Latest Cuts

[core-eagle]

One is my first attempt with spirals. I stack cut 4 pieces of 1/8 BB. I also made the pattern from a 30 year old graduation photo of my mother-in-law. She loved it. Backed with textured black felt. Will be adding a cherry frame later. It measures 8 1/2 x 11.

Next are two Carousels that I made for my nieces, ages 4 and 5, who just both had their tonsels out last week. Body is 1" fir and legs are 1/2" fir. Painted with acrylics. Names are scrolled in 1/8" BB. Will be delivering these on Wed. in WA.

Comments Welcome!
Tim

[Paul S WI]

Very Nice. I'm presently working on learning to make portraits. Thanks for sharing.

Paul S.

[ozarkhillbilly]

Ya got 3 winners there Tim!

I love using spirals and doing portraits of people, the whole process of making the pattern and then putting it to wood!

So how was your experience with the spiral blades?
Your portrait looks fine indeed, what software did you use?

[Marcel in Longueuil]

Nice work Tim,
Marcel

[pete00]

nice job on all tof them,

i may have to steal....ah borrow your Carousel idea.....

pete

[core-eagle]

Takes a little getting use to but enjoyed using spirals. Looking forward to more portraits. As far as software, I have Adobe Photoshop 7 and iPhoto Plus 4 from older programs.
Paul S - cutting or making patterns for portraits?
Carousel patterns were in an old Nov/Dec 1988 WWJ. Had made a few in the past and refound pattern and put it back to wood.

Tim

[Minnesota scroller]

Core - Eagle, I'm impressed. I attempted the use of spirals for the first time today and didn't care for them. It probably didn't help that the pattern I was experimenting on was all straight lines and corners. I don't see how it's possible to saw straight with a spiral. Did you run your saw on fast or slow speed? I also had a tough time clamping the blades in the saw. One other thing I didn't like is that it seemed to slightly shred the pattern while sawing which made it kind of tough to see the lines. Any advice, anybody?

[sheltiecarver]

Really nice work, Tim!
I predict a family that is very glad to have such a scroller as you.
That portrait of your MIL is terrific! And you made the pattern yourself, too? Great job! I have had rather mixed results with spirals, but you seem to have had no trouble at all adjusting to them. Really nice going.
Sandy

[wwalker47]

Good job!

Tim-

Well done, Tim, well done. I tried the spiral blades and just can't get use to them, but it looks like you have a handle on them. I like the Carousels horses, as well. Keep up the good work!

-Bill

[bronco]

Hey newbie,
I'm no expert by far but, I'll try to answer your questions?
When I am using spiral blades I adjust the setting to a slower speed,on my saw I adjust my belt to @ 700rpm's.I usually straighten out the end of the spiral with a pair of pliers or hammer the ends on an anvil(careful not to break off the ends with this method). I usually sand the ends of the blades with sandpaper and tighten the blade clamps extra tight. On cutting straight on the lines, you can stack cut several piece at a time and this will give you more control. The main thing is slow down and take your time this is not a race and practice, practice,practice you will get the hang of it in no time. I hope this helped.
Bill
On shredding the pattern lines do you mean the ends are lifting up when cutting? If this is the case you can apply clear packing tape directly on top of these areas.The spirals also cut a wider kerf and maybe this is the tearing you are refering to unlike a flat blade that cuts a clean crisp line.

[ChuckD]

I don't think that there is a rule that say's "If you start with a flat blade, you have to finish with it." If it calls for a stright line on the jpattern I don't hesitate to change blades. Here is an example. You can probably see where each is used.



Here is another that required both blades. One of O'Griz patterns

[minowevie]

Hi core_eagal. I too have probleams with my spirales. it takes some getting used too. I think if i would have started out with them , it would have been differant. (NICE WORK) there Chuck. I do agree. you can chang blades anywhere in your project. I keep a asortment buy my saww in the clamps all the time. some cutts just work better with a spirale. and others with a straight blades. spirales do put out the sawdust. but i was wondering. you say you can't see. LOL i did something one time. I had the darn thing upside down. needless to say i thought these blades are not worth the mill they were made on. HA HA it took me some time before i realized it was up side down. but don't pass it around that i did that. you really did a great job on mom in law. I bet you are her hero now. it is a project to be proud of. and the carasel horses are pretty too. I bet your nieces think they are to die for. did they take them to school? I bet they did. I would love to have something like that from my unckle. or anyone for that matter. your doing great. can't wait to see what eals you come up with. sorry i am late in my post here but i have been away. and wonted to tell you what i thought. your friend Evie

[Rolf]

Chuck D,
Love the first light house, who's pattern is it.?
I like using the spirals on things like pine trees and when I need fat uniform veining. The veining was done with the "new spiral 2/0"

[ChuckD]

Rolf The Lighthouse is Coastal Lighthouse, #61980, www.Wildwooddesigns.com