Shopsmith Forums

That's real good work, Al! Especially for your first try.

You have inspired me to give that kind of thing a try. So far, I sawed out a couple of simple jig saw puzzles (dinosaurs with only 6 or 7 pieces). The best thing learned here was that blade selection is the key to make fine, fitting pieces without gaps.

What kind of blade did you use for the reindeer? Did you use the one from the instructions? ..."Scroll Saw Blade I used: POLAR FD-P No.5 (0.041 wide 0.015 thick 16.5 teeth per inch) available from Flying Dutchman. One blade usually lasts 4 or 5 deer."

charlese wrote:That's real good work, Al! Especially for your first try.

You have inspired me to give that kind of thing a try. So far, I sawed out a couple of simple jig saw puzzles (dinosaurs with only 6 or 7 pieces). The best thing learned here was that blade selection is the key to make fine, fitting pieces without gaps.

What kind of blade did you use for the reindeer? Did you use the one from the instructions? ..."Scroll Saw Blade I used: POLAR FD-P No.5 (0.041 wide 0.015 thick 16.5 teeth per inch) available from Flying Dutchman. One blade usually lasts 4 or 5 deer."

Thanks, charlese, it was a fun project but I bet you can do even better.

I used what I had on hand, a cheapo Ryobi blade I got at Home Depot. Reverse tooth blade (12.5/9 tpi) .038 wide .016 thick. It cut very, very, very slowly. I know the tension wasn't high enough because the blade pushed backward a great deal as I advanced the cut (and I wasn't going quickly at all). When I tried higher tension, the blade popped out.

I've been reading up and a tip I saw on line was to roughen up the ends of the blade that go into the blade clamps with a piece of sandpaper.

I've also read to check the ends of the set screws and thumb screws that clamp the blade and to grind these flat if they aren't already flat. I haven't tried this so do so at your own peril.

I also had blades pop out from the bottom. Moved the set screw in and that issue stopped. You do very good work! Doubt mine would be an improvement!

Both of us are beginners on the scroll saw. I have been thinking of doing more Scroll saw and/or carving work as large projects have gotten harder for me to handle. (It's called "Old age")

charlese wrote:I also had blades pop out from the bottom. Moved the set screw in and that issue stopped. You do very good work! Doubt mine would be an improvement!

Both of us are beginners on the scroll saw. I have been thinking of doing more Scroll saw and/or carving work as large projects have gotten harder for me to handle. (It's called "Old age")

Most of my pop outs are at the top blade holder. Experimenting with the set screw placement is on my agenda.

talk about eye strain! This wasn't my first attempt but it was close. 1/2" black walnut in a shadow box frame. Done in about 1979 with regular skip tooth blades. My wife wanted it for my study.

Don G

My fingers ache just looking at that!

79 huh. D & D.

Great looking piece. Love the look of those scales.

JPG wrote:My fingers ache just looking at that!

79 huh. D & D.

I was thinking Lord of the Rings.

You all have my utmost admiration. I'm not sure I would have the patience for that !
Paul