New method for tough woods

[azbison]

I've been working to stretch the envelope for compound cutting and I've been experimenting with woods that you would not think of to use for compound cutting. Today I've been cutting Mesquite that is 1 1/2 inches thick. Mesquite is a tough wood. It's hard and heavy, and has a very interlocked grain. Not only that, but it's a burny wood, so while I am getting beautiful results, it was slow going and I had some faces getting a bit torched. So I had a wild hair and I put a few pieces in the freezer.

Holy cow, it worked. The pieces cut faster and easier, and don't torch. So I'm going to try it out with Cherry and Maple to see if that helps them.

I'll keep you updated.

[lucky788scroller]

Neat idea. Things so simple as that get overlooked,and I think you stumbled across something here! Keep us pusted, as I usually do my compound cuttings out of exotics and as you call them, other 'burny' woods.

[m_r_dxn]

Huh....I never would have guessed that one! Definately keep us posted on this. I'm really interested in hearing more results on this one!

[Wood Dog]

Keep those wild hairs.........very interesting. How long did you keep the wood in the freezer before cutting? Did you put it in the freezer with the pattern on or off? Thanks for sharing, and giving us another easy out.

[Andy]

Things that make you go Hmmmmm ....

Keep those gears turning in overdrive!!

Andy

[Ramjet]

Neat idea . Don't know why but steaks jumped into my head . Cut a pattern in them while still frozen , bbq and serve . How would you get the pattern to stick ? Maybe not such a great idea .Would probably have to cut them in a freezer ,or a bit at a time refreeze , cut some more .
Can you imagine the look on someone's face when you serve a puppy or kitten or .
Forget it . Stick with wood .
Roger

[Pastor-Ed]

Roger,
That is funny right there, I don't care who you are!

If you all hear a terrible scream coming from the direction of Kansas you will know I just served my mother-in-law a kitten steak!

(Giggling so loud my secretaries think I've finally lost it)

Ed

[azbison]

Originally Posted by Wood Dog

Keep those wild hairs.........very interesting. How long did you keep the wood in the freezer before cutting? Did you put it in the freezer with the pattern on or off? Thanks for sharing, and giving us another easy out.

I had it all ready to go. I use a jig that has two pieces ready to go and I stick the whole thing in the freezer for about 2-4 hours before cutting. I'm going to build some more jigs so I can get 8-16 pieces ahead and in the freezer. This way I can yank it out of the freezer and stick it in the saw and go to town.

[Cashmere Scroller]

Nice idea Azbison, I am wondering how long does it stay with you. Will the freezing last through the entire cutting or does it need a second or third go around in the ice box.

Ron C.

[minowevie]

Jim that is very interesting, you all know, that I am dabbling in carving these days. but still cant' leave my scroll saw for long. one of the things I am learning, Is, I can wet my wood with 1/2 denatured alcohol, and 1/2 water. to soften the wood. to carve easier. I am just wondering what this wood do for hard woods in fret work.OR compound cuttings, I know the grain raising thing, but I am going to try it. and freezing it just might help that also. I am just wondering what this would do to my blades. and table top. mine is aluminum. and I am not talking dripping wet wood. just moistened. I now some folks keep there wood in plastic , between cuttings. so what am I trying to say hear. there is the missing link . I know also, lots of folks rap there projects in tape. soooo what would some bees wax do to one side of the project. or even all 4 sides? just fooling around with some ideas. see what you did Jim. you got my spenders up. your friend Evie
Ps. I am also wondering about the warping. the alcohol helps dry wood right. so would that compensate.?