Ray, that looks very good, especially for a first try. As for blades, I use FD Polar #7 or #9. Making those turns with a thick blade is difficult, but with practice can be done. I would not go to a thinner blade on 2" stock. The 'Hot Wood' is from friction with the blade on wood. I use packing tape to hold the project together and lubricate the blade. Not sure about the jumping, but a reverse blade might cause the jumping, also if you are using a clamping system, clamping too tight van be a problem.