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A few newbie questions please...


new2woodwrk

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I've been reading several articles that discuss "fretwork" but I've been unable to find out exactly what that is...

Is that the actual cut out work, filigree etc?

To me "fretwork" is related to stringed instruments.

Also, I always purchase a book for each of my large power tools - recommendations for books for a newbie would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

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Fretwork is generally cutting pieces out of wood to create an ornamental design. If you search the internet for fretwork there are some terrific photos to give you a better idea. Fretwork can adorn furniture, buildings, or be a stand-alone piece of art. Hope this helps. 

And welcome you The Village! 

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Fretwork is as you put it "actual cut out work -see the photo below

Far as books go the "Big Book on Scrollsaws" would be a good one. There are several books out there published by Fox Chapel related to Scroll Saws. The nice thing about the boxes is the include several patterns. 

5a6889552f91d_butterflycross.thumb.JPG.c17aad2738f011c572528a8c5ecf0755.JPG

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The Big Book of Scroll Saw Woodworking is the what got me started. I did a few projects out of that just to get a feel for the process and I was soon very comfortable to work on other projects without needing instructions.

Just remember, everyone has their own little tricks and hints that may be completely different from the next guys. I learned what I could from reading articles and working through a few projects from the books. Then I learned A LOT more just spending time reading the forums on this site. There is a wealth of knowledge floating around here... scroll saw knowledge anyway:razz:

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I used the Scroll Saw Workbook (3rd edition)  as a great intro to the scroll saw in general https://www.amazon.com/Scroll-Saw-Workbook-3rd-Skill-Building/dp/1565238494/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1516803245&sr=8-5&keywords=big+book+of+scroll+saw+woodworking  If you are wanting to do other types of work like Intarsia, Judy Gale Roberts and Kathy Wise have great books out for the beginners. There are also other books out on different areas/types of work with the saw.  Many of them are published by Fox Chapel Publishing (including JGR's and KW's books.) You can see the variety here: https://foxchapelpublishing.com/scroll-saw.html

Looking through the older posts and information shared here on the forum was a great help and asking questions. Everyone here is willing to share their knowledge and information.

Then Steve Good's blog: http://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com and his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sdgood/home

What other power tools do you have? Are you looking for books for those too or just the scroll saw right now?

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3 hours ago, meflick said:

I used the Scroll Saw Workbook (3rd edition)  as a great intro to the scroll saw in general https://www.amazon.com/Scroll-Saw-Workbook-3rd-Skill-Building/dp/1565238494/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1516803245&sr=8-5&keywords=big+book+of+scroll+saw+woodworking  If you are wanting to do other types of work like Intarsia, Judy Gale Roberts and Kathy Wise have great books out for the beginners. There are also other books out on different areas/types of work with the saw.  Many of them are published by Fox Chapel Publishing (including JGR's and KW's books.) You can see the variety here: https://foxchapelpublishing.com/scroll-saw.html

Looking through the older posts and information shared here on the forum was a great help and asking questions. Everyone here is willing to share their knowledge and information.

Then Steve Good's blog: http://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com and his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sdgood/home

What other power tools do you have? Are you looking for books for those too or just the scroll saw right now?

thank all,

@meflick,

I have a table saw (delta 36-725), drill press (craftsman), hf belt/disc sander, skill 9" band saw (sorry I bought this one but it was cheap), Kobalt miter saw, assorted drills (cordless and corded), 2 compressors with 4 air guns, assorted paint spray guns and I just ordered the Wen scroll saw from amazon for $88.

 

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4 hours ago, ike said:

You now have a good idea what fretwork is, I have several books on fretwork most of them bought from amazon for as little as $1.25 + $400  postage just go onto amazon books and type in scroll saw and you will find something you would like.

IKE

Yah, just bought a scroll book from there as well, a set of orson blades (pinned first), some temp adhesive - hopefully I'm all set for Friday when the machine gets here!

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3 hours ago, new2woodwrk said:

"Local library"? What's that? LOL

I haven't been to a library in over 45 years!

 

Shake a leg and get in there!!!!!! You can also order other scroll saw books they don't have and they will be delievered to that library you'll be using!!

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fretwork can be taken many different ways. Most of the time, fret work is, as a rule, thin, small work. Tight cuttin' on a given project, or, a complete project can be fret work. 

Fret work is fragile cuttin' on a project, around the outside of a project, etc. It entails small blades, slow blade speed, & experience. The main idea, imo, & no offense, but like others have said, go to your local library, find a couple books on fretwork & read them. Then find ya a small fret work pattern, & cut it, even if ya have to cut it two or three times just to get the feel & idea of it. You'll find your own way through the pattern, but easy does it. Try different blades through the course of cuttin' the pattern. 

My recommendation is to avoid plywood. Try wood first. You'll find as you cut your pattern, how easy fret work breaks & the longer you cut, the more you'll learn about fret work. Hope my .02 pennies worth is of some help. Experience is the best teacher.;) God Bless & keep makin' sawdust!

Edited by SCROLLSAW703
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3 hours ago, loftyhermes said:

I've always thought of it as, fretwork for the inside cuts ie. where the blade is inserted into a hole and scrollwork for the outside cuts, ie. cuts that can be done without inserting the blade into a hole.

happy scrolling

Steve

That's always been my understanding as well. 

 

fret2

/frɛt/
noun
1.
a repetitive geometrical figure, esp one used as an ornamental border
2.
such a pattern made in relief and with numerous small openings; fretwork
3.
(heraldry) a charge on a shield consisting of a mascle crossed by a saltire
verb frets, fretting, fretted
4.
(transitive) to ornament with fret or fretwork
Derived Forms
fretless, adjective
Word Origin
C14: from Old French frete interlaced design used on a shield, probably of Germanic origin
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