Pocket cut through or inside profile?

[Acmeaviator]

I have some scrollsaw plans that I have scanned and converted into vectors. Now I'm trying to figure out what is the best way to cut out inside voids in scrollwork pieces - is it better to use a inner profile toolpath with the tool cutting on the inside of the line or to use a pocket toolpath with the depth set to cut through (yes I have a sacraficial MDF layer on my table)?

[dlcw]

Brian,

It all depends on how big the internal cuts are and how much saw dust you want to go up the dust collector. Another consideration for inside profile cuts is that the small inner piece will likely come loose and start rattling around and could dislodge your work piece. Pocketing will turn all the wood on the inside into sawdust and send it up the dust chute.

Personally, if the internal cuts are small I will just pocket. For these types of projects I don't rely on my vacuum system to hold it down. I come up with another hold down system.

So again, your preference.