Please don't laugh too hard !!

[Spirithorse]

Nicely done, Jack and I really think Tim made a good point. It's nice to look back
and see the first project you ever did.
There are lots of scroller's forums around with pattern makers glad to help with
requests so, just ask around if you have any particular interests in pattern types.
God Bless! Spirithorse

[Wood Dog]

Enjoy the journey Jack, it is a sweeeeet hobby. You will see how fast you improve, keep scrolling, we all needed practice when we first started, and lots of us still do. Hope Santa likes his new ride.

[Hawaiilad]

Jack, I think you did very good for your first try. With practice you will start out on a design and before you know it, you will be finished cutting and all you did was just turn wood around a bit on the saw. It will come natural to you in no time. I remember my first (about 30 odd years ago) and yours looks much better. Once you have some good blades you will want a better saw and on and on. Drop Mike at Flying Dutchman a note and ask him what blades would be best for you to use. His prices and shipping are more than fair.

[cpowell]

I see what you did with the wood grain and think its pretty good. Luan is really difficult to work with; I know because I tried when I was starting. I was warned that it was splintery but didn't understand until I started cutting.
This is good for a first try and you really should get some blades from Mike. They will make a world of difference. You might try to starter pack he has then pick your favorites.
About those places where you started and stopped; remember, sanding erases a lot of mistakes.

[Rolf]

As Evilbadger said put your name and date on this and keep it!
This was a great first project. and you learned a lot from it. You did stack cutting, learned about wood quality and you Had FUN!

[sawman101]

You're off to a great start Jack. You'll be amazed at how rapidly your cutting skills will increase. Luan is low quality ply, and I have used it as the bottom piece when stack cutting, to minimize tear-out on the pieces being cut in the stack above it. However, sometimes that bottom piece of luan looks good enough to keep too. For the pattern you just cut, I would have used a #1 or #3 reverse tooth blade, but that's just my personal preference. I rate the Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blade very high. Not the fastest cutting, but the smoothest, with minimal fuzzing or tear out, and no burning.
Happy sawdusting!

[WildmanJack]

Man you guys and gal are amazing. I found that Lowes sells Baltic Birch so I'll head over there next week and buy a bunch. I'll also order a starter pack from Mike. Right now we're gettin about an inch an hour or better of rain from this tropical storm off shore and the power has been off all night. So I think I'll probably take a bit of a nap and wait till it dries out before I head out. Any of you in SW Florida know what I'm talkin about it's miserable, and the 45 mph winds aren't helping..
Again folks thanks a million for all the words off encouragement, this will be an fun indoor hobby for me..
Jack

[PatteM]

Hi Jack - actually, a pretty good job for your first try! Your only "mistake" was in trying something that complicated -- nothing like diving right in there! If it was me, I'd continue using the luan -- or any other cheap/free wood -- for practicing. If you've read much of the forum here, you'll find reference to "designer firewood" -- better that should be inexpensive stuff! You're off to a really good start, so just keep going!

[Dragon]

Jack
I think your cutting is very good. As you gain experience you will get better and select patterns that are suited for your level.
There are many blades that are good depending on what wood you are cutting and how thick. Give Mike from a call and he can guide you as to which ones are better for you to use. When I started he was so helpful on the telephone and gave me many pointers.
Mike's Workshop English featuring: my life story, a cancer survivor, scrollsawing samples and tips, community service, list of favorite sites and Flying Dutchman fretsaw blades for sale.
Diane

[WildmanJack]

Thank you Diane, your words of encouragement are greatly appreciated. I intend to call Mike and get the blades I need. I am also looking around for a better saw. The Craftsman that I have vibrates like mad and drives me nuts... So I'm thinking maybe a DeWalt. Probably as much as I can really afford to spend..
Thanks again..
Jack