RangerJay

Looks like it will take a little getting used to - I had the same trouble - then answered the little arithmetic question - and away the post went ..... maybe they want us to improve our math skills (and that was my worst subject in school) ...... Jay

I don't tend to be a prolific poster - but like others - I found myself suffering withdrawal symptoms as each day goes by without the SSWC forum - it was my main "goto" scrollsaw forum - but having said that - my daily "fix" is now being very well met through this site - it's a great site - and I see enough familiar names on it to know that I'm not the only one from SSWC to move over here ..... when the SSWC forum gets back up and running I will be doubly blessed with two great sites - actually I guess triple blessed - have also been spending more time over at Scrollsaw Workshop Forum as well ....... Jay

There are a few tools you can use. If the backside is not going to be seen then a torch does the quickest job of cleaning up fuzzies - it does leave burn marks. If a torch is not practical for the fuzzies then there are a few other approaches: a folded and very narrow strip of 150 or 220 grit sandpaper on your finger is about the simplest method. A set of rifflers does a great job - particularly on those hard-to-get-at spots and a set of diamond carving burrs gently used in your dremel tool also does well. For taking out the little ridges on inside cuts the diamond carving burrs and/or small sanding drums on your Dremel really can't be beat. For softening the hard edges of fretwork you might try a well broken in sanding map on an old cordless drill - mine is a ancient 7.2 volt Makita that does not have a lot of power nor speed. I keep a very light touch with the mop and pass it over the piece in all 4 directions. Does a great job. Jay

This is a pretty basic piece of rough carpentry. The top (plywood on 2X6's) sits directly on top of a second circular piece of plywood that ties in the top of the legs. Pivot point is a spike - I did not use a lazy susan bearing. There is enough friction from the weight of the tools that there is no unwanted rotation. I did include stop holes with the idea of inserting a second spike to prevent unwanted rotation but have never felt the need to use them. When I need to rotate the table I lift slightly at two adjacent 2X6's and simply shift the table top 1/3 a turn in whatever direction I need. My version of this table was definitely built with function, not form, in mind - if I recall correctly the original plans had quite a bit more finesse about them ..... I took a couple extra pictures to show the underside. Jay

Here's a couple pictures. Currently set-up to use the drill press. Turning the table top clockwise 1/3 turn will bring the jointer to the front or counter-clockwise 1/3 turn will bring the router table to the front. I think I originally got the design for this from an old Popular Mechanics magazine - some 30 years ago ...... Jay

Maybe consider making a lazy susan type tool stand that holds multiple bench top tools. I've used on for decades that holds 3 pieces of equipment on a much smaller footprint than needed if I had to find space for each one to stand alone. Currently it holds my bench top drill press, jointer and router table. It wouldn't accommodate the large square footprint of an Excalibur but perhaps might work with one of the ones that are narrower and more triangular in shape. If it wouldn't be feasible for a scrollsaw it might provide you with new choices for other bench top equipment thus freeing up space for your scrollsaw.

I've put my armchair judges hat on and taken a thorough look at all the evidence ...... It is my considered judgement that if you end up in trouble with making a pattern of your own children, from a photo you had commissioned and paid for, then cut a scrolled portrait as an additional family memento, to be hung in your own home, never to be sold ..... well ..... then the rest of us are pretty much fugitives at large ...... Jay

Never had anything dramatic like those listed here - but find it really interesting how my own "safety ethic" took a long time to develop ..... In my first decades of woodworking I never wore hearing protection, rarely wore eye protection, and would wear dust masks only when I couldn't breath. Now I'm 65 and don't feel so invincible anymore. Today I wear eye protection whenever I'm in the shop for the whole time I'm in the shop - I have a portable dust collector that serves the scrollsaw, the sanders and the dremel tool very well - I wear a dust mask for all the other tools whenever they are on - and now I wear hearing protection for the planer, jointer and table saw and noisy portable/hand tools (and yes - I have hearing aids now ...... oh ...... and volunteer with the Canadian Hearing Society .......). I guess age really does bring wisdom ...... Jay

Pattern-makers are in the business of making patterns for the rest of us - and the good ones are really great at it - far better than I ever will be. I love doing those detailed projects with patterns done by the really great pattern-makers. These projects - when well done - get a lot of oohs and aahs - they give me many kudos and a lot of personal satisfaction - so it becomes important to give credit where credit is due and that the pattern-maker gets fully recognized and acknowledged for their work and their skill. Jay

I had the same frustration you are having now - but then - on advice through this forum - switched to Mikes Flying Dutchman Spirals with Flat Ends - frustration gone - spiral blades are now a joy to use. Jay

Spiral blades are worth the practice it takes to become comfortable with them - the right blade and the right speed are key - no pushing. Jay

Love old Westerns - and this is one of my favourites - great job. Jay

Very nice cutting. Jay

Carefully slice the drip off with a sharp chisel before sanding - this is not difficult to do as long as you haven't let it dry too hard - then sand smooth and apply the next coat. Jay

Mine has a factory installed automatic indicator that tells me when maintenance is due - it starts to squeak and clack ..... louder and louder as time goes on ...... Jay

Super work - looks great. Jay

Nice and very comfortable looking shop. You say you are not organized???? - well the pictures don't show it! - if you really want to see what unorganized looks like then I'll send you a couple pictures of my own shop ...... Jay

Like others I use a magnifying lens/light steadily - and also like others - I seem to make regular but minor adjustments to accommodate my glasses - this hasn't been a big deal - but noticeable. I've sometimes wondered if a set of magnifying goggles or visor would be an improvement. Also, despite the excellent light thrown by the magnifying lens I also add even more light from the side so that the blade will cast a shadow on the work - this helps relate the position of the blade to the pattern. Jay

Hi Edward, That is a nice looking display and you have some really impressive pieces - in fact all are very well done - you've obviously got a lot of talent and spend the time and effort it takes to finish your work off nicely. Take what I am saying with a grain of salt here - I have yet to do my first craft show so am really keen on learning what others have done, how they have made out and what they plan on doing different ....... Having said that ...... - there is quite a mixed bag of material - although all are well done I wonder if a more structured display might help? - perhaps by price? by theme? by level of difficulty? by season? - all of the price tags are displayed - I'm sure there is good logic behind this but I can't help but think that it takes away from the "art" in the pieces. - is pricing consistent with the going rates in your area? - are the products you offer and the setup of your display geared to the audience you might expect? For example - I live in a "huntin and fishin" part of the world - I might guess that these kinds of items would sell well in venues that attracted that kind of audience (particularly where tourism is a big part of the economy) - and that religious pieces might sell better in the broader "arts and crafts" venues that attracted a little different (perhaps older) crowd? - are the craft fair organizers doing their job in setting up, marketing and running the event? Hope this might be helpful - but I'm sure I have more to learn from you than you from me ..... Thanks, Jay

Very nicely done - a great looking project! Thanks, Jay

That is an incredible piece. Jay

Must have been a really tough pattern! I can't see it! :-| Jay