Where to start scrolling on a project

[jimmyG]

After the pattern is mounted and the holes are drilled (probably not correctly) I stare at it wondering where to begin. I know there has to be a formula or something.  I don't want to have a small area not supported from removing a larger section. Being new at this, I find myself cutting the most difficult area first in case i make a mistake and ruin it. Hate to have it enter the flames when it was almost finished.

[Wichman]

I couldn't get the pdf file to post here but there is a link. I've marked up the file as to where I would drill the holes and how I would start to cut  the black cat pattern from Steve Good.

I would start with the tail. Drill the pilot hole near the "V" at the base of the tail. Cut to the "V" then back up to the pilot hole, turn the piece around and back the blade to the bottom of the tail. Now start cutting the tail ( if the tail starts to vibrate or you feel it may break, stop the saw and put a piece of tape over the cut section to stabilize it ) , finish cutting the tail. Tape the waste in place with packing tape to stabilize. 

I would cut the eyes next using the same technique.

The rest of the internal cut would come next and then the out side. I would drill a pilot hole for the outside cut and do it in one go.

The arrows and numbering on the pattern are fairly small so you will have to zoom a bit to see them.

 

 

blackcat.pdf

Edited September 2, 2023 by Wichman
clarity

[jimmyG]

Thanks for the info. 

[Roberta Moreton]

I usually do very detailed fretwork. But my method should still work. I always start with the eyes. Drill them then cut them. If I mess them up, I can save the rest of the board. Move to the center and work out. Only a few holes at a time.  Finish with the outside edge. 

[FrankEV]

Well there is a different approach depending if the cutting is a positive or negative.

My approact for a negative cutting is to start with small cutouts first, basically starting from top to bottom.  I just generally progress cutting from one side to the other.  Sometimes I may do a large cluster in one area before moving across to the other side of the pattern. I simply skip the large cut outs and go back and do them last.

For positive patterns which require a continuous perimeter cut, I basically follow the same routine as above, but the perimeter will definately be cut last.

FYI, I always use a drill hole to start a perimeter cut so the waste area is continuous and can be used as an aide in positioning the cutting on the backer.

And, one more thing.  I try to look ahead at the sequence I will be cutting.  I attempt to always cut so I'm always cutting to the solid side of the cut out  last. This prevents the blade grabbing  a small piece and tearing it out.  To do this, sometomes you need to alter the sequence you intend to cut.

 

[Norm Fengstad]

On 9/10/2023 at 2:32 PM, Roberta Moreton said:

I usually do very detailed fretwork. But my method should still work. I always start with the eyes. Drill them then cut them. If I mess them up, I can save the rest of the board. Move to the center and work out. Only a few holes at a time.  Finish with the outside edge. 

Me too