Thanxz for the tips,I really appreciate the part about the neck and your heel examples you,give. The hearts shape is design I'm gonna try. I got question I want to put my puzzle design on a half dollar coin.any tips?
Another great entry in your instructional videos. You are *so* right about the puzzle blades. The Superior Puzzle blades are working well for me but the Bear Woods 2/0 are still completely drunk. I use a #5 or #3 to trim. When I switch to a fresh blade I have to slow my saw way down at first or it's too aggressive. Getting ready to cut another 8x10 puzzle. Should be 150-175 pieces.
@@becca1189 No. Get a Scrollsaw. A Bandsaw blade is way way way to fat, and way way too deep (kerf) to cut this kind of puzzle. The best analogy I could come up with is… using a bandsaw to make a hand cut intricate wooden jigsaw puzzle would be the same as lighting a romantic dinner table votive candle with a World War II flamethrower. 😉
There are a whole variety of woods to use. Pretty much any quality wood that’s roughly 1/4 inch thick is ideal. Each cutter has there a different preferences as Beachwood has a different field to it. Personally, I like Finland Birch, but not Baltic birch. But I also do like to cut mahogany and Italian Poplar. I recommend you get some samples in one square foot pieces and cut them into puzzles. And then note a variety of things as you’re cutting them. What does it feel like? Do you feel like you’re working the blade too much? Do you feel like the blade goes through the wood like a hot knife through butter? What is the splintering like on the underside of your cuts? How long does the blade last before it breaks or becomes too dull? How much does the wood weigh? How much does the wood cost? Are there any imperfections on the internal layers that make up the plywood? Once you have assessed, a few varieties of wouldn’t come up with the one that suits you the best, that’s the one you should be buying
I wouldn’t have the slightest clue what to use for cutting stone. Never tried, and I have no desire. If you figure it out, certainly post a video and send a link.
They are called “Finger cots”. You can find a variety of them on Amazon. They come in a variety of sizes, so don’t buy a lot until you know what size fits your fingers the best. Personally, I buy medium and large. Because each fits different fingers better.
I use a scroll saw my parents bought for me at harbor freight. We didn't want to invest too much until we found out if I would like woodworking. I've been using it for the past 4 years, and I want to say it was around $50.
I’ve been using the DeWalt DW788 saw for 25 years. They need refurbishing after about 4000 hours as the internal parts start to Ping and pang, but it’s really nice for blade Changes And vibration is low. $475-$525 price range. Do NOT buy the accessory lamp attachment. It’s Complete junk.
I have no idea other than to come to a Puzzle cutters meeting. We do a puzzle cutting workshop where you can do a little practicing, and get pointers from professional cutters like myself who are in attendance. Puzzle Parley this coming July 2024 in Rochester NY will be the next opportunity that I am aware of. If you live near a cutter, and befriend them, they might also be willing to give you a lesson. I recommend purchasing some small hand-cut puzzles to support that cutter for their time, as well as have on hand to enjoy and learn from.
