Early Access Video: Smooth Curves with Straight Tools
Added 2019-10-19 16:25:23 +0000 UTCFriends:
Okay, this one came out pretty great. After a tough week of puking daughter and epic video editing, I've got my complete guide to cutting the most graceful, flowing curves in hardwood with nothing more than a chisel and a dovetail saw (oh, and some sandpaper.)
Watch to the end for a special shout-out to my fantastic Patrons!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
--Rex
Comments
Don't fear the curve! It's totally not hard.
Rex Krueger
2019-10-22 10:24:23 +0000 UTCMan, my jig-saw also struggles with thick or hard wood. I think that's why I hardly every use it. I'm really glad you're getting use out of it!
Rex Krueger
2019-10-22 10:23:43 +0000 UTCI'm sure, too. Super-glad you liked the video!
Rex Krueger
2019-10-22 10:22:59 +0000 UTCYeah. Easily done.
A1BASE
2019-10-21 02:16:11 +0000 UTCVery informative! Thanks, this video is a Jem! Hang in there buddy, the ribbing isn't over yet I'm sure!
Jared Leff
2019-10-20 21:25:58 +0000 UTCIs there a way I can send you a video and then you can “figure it out” and do a good video?
William Allen
2019-10-20 18:24:23 +0000 UTCmaybe I need to make a little video? I learned how to let the saw do the work, it wasn't easy, I'm not the worlds most patient person. Briefly, you have to have the right TPI Blade to begin with, depending on the wood species, rather than the quality of your cut. A very aggressive coping saw blade will grab hard woods and make it very difficult to pull the saw (coping saw blades need to be install on the pull stroke I'm told and it makes a huge difference for me). Then you have to use only one hand to pull the saw, and you really do need to use it like a gent saw or Japanese saw, with the index finger extended along the handle. You don't have to grip the handle hard, a very gentle grip will do. Then the other hand you use the fingers to rest the body of the saw on and guide the angle of the cut. It provides no power to the cut at all, it just guides the saw. The work must be firmly clamped along the entire length of the cut. Patience is the key here, back and forth, no pressure, full strokes, no hurry. I wonder if there is already a YouTube on it? I'll check.
William Allen
2019-10-20 15:47:41 +0000 UTC@A1BASE there is no resharpening it, broke on a 2×4 about two months ago, then had to move and just been busy. But before the 2×4 it cut logs just fine, think the tension on it went a little slack, I got in a hurry and bam snapped blade. Live and learn
The Poor Man
2019-10-20 14:54:01 +0000 UTCThat was a really useful video, I think the first one I've rushed out and used the technique from straight away. I've been struggling with trying to rough out a piece with a jigsaw (thick, hard wood makes jigsaw very unhappy) and this method saved me a ton of aggravation.
Matthew Leigh
2019-10-20 14:49:17 +0000 UTCHave you tried resharpening your bandsaw blade? It’s not hard if you’ve got a flat file.
A1BASE
2019-10-20 14:39:26 +0000 UTCI don’t have the patience for it. Bring on the bandsaw!!! 😉
A1BASE
2019-10-20 14:38:05 +0000 UTCLOL we are now on "Gems Gate" this video was awesome, I have shyed away from curves..You are the man
Gary Meechan
2019-10-20 14:12:57 +0000 UTCWow. What a high compliment. I'm really glad. Also, I think I'm going to make a t-shirt that says: "Power tools taught me about design, hand tools taught me about the material and the process." So true.
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:16:18 +0000 UTCI think you'll find that it doesn't take a ton of practice. I've had a bandsaw for years and mostly used that. I've only been using these techniques for a year or two and I don't use them very often. A couple of test pieces and you'll have it down.
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:14:19 +0000 UTCSo, how did you stop hating your coping saw? I loathe mine, so I'm curious.
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:12:23 +0000 UTCThat's nice to hear. I'm always trying to up my production game. Baby steps.
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:09:51 +0000 UTCYou really don't. If you're making a single furniture piece, this method will let you do all the decoration with simple tools. I'm delighted that it's going to help!
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:09:22 +0000 UTCWow. I've taught many woodwork classes and it would never occur to me to start students off with the coping saw. I think almost any other hand tool would make a better start.
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:06:50 +0000 UTCGlad you think so!
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:05:54 +0000 UTCThis process does encourage you to slow down and enjoy the work.
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:05:44 +0000 UTCI hate mine, too! I go to great lengths to avoid using it!
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:04:38 +0000 UTCMan, I thought I was the only one!
Rex Krueger
2019-10-20 13:03:56 +0000 UTCThis is why I fell in love with hand tools! Power tools taught me about design, hand tools taught me about the material and the process. I find myself using power for very rough work and finishing by hand more and more. I really appreciate the way you approach the tools in the WWFH series. You communicate the feel of the tools extremely well to me. I can often recognise something I have been doing wrong by using your descriptions to gauge changes in my technique. For instance, riding a bevel has that sweet spot that you recognise instantly. I can't tell you what a difference you've made for my planing.
Nic Beurskens
2019-10-20 09:47:59 +0000 UTCI like using my coping saws. They work just fine for me. However, I really like your approach, Rex. In the WWfH series, learning how to properly use relief cuts and chisels is important. I have to admit that I need some practice with that myself. Off to the Roman workbench to make some stuff (when it stops raining here).
Yohann_M
2019-10-20 03:29:17 +0000 UTCI happen to have just last week finally learned how to stop hating the coping saw and learn to live. However, I have been using similar methods for making curves, now I know a whole bunch more tricks and tips. Tomorrow is new day!
William Allen
2019-10-20 02:52:32 +0000 UTCGreat video! I love your style and approach. I learn a lot from both. Oh and content is great too. Thanks!
Duncan
2019-10-20 02:33:05 +0000 UTCThis video couldn't have come at a better time, getting ready to build a small dresser for my daughter and wanted to add some flair to it but having spent my money on the lumber don't have the cash to buy bandsaw blades, and now I don't have to.
The Poor Man
2019-10-20 00:13:15 +0000 UTCHah! I just now came in from my shop, where I had just unpacked my brand new 9" tabletop band saw! :-) But I like this method as well, for cutting curves - another great video, Rex! BTW - the coping saw was actually the first hand tool we were taught to use in Jr High Woodshop class. Had to demonstrate proficiency with it before we could advance to the jigsaw (now called scroll saw).
Howard Tuckey
2019-10-19 22:28:52 +0000 UTCEnjoyable as always Rex.
Lawrence Jones Jr
2019-10-19 21:43:49 +0000 UTCAnyway, great production Rex in every way. It is amazing all the things that have cords connected to them and lack of time that forces me to forget the pleasure of just the essential joy of woodworking. Thanks again Rex.
Clayton Hartig
2019-10-19 19:15:11 +0000 UTCWe all hate C.S.'s and they know it, they take pleasure in the hate! About the only thing I use them for is "relief-cutting" / "back-cutting" on say some crown molding or some base molding even. I have seen a number of fine woodworkers use this pathetic tool in making dove-tails when making drawers. I honestly own three of them because every other decade or so when I need one for a day it is just easier to buy one than locate any of mine
Clayton Hartig
2019-10-19 19:09:15 +0000 UTCThat’s pretty impressive! I hate my coping saw.
A1BASE
2019-10-19 17:08:49 +0000 UTC
