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[asmurff]

I posted an introduction earlier this year, but then got swamped with other things and ended up letting my scroll saw sit for the summer. Now I'm back at trying to learn it and am working on the Skeletons from the magazine. I have one quick question. I'm using 1/4" oak plywood with a Flying Dutchmen SR #5, can anyone tell what the recommended speed on a Dremel 1830 should be for this wood and blade. I've been setting it right at the mid point.

[marshall]

asmurff: I'm not an expert , but you can start at midway or a little above and progress faster if need be. Just remember let the saw do the cutting and don't force your work. I know that forcing your work will likely cause blade breakage ! You know that this morning I broke 3 blades , for I was in a hurry to cut though 5 pieces of 1/4 inch material . I ran out of No. 1 reverse Flying Dutchman blades , and used a No. 2/0 Reverse . And also probably was pushing the material > just to big of a hurry, that will always get one in trouble . Keep scrolling with it and it will come too you, for it did me . Anyway Good Luck Marshall

[KathyRo]

Hello, asmurff and welcome.
KathyRo

[turningnut]

Welcome asmurff, welcome to the forum and come back often. You will not find a better bunch of people on the web.

[minowevie]

Welcome back asmurff, glad you found your way back.
I cut alot of 1/4 oak plywood. and I find the #5 is a bit big for me. but on the Skeletons, you don't have such small frets to cut so I guess that will work fine for you. as far as the speed. I don't think it matters. it really is up to you to find what speed is comfotablae to you. go slow, or speed up at points. sometimes a new blade can be brutal. so I slow down till it dulls some. just make sure your table is squar with the blade, and the tention is right. with FD blades , you need a tight tention. glad to see you again, your friend Evie

[Sandy Oaks]

Hi asmurff,

Welcome back to the site. I think you got the right information on speed.

Denny

[Fremmed]

Hi Asmurff

For 1/4 oak plywood, I normally use either a #3 or #1 if I need more detail. As far as speed goes, I set mine at high speed for most cuts. Now solid oak has a very uneven grain, and sometimes I slow the speed when doing tight fretwork. But, like Evie said, set your speed where you feel comfortable.

[Barefoot1]

I would have to agree that for me a #5 is a bit big and I would suggest a #1 FD reverse as you will get a lot of fuzzies with plywood. I use small hobby files to get rid of the fuzzies i do get although some folks use a small torch.

[asmurff]

I really appreciate the input. I was using the #5 because it was recommended in the article, no fine fret work on these. I've already cut out the heads, and am working on the chest now and must say I'm having fun.