apppetizer tray by Gary MacKay

[eknego@Yahoo.com]

Hi, I'm relatively new at scroll sawing and using the computer. I have started the appetizer tray. My question is when I put the table over 30 degrees the wood bangs around making it difficult to stay on the lines. I've cut inside the line and will have to sand out. My forearm gets really tired, but there is no place to stop, so I have keep cutting. Do you have any suggestions about keeping the wood flat on the table and making accurate smooth cuts? Liz

[lucky788scroller]

Possibly swith your blade choice?Try using a blade without and reverse teeth, Id suggest a size #5 Flying Dutchman Polar blade. Run your saw speed as fast as you are comfortable with, but move your wood slowly and carefully. Its probably banging around on you because you arent holding the wood up, and gravity is causing the blade to bind. Try positioning your hand so you are creating a axis on which your wood is spinning, perhaps a finger near the center of the cutout part.Hold your wood from wanting to creep down the slanted table as you cut, and rotate your wood. If your wood slides down the table, your blade is whats holding your wood up, so the blade binds.Hopefully that will help you some Liz.Practice on scraps a few trial runs, then have another go at the real thing.Take your time, an dont get discouraged, cutting bevelled cuts is trickier than it looks, but once you get the hang of it, its fun to do!

[handibunny]

Liz,
I don't know the pattern you're using, but if you're cutting at such a steep angle, is your entry hole at the proper angle and in the right direction? That can be one source of banging around. Also, be sure you're not putting pressure on the blade as you cut. At steep angles, it can be difficult to hold the wood steady, especially if the piece of wood is large, and this can cause the wood to jump. Is your wood a hard wood like oak? That may also be a factor. Otherwise, angled cuts are made like any other--it just feels strange until you get used to it. I've done 45 degree cuts with success, but it sure makes the saw look weird. Good luck.

Carole

[Max]

Liz,

I made some scroll sawn bowls that were cut at 20 degrees. I know what you're talking about. I found that it was my tendency to put pressure down toward the ground instead of against the table. (Stupid gravity!) I adjusted by position at the saw and was able to use more consistant pressure in the right direction. My suggestions are to try moving a little to the right and, like Dale says, go slow. If you try to make quick, sharp adjustments to the wood the blade will grab it, so make sure you make smooth turns. That's my two cents. Good luck with your project and post a picture when your done.

[eknego@Yahoo.com]

I will try all the suggestions. Thanks again for the help. I am using a mahogany, which is probably not the best of choices on a first time project, but that's what was laying around. Liz

[Sandy Oaks]

Hi Liz,

You got some really good suggestions. That is a very nice project. We would like to see pictures when finished.

[Ramjet]

Would it make any difference if you scrolled in the opposite direction ? The blade has one side sharper than the other . Just wondering if cutting is different for a left hander over a right hander ? Sorry not much help . LOL .
Roger

[eknego@Yahoo.com]

Hey it worked! I threw the turkey in the oven and went out to the saw. Using my fingers to create an axis on the waste, steadied the wood. Putting my fingers near the blade steadied it even more. Using a #5 polar reduced the banging. Increasing the saw speed, but going slow kept me on the lines. Standing off to the right of the machine helped me put the pressure where it was suppose to be, on the table, not going with gravity. It did take me forever to set the blade and get the right tension. I still can't do that blind, I have to crawl under the saw to find the slot. More practice I suppose. Thank you for the help. Liz

[lucky788scroller]

Cool! congrats! Id love to see a picture of it once you get some finish on it!I'm glad it worked out for you.

[KathyRo]

Hey, I hope you folks who are making these bowls will please put up some images.
I'd love to see them.
KathyRo