reversing direction

[dcressman]

I am a newbie and haven't even put a scrollsaw to a piece of wood yet. A friend of mine has and today he asked if I knew a way to reverse the direction of travel at a dead end without cutting a turn in the wood (for example at the end of a narrow leaf). I told him that I remembered seeing another friend show me how to do this about 8 years ago. I THINK he twisted the work piece as the saw was running and the blade and then proceeded up the almost parallel line. Can any one tell us how to do this? Is it dangerous? Thanks for your help.
Dennis

[Steviegwood]

Hi Dennis, and welcome to the family. I believe that you remember correctly also. If I am understanding you right, that is how it is done. The more you practice this the less noticable it becomes also. Steve

[ChuckD]

Steve is right but it takes practice. Use some scrap wood, cut straight in, then spin the board around without stopping and follow your cut out. Use your finger as a pivot point right at the blade, put the back of the blade against the wood and spin keeping the pressure at the back. Like I said, it will take practice but soon you will be doing it with out even thinking about it.

[Carter-Johnson]

Practice, practice, practice. Soon you will develop the ability to turn at any angle without making a rounded corner. A primary skill you will acquire is the anticipation of a turn so that your brain tells your fingers to turn the wood BEFORE you get to where the turn is to take place. This compensates for the time it takes for the message to get from your brain to your fingertips. All experienced scrollers do this (though they may not be conscious of it)......Carter

[dcressman]

Thanks everyone for getting back to me so soon. Looking forward to learning these skills and tricks. I intend on keeping you up to date on my trials and tribulations and I'm sure I'll be calling on you for advise again soon.
Dennis

[garmtn]

Everyone's response has been good. Try waxing the blade and touching up the "back" with a stone or fine file. This will make "the spin" easier. Good luck!

[ocm1952]

Welcome to the group Dennis.Like they have said it takes a lot of practice and I'm still at it but getting better.

Red

[Rolf]

You need to pull the wood towards you so that you are pivoting against the back of the blade while you make the turn. It becomes a natural movement with time. There are some great books out there and Rick Hutchinson has some neat videos on hhis web site.
http://www.scrollsaws.com/

[Mackem]

Welcome to the forum Dennis, practice,practice,practice.

[minowevie]

Dennis, you are right, but what i would add. is. use a small blade, and thin wood. it is just easyer to spin the wood. if you are using a thick blade, it will leave a bigger hole where you turn. when i started, I used 1/4 inch, plywood. with a # 2 and #02 blade. go slow. at your speed. but turn fast. like last said. hold your (Im right handed) left hand middal or for fingure nest to the blade , in the back of the blade , hold firm. then with the other hand pull back , and give it a spin. then keep going. another thing would be. you can go into the corner. back out, turn into the waist wood. then back up into the cut. and turn into the other side and contenue. hope this helps. your friend Evie. PS Welcome