Blaughn

And thus the dizzying array of blades being offered. After I purchased my scroll saw, I went out to buy "a blade". I was surprised and a bit at a loss to know where to start. I am still a bit confused but after trying out a number of different blades, at least I am confused at a higher level.

As a new scroller, I am experimenting and learning at the same time. I cut the same pattern in 1/2" poplar with the number 3 and the Olson 2/0. I found the Olson to cut less aggressively than the FD #3 SR which helped me achieve a smoother flow around the curves. I will next experiment with 3/8" cherry with the Olson 2/0 and the FD #1 SR. I expect there will be some adjustments going from the softer poplar to the cherry. The problem I had with the walnut is that the bridges on the "drop-outs" tended to break very easily. I expect cherry, being a closed grain wood, will be less inclined to break where the bridge is aligned with the grain. If nothing else, I am getting some very challenging practice under my belt. I have mastered the sharp angle reversals BUT I think I am being overly aggressive which is causing the lower portion of the blade to bend toward me about 15 degrees. Makes it tough to push through the drilled holes. Thanks for your thoughts. Bruce

I picked up the Olson 2/0. It cut beautifully. I was able to follow the lines even in the with the tightest turns. Great advise!!

Thanks for the input. It was the FD 2/0 SR I was using. I recut a practice piece with the FD #3 SR and it came out well. I will try it again with the FD #1 SR tomorrow.

I purchased a Sheila Landry pattern containing some beautiful script. She recommends a 2/0 blade. I am finding the 2/0 blade very tough to control. I have tried slow speed, mid speed and high speed but getting sharp turns and smooth radius turns is eluding me. It is almost like there is insufficient "backbone" to the blade causing it to respond slower to changes in direction and sharp corners are really difficult. Now that I have turned a 14 x 8 x1/2 walnut plaque into kindling, any suggestions for a new guy? Bruce

I have always had problems with getting the masks to seal well around the nose and having my glasses fog up. I recently purchased these and I have been extremely pleased with the seal and the comfort. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEXIS4S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Welcome from tropical Minneapolis to SSV! November 30 and the water is still wet! Bruce

Welcome from Minnesota to another blue water sailor on the SSV. As a relative newcomer I have to say this is one of the friendliest and most helpful forums I have visited. Get into using the saw. The more you cut the more you will want to cut. I highly recommend using a well fitting, comfortable dust mask. Sawdust from the scrollsaw is nearly as fine as sanding dust. I have tried a number and found these on Amazon. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEXIS4S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 They seal well and are very comfortable to wear. Welcome!

Welcome to you from Minneapolis.

Retirement takes some getting used to for some of us. It really helps to challenge yourself in now and self-driven ways!! Welcome to Scroll Saw Village. Bruce Minneapolis

Welcome, Sean. Most important advice, Have Fun and Stay Safe! Bruce Minneapolis

Thank all of you for your warm welcome!!

Don't ever mistake neatness for organization!

Welcome from Minneapolis.

Ahhh, I married one of your girls but I moved her west of the Mississippi (after touring the US courtesy of the U.S. Navy). Graduated Hamline University in '69 - met her there.

I have been semi-lurking on scrollsawvillage since August. I retired in January and my mind is finally starting to embrace the fact I am retired. (I know this sounds ridiculous but when you have been working since age 16 (I am 68 now) some folks find it hard to be "unemployed".) I have been a machine fanatic all my life working my way through college as a machinist and then flying some of the most fantastic machines as a Navy pilot. After 7 years in the Navy, I worked for several manufacturing companies in executive rolls and finally ran my own small business from 2004 to 2015. Now, my shop is almost complete and my brand new Excalibur 21 is getting a workout. I am intrigued with intarsia and jewelery box making which should keep my grandkids well supplied with keepsakes. I enjoy the SSvillage and the spirit of helpfulness one finds here. Bruce

I read a book on marquetry written by Ken Horner. He recommended a product known as application tape available through the Sign Warehouse in Texas. I use the Enduramask line they offer. It adheres well to the wood. I then print my pattern on label sheets and adhere them to the Enduramask. I have also used spray adhesive to adhere the pattern to the app tape. When done, the Enduramask peels cleanly from the wood.

An Excalibur 21 "New-in-Box" popped up on eBay and I jumped on it. It arrived and I have finally had a chance to use it. My "like new" Hawk Ultra VS 26 will be going up on Craigslist as soon as I take a break from using the Ex-21. The Pros: The reduction in vibration is massive. Even at max speed, the Ex-21 produces a lower level of vibration than my Hawk. This directly impacts accuracy and even operator fatigue. Top-feed: My back is thanking me for the top-feed feature. The advantages to top-feed are probably, in part, a personal preference issue. I must say, I do not miss the pretzel posture needed for bottom feed and the speed of moving to a new cut path cannot be ignored. Speed control placement (versus Hawk) - The need to adjust speed requires far less movement with the Ex than the Hawk. Tilting Blade vs Tilting Table. Superior control and immediate comfort level with level-table-tilted-blade design cannot be ignored. It just feels right. The Cons: The Ex dust collection design is a joke. It traps small dropouts and works against top feeding. The Hawk, on the other hand, has no dust collection provision..... The stand footprint is too big (versus the Hawk,) The side-to-side footprint of the Ex-21 stand seems excessive (8-10" more than the Hawk 26). The stability of the saw does not require the wide, side-to-side footprint. I am working out of a shop where floor space is limited so this matters to me but this will not be a factor for folks with no floor space issues. The Verdict (Steeped heavily in personal opinion) : In My Humble Opinion - the Ex deserves its position among the top rankings of available scroll saws. I hope General is able to secure a new factory and that they are able to successfully navigate the rocks and shoals of quality control vs Asian mfg. Prior to retirement, I spent 16 years sourcing out of Asia and fully understand the risk/challenge/complexity facing General as they attempt to bring a new factory online. There are a number of General employees who are raking in more frequent flyer miles than they ever thought possible. All in all, I will put my Hawk 26 up for sale without any regrets. I do wish the Ex had the cast-iron table the New Jet features but that is minor compared to the other features that fit my personal preferences so well. I know of one other New-in-Box Ex-21 located in Northern California (Redding area). If you are looking send me a PM. Bruce

I just receiven my new Ex 21. Even after minor usage, the paint shows signs of abrasion. I agree that it is just cosmetic. If I really became concerned, I would strip the paint on the working surface and go with a polished, waxed steel work surface.

An Ex 21 came up on eBay on October 6th that was "New-in-Box" with stand and foot pedal. I immediately paid the asking price of $900 and it arrived today. I just finished assembling it and it is beautiful! Unfortunately, I have a meeting to go to so I won't be able to try it out until later. I know of another Ex 21 that is for sale and is "New-in-Box." If anyone is looking to buy a New Ex 21 - send me a private message and I will give you the seller's email (I have already asked her permission to share it). Bruce

Stumbled across this on Amazon UK. They are selling "Advanced Build Quality Excalibur Scroll saws" promising 3 to 5 week delivery. I am not entirely sure what they mean by Advanced Build Quality but I am hoping this indicates a return to "in stock" status in the US. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Advanced-Build-Quality-Excalibur-Scroll/dp/B00IEI0ACI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475118866&sr=8-2&keywords=excalibur+scroll+saw

Thanks, again!!

Thank you but how did you do that. I have been messing with it for 45 minutes.

I found it. Forgive the slow reply. I have replaced 1/8" pegboard with 1/4" in the shop and am now in the process of installing a new dust collection system. Working in the shop right now is a bit like trying to change a tire on a moving car........ Images corrected thanks to Hotshot.

I would be happy to but, for the life of me, I can't find a way to upload the images to this post.