Blow out on back side of cuts

[Aberdeen Gray]

Hello ye experts!

I'm new, so please bare with me if my question is simple. Is there a way to prevent plywood from chipping on the backside of cuts? I will add three pics attached. One is the front of cuts( seems pretty smooth on the kerf area)  then the other two are the back sides of some practice cuts, where they seems chipped and jagged. I'm using a Delta scroll saw, and Flying Dutchman puzzle blades, speed about 4-5, so a medium, not slow and not fast. Tension seems to be fine. Is there a trick to avoid this issue because it looks yucky . SOS

 

Cheers! Jen

 

[crupiea]

I have been attaching a 1/8" backing piece. I use blue tape all around the edge. 

I still use the same blades but just have to go a bit slower and watch the tension.  Worst case, one size bigger blade, just see how it goes for you.  The backer will have the blow outs and the top piece will be nice.  

[Aberdeen Gray]

20 minutes ago, crupiea said:

I have been attaching a 1/8" backing piece. I use blue tape all around the edge. 

I still use the same blades but just have to go a bit slower and watch the tension.  Worst case, one size bigger blade, just see how it goes for you.  The backer will have the blow outs and the top piece will be nice.  

Brilliant!!!! Gosh, thank you!

[Dan]

Also, be sure to use good quality plywood. Home Depot and Lowes plywood are not the best for scrolling. Baltic birch plywood is what most scrollers use. 

[Hawk]

I will echo what the others have said and add to watch your cutting speed, that can make a real difference.

Chris

[Aberdeen Gray]

3 hours ago, Dan said:

Also, be sure to use good quality plywood. Home Depot and Lowes plywood are not the best for scrolling. Baltic birch plywood is what most scrollers use. 

Yes indeed, Baltic Birch, although my practice pieces pictured were of lesser grade birch plywood, as not to waste to much of the better stuff. Thanks!

[preprius]

kinda off topic. 

Your work seems like extreme puzzling shapes. Are you using printed patterns? Or are these your own freehand creations?