cutting photo sculptures - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

origirover · 12-13-2005, 09:42 AM

Hi.
I have come across 3d photo sculptures and am wondering how to cut 1/4'' acrylic and what kind of blade would be needed in order to attain a clean crisp cut on both the applied photograph and the acrylic itself,thanks for your help,dave.

jttheclockman · 12-14-2005, 02:26 AM

Here is a little trick for you to try. Take a #7 blade any type and turn it backwards so that you are cutting with the backside of the blade. Try it on some scrap.

Old Mooner · 12-14-2005, 09:13 PM

Dave--not sure I understand the 3d part, but I use a #5 Crown Tooth blade or a #3 Reverse Tooth to cut acrylic (ref the dragons in my album). I have also used a #2 spiral with good results, but I'm not sure about the "3d" thing. Go to the Sloan's Woodshop site, www.sloanswoodshop.com, and see what they say about cutting acrylic. Mike also has some good advice at Mike's Workshop.
Moon

origirover · 12-15-2005, 12:16 AM

HI.
Thanks for the tip, i will try it but will it cut the acrylic..!
Dave.

jttheclockman · 12-15-2005, 02:51 AM

You won't believe me until you give it a try. Can't hurt on a piece of scrap. If all else fails you can use a PG or the FD version is a Polar blade. You can also use a #7 skip tooth blade but they dull faster. People like to put duct tape on top before they put the print down. This helps with the melting back together. I do not find it necessary but you can give it a try.

origirover · 12-15-2005, 11:35 PM

hi.
Thanks for the advice,you see i am cutting out photographs that have been applied to acrylic so i can't put any tape on the piece (it will destroy the photograph),i cut the background out to make a ''3d sculpture '' as they are generaly called,the worry is that i can't have any heating up of the crylic or the photograph will be destroyed,not can i have the photograph fraying on me,this is one for the professionals !!
thanks gents.
david.

jttheclockman · 12-16-2005, 02:07 AM

Give the backwards blade a try. But try on some scrap so you see what kind of presure you have to put on it.

12-13-2005, 09:42 AM	#1
origirover Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 3	cutting photo sculptures Hi. I have come across 3d photo sculptures and am wondering how to cut 1/4'' acrylic and what kind of blade would be needed in order to attain a clean crisp cut on both the applied photograph and the acrylic itself,thanks for your help,dave.

12-15-2005, 12:16 AM	#4
origirover Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 3	3d photo sculpture HI. Thanks for the tip, i will try it but will it cut the acrylic..! Dave.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Photo Pattern	parrot lover	Off Topic	19	04-25-2009 03:34 AM
First Photo Portraits	jacks699	Fretwork and Portraits	7	05-24-2007 09:07 PM
Photo to pattern	kennymill	General Scroll Saw	5	04-17-2007 01:00 PM
Photo Gallery	jttheclockman	General Scroll Saw	13	05-19-2005 11:27 AM
Looking for Pattern or Photo	alarchie	General Carving	5	11-13-2003 12:59 PM

12-14-2005, 02:26 AM	#2
jttheclockman Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 743	Here is a little trick for you to try. Take a #7 blade any type and turn it backwards so that you are cutting with the backside of the blade. Try it on some scrap.

12-14-2005, 09:13 PM	#3
Old Mooner Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Sherman, Texas Posts: 284	Dave--not sure I understand the 3d part, but I use a #5 Crown Tooth blade or a #3 Reverse Tooth to cut acrylic (ref the dragons in my album). I have also used a #2 spiral with good results, but I'm not sure about the "3d" thing. Go to the Sloan's Woodshop site, www.sloanswoodshop.com, and see what they say about cutting acrylic. Mike also has some good advice at Mike's Workshop. Moon __________________ Old Mooner

12-15-2005, 02:51 AM	#5
jttheclockman Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 743	You won't believe me until you give it a try. Can't hurt on a piece of scrap. If all else fails you can use a PG or the FD version is a Polar blade. You can also use a #7 skip tooth blade but they dull faster. People like to put duct tape on top before they put the print down. This helps with the melting back together. I do not find it necessary but you can give it a try.

12-15-2005, 11:35 PM	#6
origirover Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 3	hi. Thanks for the advice,you see i am cutting out photographs that have been applied to acrylic so i can't put any tape on the piece (it will destroy the photograph),i cut the background out to make a ''3d sculpture '' as they are generaly called,the worry is that i can't have any heating up of the crylic or the photograph will be destroyed,not can i have the photograph fraying on me,this is one for the professionals !! thanks gents. david.

12-16-2005, 02:07 AM	#7
jttheclockman Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 743	Give the backwards blade a try. But try on some scrap so you see what kind of presure you have to put on it.