Tape Use

[RichB]

I have read here about Blue Painters tape and Packing Tape use when cutting a portrait. My question is as follows. I understand the Blue Painters tape on the wood, for easy removal of the pattern, but why is the packing tape put on top of the pattern? I will be stacking two 1/8 BB and hold them to gather with painters tape on the edge but, I am a little lost on the use of the packing tape. Thanks Rich

[Bill Wilson]

Well, all I can say is that there are a wide variety of methods and theories when it comes to tape and scrolling. Under pattern, over pattern, masking tape vs packing tape, all have been widely debated and I don't think there is a clear consenus on the specific application. What does seem to be pretty well established is that tape (whether masking or packing) provides some measure of lubrication for the blade and helps them cut better and last longer. A member of our scroll saw club was cutting some Corian and claimed that only a certain brand of clear packing tape helped and that he tried other brands and types of tape, with no success.

Personally I like to apply tape over the pattern, because the spray adhesive I use is easier to remove from the wood than any tape I've used. Now I haven't used blue painter's tape yet, because the expense doesn't warrant it for me. But my method works OK. Your mileage may vary. That's the great thing about scrolling and this forum, you ask for ideas, tips, tricks, etc and you get all kinds of options. Then you try some out for yourself and see which ones work for you. There are very few things that can't be done a variety of ways and it all comes down to personal preference.

[unixpro]

Yes, tape is one of those things you're going to have to experiment with for yourself and come to your own conclusions. The goals are to lubricate the blade and make pattern removal as easy as possible.

Personally, I use the clear packing tape over the wood, then glue the pattern to that. This has worked well for me and I'll probably continue to use it. The only real issue I have with it is then I have some very, very delicate fretwork the tape will sometimes cause a break. If I'm careful, I don't usually have the problem. I've tried the blue tape as well but simply can't justify the expense. As Bill said, your mileage may vary.

[Pajaro]

I agree it is a personal choice. If a project can be finished in a day or two I will use just plane masking tape. If longer I'll use blue painters. I do use the clear packing tape when cutting Hard Maple to help cut down on the burning that might occur. And if I am not stack cutting I just glue the pattern to the wood. Trial and error is the best way to find out what works for you.

[RichB]

Thanks for the help it does clear up some thoughts. My real thought was why use painters tape and clear packing tape with the packing tape on top of everything. Does this help hold the small pieces and the pattern together better? Thanks Rich

[Mick Walker]

I have tried Scotch, 2" clear packing tape over the pattern and end up with sawdust between the tape and the pattern. Maybe it is the wrong type of packing tape. I could never see that the blade lasted any longer with or without the packing tape. I use the purple painter's tape, I can leave it on the wood for weeks and it comes off easily.

[Bill Wilson]

Personally I don't see an advantage to using both tapes on the same piece, but as stated, it all evolves out of individual preferences born out of experimentation. As you said, the blue painters tape is probably used because of ease of removal. The packing tape is typically used for the blade lube. Maybe some folks like to use both to get the benefits of both. IMHO, one or the other is fine, using both is overkill, but admittedly I've never tried it either.

[wood-n-things]

I adhere my pattern with spray adhesive directly to the wood and then cover entire pattern with clear packing tape which I buy at the dollar store.

Does this help hold the small pieces and the pattern together better? Thanks Rich

If you try cutting with the above methods you will quickly see that the tape does not hold smaller pieces in place, as once they are cut their is nothing to bind too their will be a kerf cut around the entire area. I keep a roll of masking tape handy and place a hunk over small areas once they are cut out to help stabilize the area if needed.

[RichB]

I just did some practice on a piece with the pattern glued on the wood with no tape. Now it is hard to get the sticky glue off the part. I used 3M super 77. The pattern came of great with a little Min Spirits. My next one will be with Painters Tape and no packing tape. This is my first pattern and it has a lot of very close cuts. I like the idea of putting tape on the small cuts after cutting. I plan on this being the real thing. Thanks Rich

[minowevie]

Hi Rich, I am one of those who don't use any tape at all.I just glue the pattern on the wood.except-- painters tape on my cuts to hold the pieces in the cuts like a puzzle. to give the project strength, but no tape on the wood before, the pattern. it is my understanding, that it might lube the blade some. but I just find it a bother, and extra exspence. that I don't need. the mineral spirits takes it off just fine, and then a little more to get the glue off the wood.just my 2 cents. your friend Evie