practice wood?

[Sean]

I just bought a saw and was wondering if anyone could tell me what kind of wood to use to start out practicing with? Something cheap and easy to mold I guess?
thanks,

sean

[DayDr]

Can't speak for everybody, but I started using scrap pieces of pine and oak plywood. Actually, I preferred the plywood. I started out scroll sawing DRAGONS.........my wife's favorite. To begin, pick up what you can....it doesn't matter. Check out forum issues dealing with the types of saw blades to use.

This is probably the most important issue......the right blade for the right material and type of scrolling.

Welcome to the brotherhood of sawdust.....happy scrolling !!!

[Admin]

I have to ask - what does this say about your wife's personality that her favorite project is Dragons?

:)

[DayDr]

Both of us were heavy into Dungeons & Dragons (role-playing) back in the 70's when there were no boards or rules etc..... We even built miniture dungeon and castle layouts for our parties to explore.
Since then we both still play these type of games on our computers.............our favorite being DIABLO II because you can network and play together against a common foe.
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Well, we are both in our 50's and we still enjoy creating those alter-egos ! But we are together and always look forward to that time together.
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She likes dragons and has a tremendous collection, I think I am part of the collection !!!!! L.O.L.

YUP !!! We are an odd couple ! But still in love and still together.

Our only fear is that one morning we will look in the mirror and say " Oh my God....We're NORMAL !!!!"
:D

[pete]

If you're looking for wood to play around with,try looking behind businesses and supermarkets..Some if not all have stacks of pallets they would be more than happy to have you take..Helps keep thier shipping/receiving area clean and you get free wood to practice on..( I built a family/game room as well as another bedroom in my basement using this throwaway wood) Had a friend with a joint planer smooth it out for me and it was like new,and it was free!:D
The scraps left over we burn in our outdoor fireplace..

[DayDr]

Never thought of that.............local ACE hardware is always throwing away pallets. I guess I had better check it out. Thanks !

[phahn]

Be very, very careful to remove all of the nails from the pallets.
Remember that they use A LOT of nails in making the pallets.

[CJP]

I used anything I could get my hands on to practice on. The blade is as important as the saw, I only use Flying Dutchman blades. They are the sharpest I have found and the longest lasting.
CJ ;)

[bhewitt]

any scrap wood you can find will do, but thinner pieces of hardwoods will yield the best practice. By thinner, I mean 1/2" or less tostart. Plywood is always a good alternative. If there are any cabinet manufacturing companies in your area, you can generally get scrap pieces for free, but be sure to ask first!

choice of blades is very important. I have been scrolling for over 30 years and have worn out several saws, but the blades are the big expendable. Look into Flying Dutchmnan blades. You can get them from Mikes workshop on the web and they are the best, sharpest and longest lasting of any blades I have found.

Good luck with yoiur scrolling adventures and, above all else, enjoy!

[Pidfam]

I agree! Flying Dutchmen blades are the best. I won't use anything else.
~~Phil