Claon Tips

Contour Spacing

The patterns sent may be enlarged or reduced to any extent the hobbyist desires. Be mindful that reducing the patterns will decrease the distance between contours. We have found that when we use a wood product … even Baltic birch plywood … if the contours are too close the resulting project may be too fragile for kids to use.  Our experience is that at least 1/8 in. between contours works well.

Entry Hole Size and Location

Entry holes should be the smallest possible for the blade you are using.  We typically drill our entry holes at an acute bend in the contour, to lessen their appearance in the finished project.  However, you may place it anywhere on the contour that provides reasonable results for you. 

Entry Hole Angle

Entry holes should be drilled at the angle specified on the instructions.  Use of a drill press with a tilting table is recommended.  In some instances this will limit the size of the project you may wish to attempt.  In these cases any tilting table used in conjunction with a drill having a bubble level for indicating approximate vertical will also work.

Fuzz

We occasionally use a spiral blade for our project.  This tends to produce wood fuzz on the backside of the pieces.  We have found that a fingernail sanding board works well to remove the fuzz … but please don’t tell our wives where their manicure supplies have disappeared to.

Blades

Be cautious when selecting a blade for your project.  The instructions you receive with your pattern will give you some guidelines.  Generally, thin blades work well for thin stock and thicker blades are more effective for thick.