I am working on a marquetry project that includes crescent shapes. Using the knife and window technique, I am experiencing difficulty with the extreme corners; even when I succeed in my cutting I am experiencing breakage of these 1/2 inch pieces.L
The problem occurs when I go to remove the piece to insert in the background. The "tail" of the crescent wants to break off. Sometimes the very tip of the crescent is lost and is too small to replace.
I am using a #11 scalpel blade and the veneer measures .025 inches thick. I have tried a variety of techniques for cutting and part removal but so far the results have been kind of hit or miss. I have even wetted the veneer with a water/mineral oil solution and put it through my veneer press as well. (I hoped that would reduce the tip breakage by softening up the wood fibers in the veneer. No joy here, either.)
I have tried cutting with my DW788. I have run with the speed set at 40%; I have used blades ranging from 2/0 to #5. Reverse tooth, spiral, and "puzzle blades" have all seen duty. The scroll saw devours the pieces even when I successfully follow my pattern.
At present, my options appear to be:
1. Keep cutting using the window technique. Learn as I go.
2. Learn the correct blade size and saw speed for my scroll saw
3. Identify the problem and ask for help.
Obviously I have selected the third choice. Practice/skill improvement is obviously required on my part, but does anyone have a practical solution for me?