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Jim McDonald

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Everything posted by Jim McDonald

  1. Jim McDonald
    I am on two different scrollsaw boards and for the most part, people ask for and accept critical opinions/criticisms. That said, they may not always like the phrasing of said criticism and that is NO fault of the poster--just a misunderstanding of the meaning. Both forums are full of people who hold no secrets and are willing to teach, learn, explore and that is what makes this hobby enjoyable. On the other board we had a former member who was a long time member of a photography board and from what he told me, it became a nasty place to visit as everyone thought they had invented the medium. I am glad we have our virtual families and for the most part we all get along.
  2. Jim McDonald
    I'm not noticing any speed issues on my end. Upgrade is a big change, but one we will adjust to quickly--I hope.
  3. Jim McDonald
    I'd give you a pat on the back, but I can't reach that far, so accept a hearty "WELL DONE".
  4. Jim McDonald
    I've got a deadman switch from Harbor Freight about six years ago and it has never given me a second of trouble.
  5. Jim McDonald
    The aluminum magnet is called a shop vac . When I was doing computer repair, I had a bin full of screws for expansion plates, drive mounting, etc and when I was on vacation, someone took it out of my desk and as they were using it, it hit the floor. So, they just swept it up and put it all (including floor sweepings) in a big zip-lock bag for me.
  6. Jim McDonald
    Big ole pat on the back for being published!
  7. Jim McDonald
    It might be the tension rod, but mine made the same sound and got two new arms after I had adjusted the tension rod to make the sound quit. There is something knocking in the top of that saw.
  8. Jim McDonald
    Rick Hutcheson has some information at his site: scrollsaws.com There is a section on Dewalt tune up on the left column.
  9. Jim McDonald
    Both of my grandfathers were carpenters and my father was talented at working with wood, but I helped in the basement as needed for a third hand or a strong back. Flash forward a few decades and I have a son wanting a Pinewood Derby car. First year I cut with a jigsaw (HUGE mistake) and then heard about scroll saws. Found one in a pawn shop and taught myself with the help of some great mentors over on the Fox Chapel board. Tried a couple of craft shows, but mainly make stuff as gifts and charity fund raisers. My saw is my mental therapy. Everyone knows not to talk to me as long as the saw is running and my wife and the kids will wait patiently until I get off the foot pedal to ask a question. Because I cut on the patio, I am weather dependent and if I am in the middle of something and can't get outside to finish it, I get a little perturbed--so I guess I take it a little too seriously at times. (I have worn a sweatshirt and gloves to finish projects before in the late fall!)
  10. Jim McDonald
    Takes me back. That was my first saw. Bought it like new in a pawn shop of $90 and cut a bunch of Pinewood Derby cars on it and taught myself a lot about cutting. Kept throwing parts at it as they wore until I could not get a blower for it and then disassembled the thing--gave some parts to the high school for their 2-speed model and I still have the motor in the shed. Was going to make a sander out of it, but haven't gotten around to it. So, if you need a 117VAC motor--it's yours for the shipping cost.
  11. Jim McDonald
    Don't what looks better--the craftsmanship of the box, or the beautiful item inside. Congrats on both.
  12. Jim McDonald
    It's not fibbing--it's alternative facts.
  13. Jim McDonald
    There was gentleman on one of the other boards who lost use of his right hand and arm and did some amazing one-handed work. (Of course, he was right-handed to begin and had to relearn everything).
  14. Jim McDonald
    Great looking work. Doing some work on ancestry, I find out that I am qualified for that society. Seems my 5th or 6th great grandfather was a private in the Virginia militia.
  15. Jim McDonald
    Fastest way to disassemble a pallet is a sawzall down the stringers. You get the good wood and leave the nails behind. I have found book matched ash, oak and maple in some of the ones I get at work.
  16. Jim McDonald
    I have used the spiral reverse blades and they seem to help SOME with the fuzzies. Can't say they are as clean as an ultra-reverse, but they are better than "old school" spirals.
  17. Jim McDonald
    I had to have some service done to DeWalt a few years ago and when I got it back, the tension was not right. So I gave the rod in the back a couple of turns and now I pretty much max out on what the blade holders will handle at about 3.5.
  18. Jim McDonald
    Great looking piece. Need to do one for me--I have given away several as fund raisers for our club. Congrats on the Whiskey Bravo.
  19. Jim McDonald
    I just use blue tape around the hole.
  20. Jim McDonald
    Rolf: I see what appears to be a timer sitting near the saw--is that so June can set a time for you to come upstairs for dinner?
  21. Jim McDonald
    WOW on pattern and cutting.
  22. Jim McDonald
    You ARE a cutting machine!
  23. Jim McDonald
    Nice variation and imagination. Gold star for you today!
  24. Jim McDonald
    It is not addictive. If I ever run out of blades and wood at the same time--I'll know it time to quit!
  25. Jim McDonald
    You're going to love cutting on Big Yeller fulltime.
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