Travis

I can only think of a Forstner bit, but you're right, it will leave a point in the center. The point is necessary, otherwise the bit will wander while drilling. The only other way I can think of is using a lathe.

Stores who buy wholesale (meaning they buy a bunch of them with money up front) will want to buy it at 1/2 price. However, if they're doing it on consignment, they can't expect the same amount of profit since they're not taking any of the risk or investment. I'd say 30-40% would be reasonable for consignment. I think Etsy is your best bet, but it is easy to get lost with the sheer volume of folks selling. Artfire is another one I'd look into. Here's a couple pages that might also help: http://athomemomblog.com/where-to-sell-crafts-online/ http://www.craftster.org/blog/online-ve ... ade-goods/

I use a spray adhesive like 3M 77 Super Multipurpose Adhesive (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000A ... B0000AZ735). You can find them in most hardware stores and some craft stores. Read the back of the can and it has instructions for temporary bonds. Usually what I do is spray the back of the pattern, wait 20-30 seconds until it feels tacky like a post it note, then stick it to the wood. Then I cover the pattern with clear packing tape. It should remove fairly easily. If not, just pour a bit of mineral spirits onto a rag or paper towel and wet the pattern. In a few moments, it'll turn translucent. Then the pattern should just fall off.

I'd suggest Mike's Workshop too. It sounds like he ships to the UK. He's a really great guy, so if you have any blade questions, be sure to pick his brain. He's really quick to respond and a pleasure to work with. I personally use the Scroll Reverse blades in #3, #5, and #7. I also use his spiral blades #3 as well for portrait cutting. You can check out his variety pack too, which has a nice sampling of blades. Welcome to the hobby!

Sorry for the double post. I also posted it in the tutorials section in the Help & Feedback forum (which is a locked forum). At any rate, here's a quick video on the easiest way to download patterns from the Pattern Library. Simply put, click the thumbnail of the pattern you want. This will take you to the pattern's page. This page has a larger image of the pattern, plus some additional information below it. Click the pattern and a pop-up window will appear with the full size pattern. Simply Right-Click and choose "Save Image As..." and save the full size pattern to your computer. From there, you can open up the picture and print according to your favorite method (Here's how I print patterns, and Here's the way I print Oversized Patterns).

There's a couple patterns in the Library. Not a whole lot for boats/maritime, though. You can try a Dover clipart book like this one: <!-- m -->http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/048699 ... 0486999793<!-- m --> You'll have to create your own pattern, but these are great resources.

You did an amazing job on those. I really enjoyed the pictures of the process. Nicely done!

Hi Evad. Check out this post. I think this should help. Let me know if you run into any troubles. viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1350#p7829

I've used markers before and they work well too. I prefer the alcohol based markers (the ones that stink when you open the cap). These can be found at art supply stores. I've also used watercolor and thinned down acrylic craft paint. Both work well.

Shoot me an email at [email protected] and I'll get you back into your old username.

What are you currently working on? Any big plans for Memorial Day weekend? I'm hoping to go camping over the weekend (depending on weather). If that falls through, I have to clean up the garage and I have 3-4 patterns that I'd like to get cut out. H'bout you? What's on your bench?

That's pretty neat. I really like seeing the armature he's using. I tried to find other pix of his process, but with no luck. I'm sure he's keeping it a trade secret. Thanks for sharing!

The link didn't go anywhere. Perhaps attache it to the forum? I look forward to seeing it.

I don't use Olson, but if you had Flying Dutchman, I'd probably step up to a more aggressive blade like the #5 FD Scroll Reverse. A skip tooth blade might work well for you too.

Congrats! That's awesome. Sounds like you're having a lot of fun. Time to get workin'

This looks like the one toolbeltman is using (http://www.woodcraft.com/product/200208 ... dging.aspx). I've been eyeballing this one for awhile. I just can't bring myself to spending $40 for one. But it looks comfortable enough and being able to wash it is a big plus. You might also want to check the pharmacy. I bet they have cloth masks too. Don't know what kind of protection it would have, but I would think it would be comparable.

That looks great! You did an amazing job on it. That will be a heirloom that people will treasure. Nicely done!

Pattern-making is like anything else, the more you do the easier it gets. Think back to when you first started scrolling. If you are anything like me, the first projects are pretty embarrassing. But after you get a few projects under your belt, it becomes second nature. Feel free to post your pattern in progress if you'd like some feedback or get stuck in a certain area. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

This is a REALLY long video, but it has some really great info for those wanting to do some craft shows to sell their scroll sawn art.

There's nothing wrong with MDF. It cuts really nice. I've used it in a few pieces myself. The wood isn't what many people consider pretty, but certainly in certain circumstances it looks really nice.. It just depends on how you like it when it's cut and finished. (Be sure to wear a dusk mask when cutting MDF, though. It has a lot of toxic resins and fine powder that can cause health issues). One thing you can do to dress it up is paint it before hand, then cut it. That way you have a nice color and texture on the surface, and the sides shows through as dark, which really adds a lot to the contrast and makes the details pop. You can paint it a flat color, or if you are a little more daring, you can sponge on some color. Start with a background color and paint the wood in that flat color. Then with different color, dip your sponge into the paint, dab it a few times on paper towel, then dab it onto the wood. It creates a lot of character to the wood. Use light colors if doing a portrait so the shadow (holes and the sides of the MDF) have a lot of contrast. Check YouTube out for more faux painting techniques for more ideas. You can also decoupage some material on the wood before cutting. Paint the wood a base color, then with white school glue (the type that dries clear...like Elmer's), glue on pieces of paper. I like using tissue paper. Make sure you rip the paper instead of cutting. Check out some of the work from realFez. He does a lot of work in MDF and he does some really nice work.

Why do you enjoy scroll sawing? A simple question. Its easy to answer with one or two words without thinking much about it. But give it some thought. Why do you scroll?

Here's a direct link for ya. http://www.mediafire.com/?lk54k2z9aadahud

I found this supplier http://www.timberlefevere.co.uk/eng/rubberwood.html Not sure if that would work for you or not. Here's also a list of suppliers. Some are only commercial, some may sell to the general public. Might be worth going through the list. http://www.alibaba.com/countrysearch/UK ... plier.html

http://www.youtube.com/user/sdgood/vide ... =excalibur Looks like he has several videos on the Excalibur. Might be worth checking out.

Congrats on your new toy! I bet you're going to love it! Can't wait to see your first project off your new saw.