rljohn56

Thanks, guys, yeah, i realized i had a problem after i started cutting it out. It wasn't the first time. lol attached is one i'm going to do, but again i have an issue because they are holding hands and it forms a closed circle so i'm not sure how to tie it in without making it obvious.

Holy Cow! Thanks! that just cleared up about 6 photos right off the bat!

Hello, community! having gotten into the portrait side of scroll sawing i have a question for those of you that are the masters of this.. i've attached one of several that i have done. Now my process is to find the right picture then go onto Photoshop(my preference) and eventually come up with a pattern. my biggest struggle is with finding a picture that at least gives me a fighting chance at using threshold, grayscale, etc. to do all this. I'll admit i'm still learning all there is about not only Photoshop, but portrait making in general. My question is can't i use a sketching or drawing as such to eventually come up with the same idea? I have a program that will allow me to turn just about anything into a sketch, but because it doesn't have the same look as a portrait done using the threshold type look i wasn't sure how to go about making one that way as far as cutting it out goes. (I hope this is making sense). this question came about because my family wanted a portrait of grandpa & mom, but there isn't any good clear pic to work with. however i've got something when i use my sketch program only it is just lines, or edges. I've already learned so much from here already so i came to everyone again. I look forward to any and all advice, tips, and help. thanks, ray johnson p.s. sorry this was such a long post. lol

The 2/0 blade update: i just finished some tight cutting using an Olson 2/0 blade.....oh, yeah, baby! much easier to cut with than the FD 2/0 blade. Since i enjoy everyone's input i have a question about spiral blades...who has worked with these and what is the consensus? my personal take is that they are extremely messy. the kerf they make even at 2/0 seems to be a bigger kerf than a 2/0 skip tooth or reverse blade would make. U definitely can't sneeze or look away for a second or you have cut into something you hadn't planned on. lol

thanks everyone for chiming in on the infamous 2/0 blade. lol Not only did i learn i wasn't the only one battling the blade from hell; i also learned more about blades in general, but the best part was being part of the community! Merry Christmas everyone!! Ray

yeah, i have the FD 2/0. my problem is making finite turns. even trying to back the blade up into the wood to make the turn it's like the blade still won't turn for me. i'm cutting baltic birch 1/4. I haven't been cutting that long so i know I've got the learning curve, but this blade size is my bane as far as the other blades go. all my blades are FD. does anyone use spiral blades for tighter cuts? i understand there is an even greater learning curve for those!

is it just me or should the 2/0 blade be nicknamed the blade from hell! I have no problem cutting with everything down to 2, but the 2/0 blade is like i'm just learning to cut again! I've tried it at different speeds and it is still hard for me to work it. To those that can cut with it effectively, you are who i aspire to be! lol

to answer a couple of the suggestions i bought these As seen on tv magnifying glasses you can wear..they are awesome! Yeah, i have my shop vac hooked up to my scroll saw. loud, but it works for now. I'm currently building up my wood selection/supply. I have a dremel, but suck at it since i have never used it for crafting as such. I got a foot pedal when i got my scroll saw. Didn't even know what a mop sander was until i looked it up. oh, yeah, i can already see where that will come in handy. I cut a lot of square pieces with my scroll saw for backing, but i just seems to me a band saw would be a little easier. I rarely use my table saw for doing any of these cuttings since the wood i use most of the time is 1/4 or less which feels a little excessive. Thanks for all the suggestions! Ray

As i get more into scroll sawing i was wondering what are some necessities i should have. currently i have, of course, the required scroll saw. I also have a drill press, a belt sander and a table saw. I am considering adding a band saw of some sort and a router. Just curious what others have or suggest. I'm not going to make furniture by any means just sticking with wood scrolling crafts. thanks.

thanks everyone!

i need some tips or ideas for hanging some of my projects. Since most of my projects that i want to hang is made from 1/4 inch baltic birch plywood i'm having a hard time finding screws short enough that they won't protrude to the other side when mounting hanging hardware. I'm leery of adhesive to stick the hardware to the wood for fear of it giving up and all that i worked for crashing to the ground. any suggestions will be appreciated. thanks, ray

actually you answered my question. thanks!

attached is my latest project after fooling around with silhouettes. even though i am going to cut out the hair & mane to show up on a black background r u not essentially cutting every piece whether or not u remove a piece for the matted background? i hope i'm making sense.

thanks guys! it's to the stores i go!!

ok, being extremely new to scroll sawing and such, where do you guys and gals find the different kinds of wood to use? Lowes or Home Depot only carry very limited types.

thanks again everyone for the followup. great to have a place where the family is eager to help one of their own out. look forward to future conversations. by the way, i've already signed up for the Scroll Saw anonymous group....Hi, my name is Ray, and i am addicted to scroll sawing.....

thanks for the replies. ok, newbie question 1: spiral blades in general...i know these particular blades have teeth all around the blade, but can you pull your work sideways while cutting with these blades? or is that not wise. when i snapped the blades i was using it seemed it happened when i did that. i understand i still have to get a feel for the proper tension when installing them and to go easy on forcing the wood.

compared to all of the artwork i have seen on this site since joining a month ago, this isn't much, but it is my very first! spiral blade #5 was used(several broken in the process). a lot harder than i thought just to cut a straight line! I am so hooked now!

thanks, everyone, i look in to the tutorials as well as Inkscape.

i'm fairly new to the scroll saw hobby, but i am already excited about portrait work. what software is recommended in order to convert my pictures into a working pattern? I know i need to make whatever my photo i have into a black & white in order to get started. i have heard mention of Corel? thanks, in advance. ray