confused beginner here...

[georgiacowgirl]

On a silhouette pattern, or any fretwork pattern in general, how do you cut the lines "in" something. If there isn't a hole cut that's big enough to get the blade in, how do you just "start" with a line? I can't explain it very well. Sorry.

like...how would you cut out the smiley's mouth? There isn't a way to start it? is there?

[azbison]

The trick is VERY small drill bits. THey call them indexing drill bits at Woodcraft.

[georgiacowgirl]

Ok. Thanks, i get that. Next question. Do all scroll saw blades come in the same size or do they make them thinner?

[Marsha]

I think what you're talking about is called veining. To do veining, you must use the smallest drill bit that will allow the blade to pass through the hole. Looking at the smiley for instance, you would cut the mouth by first drilling a small entry hole at one end of the mouth line. You would then insert the saw blade into the entry hole and cut the mouth line to the opposite end, stop your blade and remove it from the cut.
I hope this explains it for you
Marsha
You were obviously typing at the same time I was.
Yes there are blades in lots of different sizes, some so small you can hardly see the teeth on them. Check out this website to see the different size blades and corresponding drill bits available.
Mike's Workshop English featuring: my life story, a cancer survivor, scrollsawing samples and tips, community service, list of favorite sites and Flying Dutchman fretsaw blades for sale.

[georgiacowgirl]

Thank you both. I'll get to looking at that site now. Thanks again.

[mdvt]

First, welcome cowgirl!
Second, I just posted a response to some one else about "veining". I went back and copied what I wrote. Here is what it said....
"Make it look good to you. Example. I just did a picture that had oak leaves in it. Each vein of the leaf was supposed to be a cut line. I had my doubts, so I tryed one on a piece of scrap wood. Ugly! Idea! I used my wood burning tool and burned the veins. My wife loves it!!!!
Some patterns won't look good like this, but it leaves you another option
Mike

[Bill Wilson]

Sometimes a really small blade isn't necessarily the best choice for veining. It can be hard to see in darker woods. Depending on the pattern and the material a spiral blade may be another option, especially if hiding the entry hole is important.

[Pajaro]

Welcome Georgiacowgirl from Big D Dallas Texas. There are about as many different blades as there are stars. It will take some time to get a handle on what is what. Just don't get disappointed if you get lost. Back up, take a deep breath, and jump back in. But once you get sawdust in your blood. You will be addicted for life.