? about scrolling a portrait

[brians]

What blade size and wood thickness do you guys use or recommend to scroll portraits? I have a portrait of my son I would like to scroll.
Thank you for your suggestions.

Brian

[jttheclockman]

Well I can say alot of portrait people like to use spiral blades. Being I do not do portraits I can only give you what I have read. 1/4" Baltic Birch plywood and use whatever blade is confortable to use. No bigger than a #5. A portrait is like any other piece there is no set rules for blade size, wood size, or how and if you frame it. Wish I could be more help to you.

[Jediscroller]

John pretty much answered it. While there are few "experts" who claim you have to use spirals to cut a portrait, this is just BS. Use whatever type blades you're comfortable with. You can cut it out of any wood you like. For my business, I typically use 1/8" BB and #3 FD-SR blades, note that I cut these though in stacks of 5 or 6. You can cut a portrait out of anything you like. I've cut them in 3/4" hardwoods (you can use a nice slab and get a wonderful look to the cutting), 1/2" woods, 1/4" woods.
For the Portrait Freedom project, all portraits are cut in 1/4" BB or Oak ply.

Kevin

[Mick Walker]

brians, I have cut several portraits and many scenic pictures. I use 1/8" Finnish birch with 1/8" luan plywood as a backer. I use a 2/0 28 t.p.i. blade. Very seldom do I stack cut. I would suggest you try different blades until you find the one that works best for you. Mick

[brians]

Thank you all for your help and suggestions .
I am gonna give it a shot.
Brian

[brians]

One other question
I have some small areas to cut. The 1/16 drill bit may be too big, could some one suggest other way to start a pilot hole for the blade. I was thinking something like a pushpin, but I am not sure, or I could incorporate the drill hole into the cutout area so you could no longer see it.
Thanks for helping the new guy.

Brian

[oaklysawyer]

You can get the small numbered bits here
http://www.sloanswoodshop.com/drill_bits.htm
As well as the pin chuck to fit in your drill press for the very tiny ones.
Fred

[jttheclockman]

You can also get them from Mike at www.mikesworkshop.com your one stop shopping for scrollsaw needs. You can try to cut the head off a neele and give it a go.

[NC Scroller]

? about scrolling a potrait

Brian, if you are in a hurry for the bits many hobby shops, especially those that sell model trains, carry the numbered bits. Merry Christmas....Scott