Update on a Horse

[Marcel in Longueuil]

Hi,

Just thought I'd give you an update on the address sign I'm working on.

BTW, I have found out that I hate cutting anything this big (22"x33" approx)

I have used FD #5 Reverse Spiral to cut. I have mitigated feelings about that: I like the fact that you don't have to swing the project everywich way to get the cut done, but since it was my first time using spirals I found them hard to control, specially given the size of the project and how akward I found it to maneuver.

I still have a lot of sanding to do to correct as much as possible what I consider bad cuts (wavy).

Anyway, lots of work still left to do, and I find myself procrastinating on the project. This one is definitely not getting classified under the category "hobby" (see my signature).

With the help of Adobe photo elements I also have made it look like what I hope it will with the finish on it, for comparison.

Regards,
Marcel

PS: I removed shop clutter in the background

[Charlie_1]

wow Marcel Very Nice


thats a big horsey

Charlie,

[lucky788scroller]

I still think I would have used a flat blade, even if it meant attacking it from diffrent angles when you ran out of throat on the saw. Looks ok though, the pictures show up kind of goofy, so its really hard to judge how crooked or straight it really is. It will look great once your done! dale

[ozarkhillbilly]

I like the design of the horse as well as the sign Marcel. Quite the undertaking for using a spiral blade (for the first time). I have used some #5 spiral blades but not the #5 reverse spiral, did you find them to be aggressive?

"This one is definitely not getting classified under the category "hobby" (see my signature)."

Funny how a commissioned piece does that! lol I've almost come to the conclusion that you should cut what you like and it will find a home!

I'm sure that the finished piece will be one that your proud of and the customer will love!

[Magpie]

That is gonna be so gorgeous!

[bearfretworks]

As Dale said, it is tough to see the detail, especially the edges, but my overall impression is "nicely done". IMHO, spiral reverse blades are VERY aggressive. I'd have attacked this with flat blades (FD-SR #5 or 7), and used spirals only for the veins - and only after I'd run a flat blade down the vein line. But that unsolicited opinion aside - I'd wager your customer will be ABSOLUTELY THRILLED with the finished piece!!!! Thanks for the progress post. Good luck on the numbers.

[minowevie]

Marcel, I think you done your self proud. the pattern is great. and the use of a spirale really does help in a project this big. I find them hard to handale too. but on most of this work , the waivy lines are ok. one of the things I do. is alternate blades in a work like this one. like Dale said. you can attack the line,taking the blade out and turn the work around , or even turn your blade around and cut backwards. (thats fun) from differant derictions.I keep a few clamps loaded with differant blade sizes, ready to feed in the holes that i wont to do a straighter cut.also differant kerf widths. I can only see one place where the line does stand out waivy. sanding or filing will clean it up. but you can also use a straight blade. using the burr to sand off some of the wood. this is really beutiful. thank you for sharing it. your friend Evie

[Rolf]

That is a very nice design and it looks fine in the pictures, nicely done. The only spiral blade that I like to use is the "new spiral" I have only used the 2/0 but it is a very controllable spiral. I can actually cut straight lines with it. It is not a reverse blade so it does fuzz significantly.

A horses head IS all wavy

[lucky788scroller]

I too cant imaging using a #5 spiral. I think a number 0 is the biggest I care to use. When I use spirals, its always a 2/0, and no reverse teeth. Dale

[minowevie]

Marcel I have to agree with Dale here. I don't think I would use a revers tooth spiral eather. but it is a sign, maybe you was trying to save your self some sanding on the back. but it does leave some sawdust in the kerf. and were and ter on the blade. sanding the back is alot easyer than cleaning out the kerf. sandpapper is cheaper than blades. lol. like i know anything,. no matter what you did or done, it looks great to me. and i am sure your customer will be so pleased. I know i would be. your friend Evie

[Gill]

I like this project enormously. It must be hugely appealing to horse owners everywhere and I reckon it would look marvellous outside stables.

Gill