Where to get fretsaws and blades?

[Evanism]

Anyone know where I can buy marquetry fretsaws and the 6/0 or 8/0 metal blades from?

Doesn't seem that marquetry is a big thing in Oz. I'm wanting to get into it to add more pizzazz to my boxes.

[mark david]

Hi, recently got back into marquetry and bought some Swiss made blades from a seller called janglebud on Ebay he is based in NSW.

Wouldn't personally recommend going down to 6-0 or 8-0 as they are probably a bit too fine.
I am using 2-0 at the moment but probably wouldnt go finer than 4-0.

Are you using a scrollsaw or handheld fretsaw?






Anyone know where I can buy marquetry fretsaws and the 6/0 or 8/0 metal blades from?

Doesn't seem that marquetry is a big thing in Oz. I'm wanting to get into it to add more pizzazz to my boxes.

[Evanism]

By hand so far. I've some great veneers, thanks to a fellow forumite (), plus a few more from England.

Im trying to find a decent fret saw and blades. I've 2 great books off Amazon and read them to pieces, so its time for action!

Its a bit of a shame I can't find some of the great masters who live in the ACT for some lessons. It feels pretty quiet on the scene here at the moment.... I'll go to the local guild and enquire.

It seems its a pretty esoteric sport now... people love it, but wont pay for it. UK and US have some great teachers and courses, but since I'm impoverished, there will be no quests there yet...

[mark david]

I recently acquired around 5000sq feet of veneer on gumtree which peaked my interest as my last foray into marquetry was in the late 1980's.

I did that with a handheld fretsaw with a 12" frame but is a bit limiting, plus I was concentrating to keep it at a 15 degree angle approximately to cut double bevel.your are also trying to avoid catching the table cutout as it deflects the blade.

If you are interested in making a fixed fretsaw frame, let me know as I just completed one with a 24"throat.Apart from the trolley it sits on it is completely scratch built including the blade clamps and cost very little to build.

These days there are loads of good videos on youtube for marquetry cutting.

Like you say there is a very small number of proponents to keep the craft alive and even fewer in Australia.

Once you have learnt the basics it is quite straight forward but practice is needed to follow a line accurately.Have a look at www.craftsmanspace.com for loads of patterns and designs, many suitable for marquetry.





By hand so far. I've some great veneers, thanks to a fellow forumite, plus a few more from England.

Im trying to find a decent fret saw and blades. I've 2 great books off Amazon and read them to pieces, so its time for action!

Its a bit of a shame I can't find some of the great masters who live in the ACT for some lessons. It feels pretty quiet on the scene here at the moment.... I'll go to the local guild and enquire.

It seems its a pretty esoteric sport now... people love it, but wont pay for it. UK and US have some great teachers and courses, but since I'm impoverished, there will be no quests there yet...

[Evanism]

Hehe, I'm all for watching videos and reading books. I'm a very enthusiastic watcher of other people work, but I need to start!

Arron sent me a really really nice box of his veneer collection and I have two more boxes that arived from England.

I'm looking for a fretsaw and a few blades to actually begin. I'll grab one of wifey-poos good pots for the sand edging/cooking and a single plug in hot plate from Kmart (or similar).

The chevalier looks extremely awesome. I saw a course in Boston(?) where they have a few and teach you the packet method. Naturally I don't have the room for such a colossus, so I'll stick with a little jig for the bench top.

On designs, I'm focusing on Japanese styles... Frogs, Mosquitos, giant Koi, stylised ikebana, Lillies.... All very simple stuff.

[mark david]

Sounds like a plan.
You'll be needing some good veneer tape and that's even harder to find over here, I had to get mine from the U.S and the postage was a small fortune.

You will need some wax paper too.

The wax paper is for blade lubrication when cutting the packet method particulalry.
Was thinking of melting some beeswax and pouring over some newspaper.
I did try some soap on the blade but for some weird reason stopped the blade from cutting!

I will be over in England in a few weeks so might bring some back plus some more of my veneer stash.
I have some nice tulipwood, burr yew and Brazillian roseweood that I have had for 20+ years.


Hehe, I'm all for watching videos and reading books. I'm a very enthusiastic watcher of other people work, but I need to start!

Arron sent me a really really nice box of his veneer collection and I have two more boxes that arived from England.

I'm looking for a fretsaw and a few blades to actually begin. I'll grab one of wifey-poos good pots for the sand edging/cooking and a single plug in hot plate from Kmart (or similar).

The chevalier looks extremely awesome. I saw a course in Boston(?) where they have a few and teach you the packet method. Naturally I don't have the room for such a colossus, so I'll stick with a little jig for the bench top.

On designs, I'm focusing on Japanese styles... Frogs, Mosquitos, giant Koi, stylised ikebana, Lillies.... All very simple stuff.

[Arron]

I buy scrollsaw blades from this guy but I note he sells fretsaw blades as well http://www.mikesworkshop.com/blades.htm . Postage for a few dozen blades to Aus was $3.75 and real quick postage as its just a letter.

There is also a very well hidden supplier of the same blades (flying Dutchman) in South Australia somewhere. Not sure if they do fretsaw blades.

I have 8/0 jewellers blades and they are a pain - break too easy. I use 3/0 but with the double bevel method there is really no need to go below 2/0.

For a saw, I am intrigued by this http://lumberjocks.com/projects/29694 . It looks to be about the best saw plan I've ever seen. Shouldn't take more then an afternoon to build. I intend to build one as soon as I have a free afternoon - so far I've only got as far as purchasing the brake rod from a local brake shop. If you think about it, its basically a giant fretsaw fixed to a drawer slide and a flat table. The drawer slide guarantees the consistent bevel. Main thing I like about this type of setup is you can stop anytime you want to reposition or admire your work without having a hand saw dangling and chewing up your edges.

Your comment about people liking it but not paying for it is correct.

cheers
Arron

[mark david]

I have seen that saw design, fair enough if it works but looks a bit flimsy to me.
My fretsaw is a much more complicated build but not expensive and is rock solid with support for both the upper and lower frame of the saw, even has adjustable counterbalance via bungee cord.

Will post some better photos of it when I get time.



I buy scrollsaw blades from this guy but I note he sells fretsaw blades as well http://www.mikesworkshop.com/blades.htm . Postage for a few dozen blades to Aus was $3.75 and real quick postage as its just a letter.

There is also a very well hidden supplier of the same blades (flying Dutchman) in South Australia somewhere. Not sure if they do fretsaw blades.

I have 8/0 jewellers blades and they are a pain - break too easy. I use 3/0 but with the double bevel method there is really no need to go below 2/0.

For a saw, I am intrigued by this http://lumberjocks.com/projects/29694 . It looks to be about the best saw plan I've ever seen. Shouldn't take more then an afternoon to build. I intend to build one as soon as I have a free afternoon - so far I've only got as far as purchasing the brake rod from a local brake shop. If you think about it, its basically a giant fretsaw fixed to a drawer slide and a flat table. The drawer slide guarantees the consistent bevel. Main thing I like about this type of setup is you can stop anytime you want to reposition or admire your work without having a hand saw dangling and chewing up your edges.

Your comment about people liking it but not paying for it is correct.

cheers
Arron

[Evanism]

Ok, I've ordered a Knew Concepts 8" fretsaw, now to get some blades off Aaron's recommendation.

Various tapes - and interesting veneers - will need to be acquired!

Thanks to everyone for their hints and help. :)

So few people are into this. I'm finding it quite amazing that more aren't interested. The clubs and groups ITRW are non-existent.

[Evanism]

Thanks everyone for their wisdom.

Arron, with the link to http://www.mikesworkshop.com/blades.htm do you have a recommendation?

I ask as I took some time tonight to slowly go throungh that fantastic box of veneers you sent me. I also looked at the page and my Marquetry Course book.... And I'm a bit stuck as to what one should buy first!

A billion choices!

Again, many thanks.

[fletty]

Ok, I've ordered a Knew Concepts 8" fretsaw.......

You won't be disappointed, it is just MAGIC!

fletty

[chrisb691]

Email Helen Harris, and request a catalogue, she will send you a huge amount of good information. Many of the forum members swear by her, and she is a sponsor. I am not associated.

Owen & Helen Harris
PO Box 1384
Murray Bridge SA 5253
08 8531 3440
0428 826 224

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