Dak0ta52

I completely agree with you Bill's comments, Timelett. I do believe it is also beneficial to provide a prospective hobbyist with factual experiences so they can make an informed decision. Do I regret purchasing my inexpensive WEN saw? Definitely not! Purchasing that saw has given me the joy of a wonderful hobby and led me to this and several other great forums where I have gained many friends via the internet. From your initial post it seems you have already purchased your saw. I hope and pray that it serves you well so that you can learn to enjoy scrolling as much as I have.

Thanks Frank. I'll definitely consider the 1X8 for future frames. I actually started a trio set today that each will be approximately 11X14 and the 1X8 would probably work great for them. The frame material I used with this piece was actually a pre-fabricated frame material that I cut to length. I liked this piece so much I just couldn't leave it without a frame. This piece will actually be a gift for my niece. She owns a tack shop and has sold several of my works to her customers. And I agree a frame can overpower the presentation. I have some framing material that is scalloped and about 4 inches thick. Something you would see on a large picture hanging over a fire place. I knew that was definitely to much for this project.

Welcome to the Village, Timelett. I've only been scrolling for about six months and started with a cheap WEN scroll saw. I'm already looking at purchasing a better saw. The WEN has a fixed upper arm that doesn't lift making it impossible to top feed and difficult to bottom feed. It does accept pinless blades but the clamping system is an issue. I've already had to replace the upper blade clamp and the screw knobs for both the upper and lower blade clamps have broken. I have my saw mounted onto a heavy stand I made and while the vibration is minimal, there is some that will strain your eyes over a period of time. I've not personally had experience with the HF scroll saw, nor have I heard any reviews, but I believe you will get a taste of scrolling with almost any cheap saw. With that said, I have found scrolling to be very relaxing and enjoyable, despite the issues I've had with the WEN. My opinion is that if you find scrolling to be as enjoyable as I do, you will definitely be searching for a better quality saw in the near future. Best of luck with your new saw and please share some of your work. Happy scrolling!

Wow! Awesome piece. Fantastic job. If you really can't decide what to do with it, I know a guy in NC that would love to have it!!!

Nice piece. Great choice in wood.

Great job on these projects, Eric. There is no language problem here. You speak perfectly through your art.

I've completed the finish on this project today. It is a Jim Blume pattern cut using Pegas 2/0 and #1 spiral blades, 1/4 maple ply stained natural with a 1/4 pine ply backer cut 2 inches larger than the front and painted black. The entire project was sprayed with 4 coats of gloss poly with a light sanding between each coat. The frame is actually framing material I had on hand which I think turned out pretty nice with this piece. Thank, Jim, for the pattern. I hope I did it justice.

Awesome piece of art.

Fantastic idea. Definitely not out of the box, rather ingenious ingenuity. You took a pattern and made it your own. The wood you selected is spot on and inlay just adds to the project. That is one great piece! Well done!

Isn't is great how the simplicity of this project turned out to be a beautiful work of art! Fantastic job, Fish. Great use of the wood.

What a neat Halloween project. Can you tell us a little more about them. What are you using for lighting? Are these patterns you did yourself or are they available somewhere? Thanks for sharing you pictures.

Another great project, Kevin.

Well those are some super projects... or should I say "Super Hero?" Really, you did a great job.

Beautiful grain in that walnut. Your cuts are super clean. Never seen that font before but it really adds to the meaning of the sign. Great job.

Very unique pattern. Great job!

I can definitely understand a change if what you are doing is painful. Just stay on the saw even if you have to get up and move around occasionally. To me, scrolling is very relaxing but I do fell tension in my shoulders after sitting behind the saw for a considerable amount of time. At that point I'll usually get up and move around or work on something that requires a different position for a while.

Smooth and clean on all the layers. Wonderful job. I'd be hard pressed on trying to pick which one I like best.

Outstanding as always, Frank. I agree that the wood grain stands out making the piece that much more beautiful.

Nice job, Kevin. I can imagine how delicate some of those thin cuts were. And the cheap paint from Dollar Tree served you well!

Great job, Tbow. I've seen the horse pattern and have been tempted to cut it. Just been busy with other projects. The frame on John Wayne's portrait has amazing wood grain. Your wood selection and finishing is over the top!

I've ordered from Artcrafters several times and their service has always been outstanding.

From someone who retired from law enforcement, this is awesome work. I can guarantee anyone in the PDNY would be honored to have this.

Beautiful piece. The cuts are very clean and the wood grain is outstanding.

Very nice cutting. I tend to agree with Frank about using more Christmas colors but I get why you painted the way you did. Yellow for the moon which was attached to the outer circle, blue for the sky to contrast with the black Santa, sleigh, reindeer and house.

You've been busy, Frank. Great job on all of them.