jollyred

Back when I was a working draftsman, I had access to a printer that would print 36" wide x 50 yards long (that was the length of the paper roll). It would print standard blue print size sheets (24" x 36") in about 15 seconds. It used the same toner as the regular Zerox copiers. This machine cost many thousand dollars, and the rolls weren't cheap. Since retiring, I now print out my patterns on 8 1/2" x 11" and tape them together. Not having to work, I have the time to do that, and don't have the money to buy one of the big printers. Tom

Did a Google search and came up with this: Mabry Mill - Milepost 176 - Blue Ridge Parkway . It is in Virginia. There is more information to be found through Google. Tom

While the pattern is highlighted, left click on the "Select" icon at the top of the left box. It looks like an arrow. The box around the image will now show some arrows at the corners and the middle of the sides. Put the select arrow over one of the corner arrows. While holding "ctrl" key on the keyboard, move the arrow in or out to change the size of the image. The "ctrl" key will force the image to maintain its proportions. The arrows at the middle of the sides will make the image shorter or wider, depending on the arrow chosen and the direction it is dragged. Tom

"What exactly are you talking about with Pledge? " It is a clear liquid polish and comes in a large jar. It is put on in thin layers, and might take two or three layers to get a good shine. It won't be as high a shine as you get with lacquer, but I like its sheen. The adapter you will need is from the 1/8" female NPT threads on airbrush hose to the 1/4" NPT threads on the compressor or quick connect. It is also a good idea to have a moisture trap on the line to the airbrush.

I use it in thinner with about 15 psi or less. Check how it is working on some paper before spraying on your project. Put it on too heavy and it will run and drip. The old saying about practice makes perfect is true for this also. Tom

Sure can . It uses from about 15 psi to 30 psi depending on how thick the paint is. Tom

Started using the same sprayer a few weeks go. Still learning but I do like it. I use the same paints and they work just fine. I also use Pledge floor finish for a gloss coat over the acrylic. A lot cheaper than other gloss finishes. Tom

That looks good. I made a bunch of those last year for Christmas presents, but luckily I knew of the different sizes. I had done what you did the year before when making one for my wife, and learned my lesson. The next ones will be perfect. Tom

Glad to see you, Tod. With 30 years experience, you should be able to help us a lot. And what you don't know, maybe someone else here will. There are a lot of helpful people on this forum, and also a lot of fun. Tom

Just have that side facing the wall. It's how I fix that particular problem when I have it. Tom

After seeing Smitty's puzzles, I knew I had to make some for my 3 yr old great granddaughters. One has her birthday tomorrow, and the other is in a couple of months. They are both from 1/2" Baltic Birch with a 1/8" BB backer. The colors are craft acrylics and they have a coat of clear gloss poly over everything. I cut these with a #7 blade so the letters are easy to get in and out. The font is Herkules. Tom

Nice cutting. I made a couple last year and they were well received. I am sure yours will be, also. Tom

Sorry to hear about the blades, but it was in a good cause. Tom

That is such a neat idea that I am going to steal it to make one for my wife. (Imitation is the best form of flattery) Tom Wilson

Concave side.

Scroll saws are at their best cutting wood 3/4" and thinner. They can cut thicker wood, but not easily. I think most can cut up to 1 1/2", but that is a pita. They also have a limited cutting capacity, with the depth of the table's throat limiting the area that can be cut. If a cut is farther from the edge of the board than the depth of the throat, it cannot be cut with that scroll saw. Also, scroll saws are not the tool of choice for cutting straight lines. That is what a table saw or track saw is for. If I were building fishing rod holders, I would choose the saw based on the thickness of the wood, which would probably be 3/4", so a scroll saw would be a good choice for any curved areas. You could cut the straight parts with the scroll saw and then plane or sand them to the straightness required. The main reason I would choose the scroll saw for this over a band saw is that the edges cut on the scroll saw require minimal sanding, mainly to remove the fuzzies on the corners of the cut. If you are going to rout the edges, then even that is not necessary. With a band saw, all the edges would need sanding to remove the saw marks and smooth the curves, which can take a lot of time. This could also be cute with a jig saw, but the edges again needing sanding. For more on choosing a scroll saw, you can look for some of the videos by Steve Good on You tube. He and many others have discussed this topic in great detail. Tom Wilson

Considering the spalting on the wood, be careful to not breathe the dust from sanding them. The markings are caused by a fungus, and the dust might not be too healthy. Be sure to wear dust protection and maybe go outside in a breeze. Tom

Here are a couple I've done. Have some more but can't find their pictures. The lion is a Botas pattern, and the lamp is adapted from an internet picture.

How can you tell the time without the hands?

I found this on Amazon. I think it is what you are looking for. SN25T8 Dust Collector Industrial Extractor Woodworking Cyclone Vacuum Cleaner Filter Separation - - Amazon.com Tom

Looking good. You will have to keep us informed on how you like the saw. Tom

Nicely cut. I have found in my cold shop that fingerless gloves can help a lot with keeping the hands warm. Mine are just brown jersey gloves that I attacked with a pair of scissors. Tom

Ouch! Tom

Your wife is a wonderful, caring woman. Tom

White wood is pine. Just mostly light colored. Look for pieces with the least contrast between the color of the late wood (darker) and early wood (lighter) . This indicates a difference in the hardness of the wood, with the darker grain being harder. Cutting through these can cause the blade to deflect when going from one to the other. Tom