Finally getting started

[Ron Stewart]

I picked up a used Ryobi 16 in saw from my cousin. May not be the best one to use, but I got it for $25. So far i have just cut on some scrap I had laying around. Trying to learn the saw. I can see how this becomes addicting though.

[Kepy]

Congrats on an excellent start. You might want to start preparing a budget as you will find there all kinds of things that you just have to have.

[scrollpup]

Originally Posted by Kepy

......... You might want to start preparing a budget as you will find there all kinds of things that you just have to have.

LOL Kepy!! Thats funny, but SO true! In the past year I've bought (all used of course) two DeWalt 788's (one for Mom), a Craftsman table saw identical to the one I have (hate swapping blades), a Craftsman 6" planer/jointer, a Craftsman 12" planer, a Grizzly dust collector, and an old sliding miter saw.

I'm still waiting on a good price for a band saw , and the time to be able to enjoy all of them........ hehehehe

Hope you have fun making dust Ron, and welcome to the forums.


Jerry

[mtnman]

Ron -- Good to have you off and scrolling. Last November, I started off with a Ryobi too. Then in March I upgraded to a DeWalt. It is fun and I've been amazed at what all I've been able to accomplish. If you have questions as you progress, this is the place to ask them. And do show us pics of what you are making.

[Ron Stewart]

Thanks for the welcome. I will be posting pics when I actually start a project. I hear ya about the budget. In the past few months I've bought a craftsman compound miter saw, a craftsman bandsaw(that I cant use. Wife bought it at a garage sale and it didnt come with the trunion or table), craftsman 6" jointer/planer, the ryobi scrollsaw. All this used. I also got a Skil saw new. I dont have a tablesaw yet, and I really dont have room for it. mtnman, seems we have alot in common. If I'm not fishing I'm in the garage cutting up something.

[Ron Stewart]

When I try to make a tight curve my blade twist and turns and messes up the cut. Am I going too fast or is something wrong with the blade?
Also, other than selecting a certain type of wood, what is the best wood for projects in general? Thanks again

[Bill Wilson]

Hey Ron, welcome!

Making tight turns it a little tricky, even for veteran scrollers. It starts with the size of the blade. The smaller the blade, the easier to make the turns, but the slower the cut. The trick is finding the blade with the best combination of size and aggressiveness.

I will often nibble a little of the waste area out in a really tight corner, giving the blade just enough room to make the turn. That isn't always an option, depending on the pattern, but in cases where you can't do this, try slowing down your feed rate and maybe use a smaller blade.

As for the best wood, that is a matter of personal preference. There is no one best wood. In fact, I would say that the best wood is often the one that you have available. That said, Baltic birch plywood is very popular with scrollers. It's stable, cuts smoothly and consistently, available in several different thicknesses and works really well for those very delicate patterns. I like to cut mostly native hardwoods. I don't notice a whole lot of difference from one species to another, but some are definitely harder than others. Every wood has it's pros and cons, especially when you take other factors into account like appearance, how it takes a finish, cost and availability, etc.

[Ron Stewart]

Thanks Bill. I only have the blade that came in the saw. I have no idea what it is. I will go to the store and see if I can look at some blades. The wood I have on hand is just plain ole bc plywood. I guess it will be good for starters.

[ubgoofy2003]

Wecome Ron. Sounds like you are hooked. If your blades don't co-operate, it may not be tight enough with tension. Keep it tight.(ping) with your finger. Blades are very important, as they give you control. Cheap blades will just cause you grief. I use Flying Dutchman blades & they are great. Mikesworkshop.com will help you if you need it. I would suggest, if you buy blades locally, try them out before you get a supply. You are doing the right thing in practicing on scrap wood. When you feel comfortable & have control then jump into a project. Good Luck --- Perk

[Ron Stewart]

Originally Posted by ubgoofy2003

Wecome Ron. Sounds like you are hooked. If your blades don't co-operate, it may not be tight enough with tension. Keep it tight.(ping) with your finger. Blades are very important, as they give you control. Cheap blades will just cause you grief. I use Flying Dutchman blades & they are great. Mikesworkshop.com will help you if you need it. I would suggest, if you buy blades locally, try them out before you get a supply. You are doing the right thing in practicing on scrap wood. When you feel comfortable & have control then jump into a project. Good Luck --- Perk

Thanks. I looked on Mike's site, but all of his blades are pinless. I also looked at olson blades. You are right about tension. I tightened the blade and it worked better. I don't have a pic yet, but I drew my wife's initials and cut them out. Not a good job, but she liked it.