Cutting direction

[CanadianScroller]

Most of us are aware that a blade will cut more aggressively on one side than the other.
With that in mind, when cutting an inside cut on a piece of fretwork, do you prefer cutting in a clock wise or counter clockwise direction?
Do you have more control cutting one way than another?
Do you alternate directions depending on what you are cutting?

If you are using crown tooth blades can you tell which way the blade is inserted by the action of the cut?

[Woodbutcher68]

I'm usually clockwise cutter, unless the pattern leads me astray.

[Greenfield_Bob]

When I'm cutting an outside circle I like to cut clockwise, other than that it doesn't matter.

Bob

[3_M]

I do the same as Greenfield_Bob does.

Blades have a little burr and will cut to the right. It does not matter how you install the crown tooth blade, the problem might be that you are used to move the wood some degree to the left. If the CTB cut to the left you have to get used to move the wood to the right. I have seen complains about that on some forums when they introduced the blades. The sales pitch was that you could use it twice. Most people had trouble to get used to which way to move the wood.
Mike M

[Mick Walker]

Most of the time I go clockwise. I do more portrait or scenic cutting than fretwork. Mick

[BobD (Archive)]

Ron Posten really trained us when we had the class wiht him...I cut both ways for everything. I'm nearly ambidexterous (sp) when it comes to scrolling. That really has improved my skills exponentially!

Bob

[jttheclockman]

It is not a case of a blade cutting more aggresively one way or another because you can cut using either side of a blade. It comes down to what you get used to and it is a good idea to learn to cut both ways. I am the same as Bob and cut both ways because of the complexity of patterns. You will also notice you will get less burnning one way than the other. So if you seem to be getting burning on either inside cuts or outside cuts try cutting in the opposite direction. There is no right way or wrong way. Yes because of the burr on the right side you can do trimming or shaving easier but that is the only difference. You must get the feel of the wood's tracking movement though when switching.

[oaklysawyer]

Both ways for me. Cant see how it can be avoided for fretwork or maybe the question was meant for only outside scrolling as in circle or rabbit, dog, type outlines.
Fred

[Gill]

I'm another who cuts both ways. Of course, there are exceptions, such as when I'm doing relief work (obviously) or otherwise cutting with the table at an angle. Then I have a distinct propensity to cut widdershins.

Gill

[scrollworks]

Clockwise for me most of the time.

__________________
Chuck...

[CanadianScroller]

I wonder if the same directions apply to the people down under
I too cut both ways, depending on the piece and the mood.
I do recall though, making a circle cutting jig that worked perfectly on one side of the saw and wouldnt work at all on the other.
Maybe the jig was just confused. Oh well widdershins pop up every where when you least expect them.

[Gill]

Hi Carl

It's interesting that you should mention circle cutting jigs. The circle cutting jig on the Diamond saw is designed to cut widdershins - I wonder if that's a co-incidence.

And don't ask me how I'm getting on with the saw - the wooden floor in my shop makes it vibrate so badly that I haven't been able to use it yet. It's great when it's on the concrete floor outside, but I'm not about to squat or lie down flat on cold concrete outside for the sake of my woodwork. I have plans afoot to remedy the problem, though, which involve surreptitious leibensraum into my other half's workshop area .

Poland had better watch out - the scrollsaw invasion is only in its infancy !

Fuhrer Gill

[CanadianScroller]

message to Gill

Once you achieve leibensraum, let me know how it was done, although I sincerly doubt I can achieve the same in my newly carpeted livingroom.

[Sparhawk]

I cut both ways as well. I never have really thought about the direction of my cutting. I just pick one as I'm doing it depending on the shape of the cut I think. Best I can explain it.

[Old Mooner]

I've been told that it partially depends on whether you are right-handed or left-handed. I'm not sure about that, but I am right-handed and usually cut in a counterclockwise direction, pushing with my right hand and controlling with my left. If I go the other way, I have to use my left hand more and that is awkward for me. However, when doing inside fretwork, I "spin" the wood either way depending on ease of use. Even after all the "technical" talk about blade burrs, cutting to one side, etc, it seems it still boils down to what is most comfortable for the individual. Have you noticed that there are an awful lot of personal choices involved in this hobby/profession?

Moon