meflick

Look great. Interested in hearing how the different finish methods work on them. Thanks for sharing your picture and information.

Excellent work. As a newbie on the saw, I am amazed at the works of art like these that so many of you create. I tried some letters earlier this week - my admiration went up 100 fold for those who do these types of signs! I hope it goes for a lot of money at the auction. If I had spent all that time and effort cutting that, and it was the first one of its kind, I am not sure it would be going anywhere but on the wall of my home!

Took me a minute until I realized the picture is sideways then I simply titled my head. Not sure why some pictures get turned sideways when they get posted. I am pretty sure that it is not how Dick took the picture and meant for it to be posted. Perhaps someone with real knowledge on the topic can explain it to us so we can learn why it happens and try to keep it from happening. Dick, it looks beautiful and I really like the frame that you added to it. With lots of horse people in the family - you may be having to cut several more (unless of course you already did "stack cut" them. ) Thanks for taking the time to share a photo of your work.

Russell - Birchbark - I just wanted to reply to your post regarding people asking for help on a "personal file," that someone like you takes the time and effort to do for them for FREE and then them not coming back and showing a picture of the file actually cut or saying Thanks much less paying for it. I wanted to say Thanks for yours and others efforts here on this forum and others who so kindly and generously take the time to help others out with these types of files. You are right - nobody who regularly "sells" patterns are going to do those for "free," and they aren't going to do them because they don't make more than one sell with them usually. I haven't been here on the forum long, but I have seen you and a few others time and time again jump right on to help out in creating a pattern when someone asks for one. I appreciate that you do this. I know a little the amount of time and effort that you put in to doing that and I don't think its asking too much for a "thanks" and to show a photo of the finished project. I hope others realize that and learn to come back and share so you and others can see your work "completed." I do somewhat understand your "pain". While I am new to the scroll saw and patterns for it - I have been on a paper cutting forum (several) for about 10+ years. Same thing happens on them. People come and ask for help with their cutting machines, their software, and for designs they want "personalized". Lots of people share "cut files" that they create for free. They share them in different ways. Some on the forums. Some on their own blogs, etc. You can often see how many times a file is "downloaded" and then see how many "replies" there are on the posts. Usually it is at about 10 to 1 or higher.. That's 10 downloads for every one "thanks." However, many will still ask for help with that "personal" file that they need yesterday. Many ask "emergency" help with the cutters and software because it has to be done yesterday. Few come back and say thanks or show the "personalized" design cut and used or acknowledge that their problem was fixed with the help provided. It used to bother me but then I came to a conclusion - I would do what I could/what I wanted to do and not worry about what other people did in return for that help. I did it for myself - for the pure enjoyment of helping out others or giving back to the forums or learning my craft better and quit worrying about those who couldn't bother to say a simple thanks. I decided it was my way of "paying it forward" and I wouldn't worry about those who couldn't take 5 seconds to say thanks. That helped. Should they say thanks, show what they did with it - absolutely but I decided that I wouldn't let their failure to do so make me upset and ruin my day when they didn't. Some people sell those cutting files - some are pretty basic and easy to create. Others are 3-d objects and sometimes quite complicated to create and get right for cutting and assembly- some people take ones people have given away for free and sell them. Others take "inspiration" from ones being sold and craete their own. Same as with scroll saw patterns. Hard to regulate and keep track of "who" created a pattern. So, like you I decided that it wasn't worth my time and effort to create and sell files. If I created something and thought others could use it I would post it free for others to use. However, because of my work in making cutting files I know how time consuming creating a file can be. I try to thank people when I download a file. I try to buy a pattern if I see one I like because I know it would take me more time to make my own and the price to buy the pattern is usually cheaper then my time is worth to make the pattern or something similar. The work you and a few others do here Russell to make "personalized" patterns for others is priceless. I do appreciate all the time and effort that you put into the patterns that you create for others. Its not asking too much to be thanked and shown a picture of your work actually cut out and I hope that others will make an effort to do that when they get your help. What they don't seem to understand is that if people who do this are not given a quick thanks, shown what people actually cut then those people will often quit doing the work. Then, the next time they come back looking for "help" with a pattern nobody is going to be there to help. Some people in the paper cutting forums who create "free" files have a "donate" button so people can make a donation when they get a file. If you have a paypal account perhaps you or others who do this type of free work for others could setup a donate button so people can "give back" for your work. Another option is to tell us where you like to buy scrolls blades, or the type you use so those who are wanting to "pay" you back in some way could at least donate some blades or supplies to you. Just an idea for you to consider if you would like a way for people to "give back" to say thanks for your help and work without actually "selling" the file. Just a couple of suggestions that will give people an option of a way to say "thanks" beyond the simple word. I've never done that nor ever asked anyone who did so I have no way of knowing if that even gets much response to be honest. Finally, in regards to others not helping in the pattern requests area. Many think they don't have the "skills" necessary to help out there. Many don't do computers and software much beyond the basics so there will always be limited numbers who can or will help with those. Those who "sell" files often don't come to the forums but they do give away free files on their sites. They are not however personalized files like you and a few others create here. They are done with the intent that they hope you will like their files and come back and buy more. I wanted to note that while I have the computer skills and software skills I haven't felt like I have the "scroll saw" knowledge needed to create a workable scroll saw pattern work yet. I think you have to have a good working knowledge of "how" something needs to be cut with the saw in order to create a workable pattern. In many ways, my paper cutting with an electronic cutter translates over very easily to scroll saw patterns BUT with the electronic die cut machine - I don't have to worry about some things that you do when cutting with a scroll saw. My plan, once I get more familiar with the scroll saw and patterns for it is to try to eventually help out by creating patterns if and when I can. I actually have at least one "basic" trivet pattern I have made and cut out that I need to share on here soon. However, to do the detailed portrait patterns that are often requested that you and a few others do are at present beyond my skill set since I don't really yet cut that type of work. I do look at the patterns that you al create though to "see" what you have done to make it "cuttable" so I hope to "learn" from seeing. Just wanted to let Russell know that I read his rant, I understand his rant and hope others will as well and learn to say thanks for his efforts when they ask for help and get it.

As a fellow newbie to the saw and the forums - I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has posted and answered these types of questions and especially the detail that each of you provide so often. I appreciate all the answers and read them all (sometimes more than once) in my effort to learn as I go with this new hobby. My DH said the other night - that you could be making stuff rather than being on the forum answering questions - I am well aware of that - and just wanted to let you guys and gals know who are sharing that it is welcomed, appreciated, and helping newbies like myself. Thanks.

Welcome from another girl, mother, and newbie myself. Look forward to seeing your work. Thank you for your service.

They look nice and hey - if that's what the customer wanted - that's what the customer gets. Thanks for sharing your project. I like seeing what everyone else is doing.

Looks great. I am sure there are lots of dragon fans who would love to have one. Thanks for sharing.

Welcome to the village Mike. Unlike you - I am a newbie to the saw and patterns and just be in the Village a short time but everyone here has been so great. Primary interest is in Intarsia work but have recently (past couple of days) ventured over into trying some basic inside cuts on some Trivets thanks to some members here. I am always looking to add patterns to my collection so will have to check yours out.

I can see why they love it. Looks very nice. Congratulations on making your own pattern. While the cabin image. Mat Y be simple, the entire project is a piece of art that you should be proud of creating. Thanks for sharing your photo.

Very cute idea. Like it. Ready for some cooler weather but not enough to build a snowman yet I think. Thanks for sharing.

Great job. Thanks for sharing.

Ditto.

Thanks. Have to get the stand together and the machine on it to give it a whirl. Still looking for the correct manual as noted in my edit of my original post if anyone has one they can share in some way.

I purchased a used Purple Canadian Excalibur 21S. The seller said they did not have a manual for that older version. I was hoping someone on here could point me to the right one or provide a copy if you had one. I found two versions on line through manuallibs but not sure either of them applies to this particular model. I am attaching copies of both of them here (if it works) in case someone needs one of them or can look at and tell me if one of them is the one for the older purple model. I question it because the model number on the one I got says EX21S and these have different numbers/letters after the 21 model number. Thanks for any help anyone can provide. 505078_manual.pdf ctex21ce.pdf Edited to add I bought the saw from Seyco and Ray @ Seyco told me the following in regards to these two manuals I did find and on trying to find the correct one. "Manuals specific to the purple saw are extinct. The ones you have found are close but are for the European versions of the saws manufactured by General International for Carbatec in Australia." Maybe they can be of use at some point to someone who has one of these from Australia but not the manual. I will of course check with JGR - I was interested in the purple one having used one at JGR's class. This one has some modifications to to though - have to get the stand put together and see how its going to work. However, in the interim, if anyone has a manual they can share or link to one it would be greatly appreciated as my class with JGR is not for another 5-6 weeks or so.

So, you did the right thing and they don't "see" it as we do and are trying to get you to pay the bigger price. Since you say you have some time on your hands before you need to start this project I would do as others have noted and look around for some other images that might work as good or better for your needs. If you don't find one you like better, then you can go back and buy this one. Also gives them time to "rethink" their position. If you tell them thanks but no thanks I will try something else they may decide that a few dollars is better then no dollars. You can also tell them that you will note in the official information where the pattern came from to give them a nod which could lead to more business at some point for them.

Ok so you guys convinced me - I will keep trying for now with out a lifter unless its a 12 inch 2 x 4. I will try to figure out top feeding versus bottom feeding and see if one works better then the other for me. I liked leaving the blade in the bottom clamp because its not easy for me to bend down and see it to install it due to several cervical disc fusions but maybe I can learn to do that "blind". In the interim, Scott - NC Scroller - if nobody else wants to try out your Jim Dandy for the cost of postage I might after my month of "trial and error" - only time will tell I guess! Hubby got home to late from work last night for me to ask about it anyway.

Hi Terry and welcome to the Village. I am a newbie around here myself - Like Denny and a couple of others from TN. Just started learning to use the scroll saw that we have had for years. Wanted to learn to do Intarsia work. Hubby is a hobby woodworker. He does many different types of things. He is "sharing" his shop with me right now but not sure its going to last! He has made furniture and other items primarily but recently took a turning class. Made a few things since. His work schedule keeps him busy so he goes in spurts. Look forward to seeing what you are making.

The final project looks great Kevin. Thanks for taking time to share it!

Thanks Denny. I have cut my first trivet a little earlier and did cut it from 3/4 wood (have to confirm with hubby what TYPE of wood it is! Its some scrap of some he had in the shop.) I will post it once I have gotten the "details" down as to wood type, etc. Thanks for the link to the pattern. I really wanted to maybe give this one a try too. I'm thinking that there are some "trivet" Christmas gifts to be made this year. Just don't want anything too complicated for this beginner scroller. The first one I did earlier taught me that all those little drill holes and threading the blade through them is as time consuming and difficult as I had imagined! Especially with having to manually lift that Dewalt 788 up and out of the way. I see a mechanism added to it soon!

First, I am sorry for the loss of your mother, never an easy time but surely harder at the holidays. Kudos for you for wanting to do the right thing and for giving back to the Hospice for taking such good care of your mother. Copyright laws are complicated things. Before going the expense route and paying the larger fee (since you are willing to do so) why not reach out to the specific site and ask them. Explain what you have explained here. That you are planning to do a "one off" and give it to a nonprofit organization for them to auction in a charitable auction to raise funds for their organization. You might be surprised and find out that the person/company is more then willing to allow you to do that without buying a "commercial" license. It doesn't hurt to ask - they can simply tell you no and then you can decide to pay the full commercial price or find another design that would allow you to do what you want for minimal fee. Good luck on your decision and look forward to seeing what you make.

Funny, I was coming to check out the forum in regards to how to lift the arm up after just cutting my first trivet (will post later) and seeing WHY you need one of these to lift the arm up on my DW 788. Having just done Intarsia work I was wondering WHY these were needed. Having done one small trivet with just 18 drilled holes and inside cuts to make I was like - wow - this is a pain how do I keep that arm up out of my way! Then I remembered seeing something about lifters so I came to see what the experts here were doing. I will run this by my DH and see if he wants to try to do something for me or just have me order one of these. I reviewed both the ones listed here and think I like Jim Dandy's better both for the price and the way it works with the spring. Thanks Don for beating me to the punch on asking and listing the one you found. Thanks Paul for giving link to Jim Dandy's site.

Great idea John, you are right eyes definitely pop with the addition of the jiggle eyes. Beautiful job on the cutting. thanks for sharing.

Sorry you had the "oops" moment Kevin but glad you were able to find a solution and thanks for sharing it. I am sure there will be others, myself included, who will benefit from your shared experience later at some point. Look forward to seeing the final projects. They look interesting.

Looks great. Thanks for sharing.