him the following day. It is made from a piece of 3/4 inch Poplar I had in my wood supply. He wanted it finished with lemon Oil so he could take it home with him in the morning. I was not particularly excited about the simplicity of the pattern but he was one excited guy when it was finished. He even called it 'perfect'. Who am I to argue with my customers? He said he did not wish to have the base as it was just exactly what he wanted. Dick heppnerguy

My newest project. Got the pattern from Wooden Teddy Bear.

Did this one a couple days ago. Also a Wooden Teddy Bear pattern

Another thing is to not push sideways in the turns. It takes a real conscious effort not to. Glad you got it sorted.

Yep, the blade has to be dead on square to the table to cut puzzles. I keep a small square on my saw to check it. Backlighting when checking for square helps. I once cut a puzzle from 1.5-inch thick southern yellow pine to see if I could do it. The thicker the wood, the more critical it is to be square.

Yeah that blade has to be spot on square to the table or you'll have issues.. I have a small square but I like to use a 1- 1/2 in tall block of scrap wood.. I saw into it just enough to get the full blade in past the edge on both upper and lower part of the block. Then spin the block around to the back of the blade.. it should slide right into the slot you just cut.. write the number blade on the block.. keep it handy as a reference.. it's quick and easy way to check before starting a project or even in the middle of a project.. If it's not 100% square it won't easily fit in that slot..

I don't remember where I found this pattern, I used 1/4" Oak, semi gloss poly, and I had the clock from awhile back. It's 11x9x3 1/2" I had to make some saw dust putty for a few mistakes so I used it from some old oak barn wood. That was a big mistake, it ended up drying very dark, almost black and now I have to hide it somehow. I have the wood so I might do it in walnut but I have nowhere to put it either so we'll see. I'll probably give it to a lady at work to give another lady she knows. Thanks for looking.

I finally finished my other condor piece. This one shows a flying profile. It is mounted to olive wood with live edge. The olive would is shaped kind like mountains. Aspen wood inlayed into stained poplar.

I finally decided to order some of those expensive blades.. I've been going to try them now for 2-3 years.. I've heard a lot of folks say they're awesome blades.. some say they're good but not so good as to pay the high price for them.. I guess I'll have to post my experience not only with the blades but also for my experience with P.S. Wood.. though I've ordered bandsaw blades and a few other things from them with good experience..

Here is one that a cousin of mine ordered. She lost a dog that she had for 18 years and ask me to make her a cross for his grave marker. I got a reply from her yesterday that it had indeed gotten delivered and she said it was perfect. I won't argue with the buyer. I made this on out of cedar, as it was going outside and cedar seems to be a wood that is used outdoors and I too am happy with it. Dick heppnerguy

Paul, thank you and your extended family members who followed your lead for your service. Loved reading your story on how you ended up joining the marines. Glad you got one made. For yourself. Excellent work.

They look great my friend. Glad you took the time to make one for yourself Dick heppnerguy

I have been cutting some puzzles from 3/4 popular using a #3. The hardest part is going slow while cutting the puzzle ‘keys’. Go slow enough so the bottom of the blade keeps up with the top of the blade. Sometimes I do have to do some sanding, but I’m getting better!

Thanks Kevin, that's a great idea. Jim

When I bought my first used Ex21 I got a ton of blades with it. A good amount of them were the PS blades in all sizes. I had heard that they were supposed to be the "cat's rearend" so I looked forward to trying them. I had been using Pegas #5mgt on 1 1/2" mahogany compound cuts. I was disappointed in how they worked so I went back to my Pegas blades. I was not impressed.

Olsen make the precision ground blades in their PGT series blades.. they are awesome blades but have a draw back for me.. one being the smallest size is a #5 and second is the blade ends are larger than the rest of the blade so you have to have a pretty good size hole to drill which is fine on some projects but useless if doing veining type stuff.. I'm curious what I will get with these super sharps..

I sent them a message yesterday to see where they were made. I guess I misworded it. PS Wood Machines <pswood@pswood.com> Tue 10/19/2021 3:50 PM They are a precision ground blade. --- Thank you, Beth PS Wood Machines 3032 Industrial Blvd Bethel Park, PA 15102 1-800-939-4414 > > Are your PS scrollsaw blades stamped/milled with Swiss steel in the > US? Be nice to see your thoughts

Ok back to the spray, I bought 3m super 77 yesterday at home depot for $10.27 16 oz, RJ

Puzzles can be puzzling! Good feeling when we get it sorted out.

I used the Amazon table as a starting point then adjusted things to include adding the scroll work; their table had "boxes" made from the same material as the hamper which I changed to actual drawers. The door in front of the two interior shelves is my idea and yes, they were level when I checked them in the shop. I originally wanted to put a lock on it but that died off when I saw the execution didn't work as well as my thoughts. It is made from red oak with a piece of 1/4" walnut ply behind the larger scroll work on the hamper door. This is like the one I started from: https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Changing-Laundry-Storage-Baskets/dp/B005OSHTXO/ref=sr_1_5?crid=618ETNX4U6BL&dchild=1&keywords=kinbor+baby+changing+table&qid=1634613470&sprefix=kinbor%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-5

So how thick of wood are you puzzling?

I used these blades about two years ago. I really liked the blades and the way they cut and their durability, but they are not good enough to justify the price IMHO. If I had a specific use for them (I'm currently working on a bear pattern that has a lot of long jagged runs, breaking a blade in the middle is a PIA, so in this instance I would be temped) I might buy them again, but for now... no. Let us know how they work for you and your application.

I see a limited size selection... From the smallest #2 they jump to a #5,, I rarely use anything larger than a #3 and often smaller than a #2. I did not see spirals listed... maybe I missed them..

Kevin, It looks to me that to install the updated cam kit you just need to drive out the roll pin that is holding the old one in. Then, install the new style cam and holder using the roll pin. Is this somewhat the idea? Thanks again for all your time spent trying to help me. I agree that I would gladly spend $50 to get my saw working again. I haven't gotten an answer from BMI yet. I want to ask them if they have this kit, the price , and if they have instructions on how it is installed. I left them an email yesterday and left a voicemail message today. Mike BTW I live in Grand Rapids SW area, actually Wyoming, MI.

I wish everyone would create an Album... I love looking through them and I get lots of ideas and inspiration when I do...

Last week, I headed back to Montana to visit my family. It has been awhile since I've been home. We had a great time reminiscing about the good ol' days. So I think this month's scroll saw challenge is about nostalgia. Post a project that brings back memories of the good ol' days. This is pretty open to interpretation. Old cars, trains, farm houses, scenic, etc. When you post, let us know what kind of memories it brings back for you. It will be fun to see what people come up with.

I ran across this fellow's channel the other day and even though it's all in German, I was able to decipher most of it. There is a setting to translate into English. https://www.youtube.com/user/FEINESausWUPPERTAL/featured He has some things that might interest most any scroller. And in some of his videos he has a Pegas too. I just watched how he managed to cut an 80 millimeter piece of wood on his Hegner by using some bandsaw blade material for a longer blade and open up the spread of his saw. Thinking outside of the box.

Kevin, keep us posted as how they work for you, RJ

I just received an email from RBI regarding my upgrade kit that I ordered. They are out of stock on an important part and it will be 3-4 weeks until they get it in. I was asked if I wanted to wait or refund and re-order, I said I would wait. I did ask them to find a knowledgeable person to let me know if this upgrade kit will work on my model#/serial#. Hopefully, they will get back to me with this info. before they ship the kit. Mike Mark, Thanks for thinking of me, I have looked at those manuals and there isn't one that is totally correct for my saw. Too old??? I printed the one closest to my saw when I first got it.

Talked to Ray tonight. He gave me a couple things I can look at. He said he will document it, and if it happens again, I can just call back and talk to him or Mike and they can ship me a new speed controller. I can also take the back off the saw arms, and make sure the two cables going to it are not loose. That can cause an issue too.

My grandson was so excited about having it to give to her and told she would be sooo happy when she saw it Dick

Look again, I had picked the incorrect photo and had to edit it . I think it should be up there now. Dick heppnerguy

Thanks, the thickest I've ever used is 3/4". Lol I did end up using a light behind the square and it did help out a lot. Jim

Could mean you have a intermittent problem... I hope Ray is okay,, been worried because he is an old guy like me... I would run the saw as much as possible to see if it happens again..

Yeah they are limited on sizes and styles.. nothing in a spiral yet that I seen.. I think I remember hearing the number 2 being like the number 3 in most blades.. I don't know for sure.. I ordered the number 2 and 5.. I mostly use number 3's and occasionally 5's in both Pegas MGT and FD-UR.. only spiral I use is a 2/0 FD - NS.. or comparable Olsen.. I find the Pegas spirals to be too brittle or ? and I seem to break many more of them than the others...

Beautiful job! Thanks for your service!

Naw....one day to cut....one day to shape and stain. Thank you.

Olsen blades aren't too bad.. I started out sawing using them.. and still do for some projects.. Mainly spirals and the Mach speed..

A Big Congrats on your Granddaughter And that is an Awesome job on the future Heirloom.

Looks great Paul. You got the better one for yourself, as it should be. Marg

Kevin, Thanks again for all your help with this problem. After reading your latest response and pondering how far and how much $$ I want to spend fixing this old Hawk saw, I'm coming to the conclusion that it will be better for me to just replace the saw. I have a working DeWalt saw, so I'm not out of business entirely. I think I will probably buy a Pegas saw, since it has many features that I would like. I know they are out of stock right now but I can wait. I think the Hawk stand would make a very stable table for the Pegas saw, and I would not want to scrap it out. Thanks again for all the help. Mike

FYI, you can buy the solid core Cherry plywood through HD. However, for such a beautiful project as that clock, solid wood is IMO the only way to go.

Summers spent camping and hiking with friends, way back in the day. Dad was in the Air Force, stationed down in South Georgia (fart, and they smelled it in Florida kinda South). We'd get away to go camping as often as we could, and once we had access to cars, we started driving up to the Appalachians to camp. Mountains will always hold a place in my heart. We lost track of each other after highschool, I went and joined the Navy and had a stroke or something that caused me to volunteer for submarines. Qualified on three of them before getting out in 1998. My Dad, who passed in 2009, was a big fan of Texas history, and grew up on Westerns. He knew every John Wayne and Clint Eastwood western by heart. First time I saw "Outlaw Josey Wales" was sitting on the sofa, watching it with him. Still love that movie.

The Panther really pops. ! When doing fretwork like that magnificent clock grain direction is not very helpful because of the design. If you strengthen one direction you will have just as many weak areas in the other direction. Cherry is such a beautiful wood. If you have the capability to glue up Veneers. you could make your own cherry plywood.

My first Serious Fretwork challenge. I had only been scrolling for a couple of years and it was my first ribbon presented to me by Wes Demarest who was an editor for Creative woodworking and crafts magazine back then. 2006 It was a Jeff Zaffino design. It was also my first homemade frame and attempt at matt cutting. the frame is Cherry. Baltic birch stack cut 3 up.

This takes me back about 8 years when I was trying to think what I was going to give to my wife for Valentines day. I was looking through some patterns and found this one a on a CD I had purchased and decided that that my wife might enjoy having this one for her decors. I hit the target with it, as she loved it and has it now in a prominent place in our home to this day. I also had a request for one of these from my grandson, for their wedding gift. They did not need anything for their wedding, in the way of gifts, except to maybe one of grampa's tower clocks. So this clock with always have a special place in my heart. Dick heppnerguy