What tool to cut a map of an island out off wood?

[dm65]

Yes I done it in school many years ago like 22 years ago I actually cut the piece out that I am wanting to cut again but it was many years ago as I said so I guess I am a total beginner again. I can't even remember the piece off equipment I used to cut the piece. I'm guessing the equipment I used back then is out dated now

Probably not, apart from the cnc/laser sort of cutterouterers (I made that word up ) most of the gear from 22 years ago will be around

Did it look anything like this http://www.screwfix.com/p/record-power- ... tAodihQAsw

If so, have a look at this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRfp9jKDcZQ

 

[Mr_P]

I'm in a similar position to yourself, had a cunning plan and now I'm working hard to launch before Christmas.

Waiting for last few bits for my rockcliff cnc router

http://www.techimoto.com/2008/04/12/bui ... c-machine/

Don't have a woody background but do have previous cnc and electronics experience so its the right way for me.

You are slightly better off than me as you can make a few to test your concept but once proven and if you can sell 50 or more a week I def think a cnc router will be required. Once you have mastered the art of cutting them out on a scoll saw / bandsaw imagine how boring it would become especially if you need to make 50 a week. Once a job becomes boring it also becomes very dangerous. David Barron recently stopped making his own wooden dovetail guides and switched to having them made in metal for that very reason.

http://www.davidbarronfurniture.blogspot.co.uk/

Just found the correct page and he was using a table saw, without a guard. No wonder he stopped.

March 23rd entry "This was very boring and as a consequence potentially dangerous, I have all my fingers and would like to keep it that way!"


Don't be tempted by a cheap laser they are only any good for engraving and can only cut very thin wood.

Edit: Actually a router and template could be the cheapest way. Also very safe if set-up correctly.

 

[richard56]

I am new to scroll sawing so don't believe a word of this.
I would print an A4 size outline of your map.
Use spray on glue to stick it to your wood.
If you go the scroll saw route, use both hands to feed the wood to the blade. One hand guides, the other controls the speed you move the wood. Follow the outline of your map. My technique could be a bit suspect. You tube has lots of videos on how to do it better. They do make it look easy. You will make a few mistakes at the beginning, keep at it you will soon pick it up. Take your time is the secret in the early days. If you have used other power tools, scroll saws are no more difficult. It's down to practice.
Before you buy one have a look at some 'Which Scroll saw' threads.
Cheap is not cheerful. Better to buy a quality used saw.
Lots of much better advice in the Scrolling and scroll saw forum.

What thickness of wood will you be using?
My saw is happy cutting about 30mm. It will cut thicker if you slow the feed speed.

Could you cut it from birch plywood?
You may be able to cut more than one at a time this way. Until you need to produce the quantities for a cnc.
OK that's my pitch for scroll saws.
Someone may give you more info on the other methods. I wouldn't have a clue how to make a template for the router method.
All the best
Rich

 

[misterfish]

At this stage of your plan I would have thought that you would need to test the market to assess just what the demand would be and how much you could charge for the finished item.

In your case I would look to obtainig a decent used scroll saw, some blades and timber or decent birch plywood to practice on - that way your initial outlay (and possible loss if the idea doesn't work out) would be minimal.

The scroll saw is a straightforward tool to use as well as one of the safest and with a bit of practise you can become proficient. Have a look at some of the Youtube type videos to see some cutting action.

I've done a bit of scrolling and quite enjoy the process and found acquiring the necessary skills didn't take too long. My late fater-in-law did a lot of high quality scrolling and was self taught. Had you been closer you would have been welcome to come and have a play in my workshop and tried the three scrollsaws I now have - my own 'decent' Hegner, and my father-in-law's decent Delta as well as a Record Power he couldn't get on with. One of these days I will get around to selling the last two!

So have a go and see how you get on.

Misterfish