kcortese

OK everyone, and thank you very much for the advise. I will continue working with tape and spray adhesive. I played around with inkjet transfers yesterday and it didn't work out the way I wanted. Some sections of the pattern smeared or didn't transfer dark enough (pain in the butt). Live and learn. Karen

I was tinkering with the idea of direct transfers of patterns to the wood using my inkjet printer and some kind of transfer paper. Has anyone ever done this before? I did a little experiment and printed out a small pattern on empty label paper, rubbed the pattern directly onto the wood. It worked out OK, but the transfer wasn't perfect. I don't have much sacrificial wood around, and would like to know if any of you do direct pattern transfers. What is the best way of doing it? What transfer paper is best? I am trying to eliminate gluing a printed pattern to the wood. Karen

I want to thank all of you for the very helpful advise I'm getting here. I will use all the tips and advise given. I have plenty of Reverse Tooth, Flying Dutchman blades, Flats and Spirals. I am currently scrolling some patterns. I find it difficult with the straight blades (believe it or not). But I love the crisp clean edge. I will continue to practice with the straight reverse blades. Eventually I'll get the hang of them. I am scrolling a pattern today with the reverse tooth spirals, when finished I'm hoping I won't have too much clean up. When I finish it, I will post a pic of the RV SP work before the cleanup. I didn't put any painters tape on the wood, next time I'm out and about, I'll buy some wide green painters tape. I was spraying the back of the design and rubbing onto the wood. I peals off clean. I used the rubber cement, and stupidly applied it directly to the wood and paper. What a mistake! I had a hell of a time cleaning it up after removing the pattern paper. I'll never do that again. Here is a pic of a buck I did yesterday, I used both #1 RV FLat, and #1 Spiral RV.

OMG! I can't believe the fantastic work you folks can do with a piece of wood. You never cease to amaze me!

Very nice work! Did you go back to bed after you finished it? Yesterday, I started up my hand sander at 5:45am and started scrolling around 6:00am. I freaked my husband out. Little does he know that sometimes, when he is working out of town, I do the same thing as you. Wake up in the middle of the night, and work on a project. It's OK, because a lot of artists do that kind of thing. Keep up the good work! Karen

I'm getting the hang of the flat Reverse Toothed Flying Dutchman blades. I only broke 2 so far because I pushed the work instead of letting the blade cut. I am scrolling out some letters today for signs (no wood for signs, but I'll have lettering done). It is such a relief not sanding and cleaning up edges. I also learned from this forum to use spray adhesive for application of the patterns to the wood. The paper peels off clean. I want to thank everyone here for all the helpful tips and tricks for us beginners. My spiral reverse blades should be here in a few days, then I'll scroll some detailed designs. Later. Karen

Hello Gary, greetings from Pennsylvania. There are many kind helpful people here to answer any questions you have. This forum is fantastic, so explore the vast information available. Karen

Hello Don, and welcome. If you find a team roping pattern, let me know because I do the rodeo subjects too. You can use a pic and adjust it in a photo editing program and create your own pattern also. I try to create my own patterns to be original. If you can find one already created, and you like it, use it. I'm still learning the art of scroll sawing myself. Karen

Hi everyone! Hope your day is going good. I started out learning and using spiral blades for several years now. I received some Flying Dutchman flat reverse toothed blades yesterday. I now have to teach myself a whole new way of scrolling. I had no idea it would be so hard. I had a few scraps of wood strips to practice on. I scrolled out some "welcome" letters for a future sign. The edges are much cleaner with the reverse tooth, I didn't have to clean up any feathering. YEEEHAAAA!!!! The letters measure 1/2" x 3/4". Figured to start off small with a higher difficulty level, then it will be easier when I scroll a larger area. I know this first attempt isn't perfect but I will get better in time. I didn't do any clean up with this piece. This morning I ordered some reverse spirals in case I get too frustrated turning and turning my work. I don't have to turn the whole piece with spirals. I need to do some more scrolling today to gain more experience with the strait flat blades. Did anyone else have a hard time switching over? Thanks for viewing. Karen

I sell on Etsy and sell some stuff. Post your items and make sure to use the "tags" and fill out as much information as possible in the description. Make the title as simple and direct as possible. Place your item in a global category where it won't get lost. I put my signs and paintings in Housewares, Wall Decor. Instead of the Art Category where it will get lost in the millions of other items. You should run an add with them for more exposure on the web. It is pay per click. Mine is set up for a maximum amount of $7.00 a week. I get a lot of hits and views with the add every day. I have sold several items, not making a killing or won't get rich, but at least people are looking at my items. I have more luck selling on Etsy than E-Bay or other stores like Bonanza or E-crater. Karen

I price my items depending on how much time is spent. My paintings have a price tag of $35.00 to $225, wooden items $15 - $35. Pricing also varies according to the crowd. I do well at the larger art and craft shows, NOT at the small VFW or Church shows. The folks at the small shows are looking for items $5 and under. Not worth my time. I do great at chain saw events because most of my items are wooden; I price high there. Most people at these local events don't realize the time, or heart and soul involved in creating the items. I always add and extra amount of money over my asking price to the price tag. If I ask $25 for a small piece, I add $5 to the price labeling it at $30. When a customer is interested, but does not like the price tag, I offer to lower the price $5. Funny, how a few bucks less will make a sale. You never know what kind of crowd will show up at these events. Sometimes it takes a few hours to get a feel for it. I will however raise or lower my prices as the day goes on. But it depends. I do it sneaky, and re-tag items.

This topic was very educational for me. I'll try these techniques next time I use a pattern. Thanks guys! Karen

Today I went into Mikes Work Shop and saw the spiral Reverse Blades there. When I order I will get some of those, plus I will be ordereing the flat reverse cut blades. And, hopefully, in the spring, I'll be able to purchase a Dewalt Scroll Saw. DW, I bookmarked the link for replacement parts. Thank you very much. I have the owners manual for my Delta Scroll Saw, there is also the breakdown drawing listing the parts and part numbers. Karen

OK, decided NOT to use the ruff cut wood for the shelf. Far too heavy. Will be going to a local lumber company, Forest County Wood Products, to dig through the scrap pile where I find some really nice plained smooth pieces of wood. The best thing is, "It's free!"

I want to thank each and every one of you for the information. I had no idea that the spiral blades were the most difficult to use. I can handle them easily by adjusting the tension of the blade. I break blades when I start rushing or push the wood too fast. I sand the feathering from the round blades with sandpaper and my dremel tool. A real pain in the butt! I purchased blades from Slones Wood shop, and will look into Mike's Wood shop for the reverse cut blades. I want to get more involed with scroll sawing. This morning, I got an idea in my crazy artist head to make a black bear shelf. Went to the shed, got some ruff cut wood and started designing it. Looks like I'll have my husband help me carry my scroll saw into the house after I finish the design. I have an old Delta scroll saw model # 40-560, 16", 2 speed, with blade chuck screws that need an allen wrench. I find that extremely irritating (I use cuss words out loud) because the blade chuck screw corners round out. I is very difficult to locate replacement screws for my model scroll saw. I have been looking for a newer scroll saw that does not require an allen wrench to open the blade chuck. Any suggestions on an affordable scroll saw that allows blade changing quick and easy? I'm glad I joined this forum because of all the helpfull advise to people like me, who are just starting out. Thank all of you very, very, much. Karen

I have used round blades to scroll in all directions. I then need to clean up my work from the feathering. I have been told by several experienced scrollers to use the reverse toothed blades for a clean cut edge. I looked into reverse blades via internet search and have a question to you nice folks here. I noticed that the revers blades are flat, do you have to turn the the entire piece to cut curves and turns? I'm new at scrolling, so please excuse my ignorance. Karen

I opened and Etsy store last August, here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CorteseCreations Didn't get any sales until I started an add campain with a a spending limit of $7.00 a month giving my items up to 2,500 search impressions. After starting the add, I sold 4 items in two weeks. Not a lot, but better than not selling anything at all. I check my stats every day, and have no buyers since the holiday season ended. I'm not happy about the payment process. When you sell in item through Etsy, you have to wait 7 - 10 days before the money is transfered into your account and made available. Selling in Etsy has it's avantages too. Your items show up in Google searchs and reach more people. I wish the best of luck to everyone who has an Etsy store. Karen

Kevin and Wolfmoon, thank you for the helpfull tips. I looked online for dust control, and got a few ideas. I think I'll attach a vacum to the saw tray. I have a vacum out in my shed that may work out. A fan with furnace filters attached may work. I'll try both methods and see which works best for me. I also have a carpet cleaner which works like a rainbow machine, that is another thing to try. I'll figure it out. Karen

Flying Dutchman? OK, I'll check them out. A little tricky? Do they break easy? Karen

Thanks for the info. John, next time I order blades I'll get some of the reverse cut ones.

Kevin, Thank you for the encouragement. I DID us my drill press, and yes, it pushed out the back and splintered it. I'll be more careful next time. I'll drill slower next time with a new bit. Travis, I thought about putting painters tape on the back, I'm glad you mentioned that. Next time I'll use it. Everyone here is very helpful to a person just starting out. I learn by my mistakes, and must force myself to go slower when scrolling. I finally learned how to adjust the tension of the blade (finally!) and got my new blade chuck screws which makes it easier. Now all I have to do is follow the advise that was given to me for a successful project. I have my scroll saw outside in my shed, it's starting to get cold now. I want to bring the saw inside the house. Now, I have to figure out how to keep the dust level down. Any ideas on the dust control? I don't have a basement, and have only 1 floor. Karen

Thank you for the information, I'll check it out. Karen

I used 1/4" plywood, it feathered and splintered on the backside. It took some time to clean it up. I wasn't happy with the outcome. What is the best thin wood to use when scrolling? Where is the best place to purchase it online? I will like to continue scrolling, but won't do it on plywood anymore. Karen

I appoligize for the late reply to everone who was nice enough to take the time and comment on the clocks, and welcome me. Thank all of you for the kind comments! The hen and bear clocks were sold but still have the rooster. Guess the right person didn't see it yet. I haven't done any carving since I make these. I never know what art project will pop into my brain from day to day. I'm spontanious when it comes to creating art. This week is creating scroll patterns and trying my hand at scrolled items with my scroll saw. I am currently working on a new scroll pattern, almost done with it. Once again, thank ALL of you nice people. Karen

I create, scan and then save the pattern on my computer (.jpeg). I then open it up in Unlead Photo Express where I resize, change the color of the pattern. I print out in blue because for me, it seems easy to see when scrolling, red works well too. I print the pattern out on light weight see through parchment paper. I tape the thin parchement paper to a thicker piece of paper when sending it through the printer. I use rubber cement to glue to the wood. Rubber cement makes it easy to remove pattern and glue after scrolling, and will not soak into the wood to seal it. When I need to print a very large pattern, I use MS Publisher. The image will print on several sheets, cut and tape back together. Having fun with it. So far, this has process worked out for me. But then, I new at this. Karen