Newbie Tips - Scroll Saw Challenge

[Rockytime]

Thanks for the photo and a look at the blue ribbon work!

[LynnR]

How have I not heard about your community? I have been scrolling now for 2 years but that might have ended abruptly after a bad scare with an entry level scrollsaw with an erratic runaway motor making me feel unworthy. Determined, I returned that saw to the store and jumped in with all my fingers still intact and proudly purchased a Dewalt after searching the web and finding Steve Good. Scrolling is my zen place. Thanks for the add. Lots to learn and taking it one day at a time.

[BKind2Anmls]

Look ahead of the blade while cutting, not at the blade. Like driving a car, you look ahead to where you are going not where the tire is at the time.

[Rockytime]

On 3/4/2020 at 10:44 AM, trackman said:

If you start to make silly mistakes stop an take a break. Or wait until tomorrow to work on it.  When I retired from railroad an started into woodworking I was still in the mindset that I only have so much time to work on the project.  

I have NEVER made a silly misteak, mine were always STUPID misteaks!

[Jronn65]

After thinking about this topic today, I had to add a few other things.

1. The line on the pattern is only A suggestion!  My scrolling today made me remember this! 

2. No one else needs to know if you made a mistake, especially if you sand it off.

3 . A dremel can be a good friend to you in your shop for lots of reasons.  

4.  If you scroll what your wife likes/wants, you’ll get to scroll longer!  

5.  Good wood is hard to get.  That’s what she said, I know I beat some of you from saying that! 

 

 

 

[funeralguy82]

In the beginning, I often sanded to the line on projects rather than cut directly on the line... risking the chance of cutting into my piece. I know this was counter-productive... but it led me to an awesome sanding discovery! I had bought one of those Bladerunner Jigsaw Tables for $90 and realized it was useless for cutting... it was just sitting there collecting dust for two years. A quick internet search led me to a German company named Neutechnik that sells a similar saw setup... along with accessories. They have a kit that comes with two t-shank adapted sanding sticks (one flat and one curved). Both “sticks” have loop and hook velcro to hold sandpaper... and the shanks themselves are made of tougher steel. I ordered the kit (I believe about $35 shipped to USA). By cutting the stock red blade clearance plate of the Bladerunner larger... the sanding sticks fit! This sander helped me salvage poorly cut projects while I learned to scroll. I still use this  saw/sander to soften edges (both interior and exterior) and I want to modify a regular t-shank blade to hold sandpaper so I can reach even smaller interior edges. I will attach photos of this setup in case others want to try it!

[Rockytime]

Looks like a neat idea. Too bad I gave away my piece of crap ROCKWELL Blade Runner several years ago. If I had built that machine I would have been ashamed to place my name on it. It is really cool you found a use for one. Sounds like you made lemon aid from a lemon!

[Hawk]

Quality Blades

Be mindful of the blade speed, it is directly related to cutting speed...Get a saw with variable speed!!!

Chris

[LarryEA]

I work with hardwood and make sure the wood is flat. I Plane both sides and sand

with 220 grit. This is so the wood does not wobble as I cut.

Sanding is important, so I'm sanding wood before I drill, after I drill,

between each cut and a final sanding. Especially to get rid if burrs.

Finishes are important, read directions and take your time. 

A good eye for painting is quite useful. 

I don't have that talent and often wish I did.

[IKSO_99]

I am new to this site but have been scrolling for almost two years now and loving every minute.  I think the first thing to learn and practice is patience, patience and patience.  Like any new endeavor it takes time to learn, and that is one of the best parts of the process.  Even after completing initial and basic projects the feelings of accomplishment and reward are fantastic and grow and continue with each successive project and difficulty level.  Like a lot of others, i was drawn to scrolling and went out and found an old craftsman at a garage sale for $40.00.  After a lot of practice and experimentation I knew that this was something i would enjoy.  So I invested in a DW788 and made a comfortable work space in my shop and haven't looked back.  I think that is very important too,  if your going to be spending a lot time at it, make yourself comfortable.  Get a good comfortable and supportive chair, get the lighting that you need, get the ventilation that you need & you HAVE to have your music.  One of the other big factors that I have learned is to not be afraid to experiment, the potential for this tool is only limited by your imagination and sense of adventure.  With sites like this and other avenues, there is a large resource out there.  And no matter what your level is or the level that you want to get to, get yourself some good equipment, make yourself comfortable, be safe and amaze yourself at what you can learn and are capable of.  Mike   

These are an example of some the patterns that are available online and with patience were not that difficult.

[RangerJay]

Don't think I have a lot to add to what has already been said - but do offer a couple thoughts:

- a project never screws up at the beginning  - so be ever-more careful as the project nears its end.

- the final finish  is everything - a great cutting can be ruined by a lousy finish - conversely - mistakes in the cutting can often be forgiven by a great finish.

- speed kills ..... take your time - start slow - find the sweet spot - finish great ....

Jay

[Gonzo]

4 hours ago, RangerJay said:

 

 

- the final finish  is everything - a great cutting can be ruined by a lousy finish - conversely - mistakes in the cutting can often be forgiven by a great finish

 

Jay

Amen to that one!

[MrsN]

Lots of good advice here.

One thing that really changed the way that I scroll was when I started burning the fuzzies off the back of the piece. I use a micro torch similar to this one. Burn the fuzzies and wipe with a piece of sand paper (just barely sanding) and the fuzzies are gone. Being able to reduce the amount of sanding after the project allowed me to really focus on cutting the lines so I rarely have to sand my cuts. 

If using a micro torch is too scary to start, you can get the same effect using a cigarette lighter. the tip will get hot so you can only burn a little at a time before you fingers get too warm.

[Bill WIlson]

1 hour ago, MrsN said:

Lots of good advice here.

One thing that really changed the way that I scroll was when I started burning the fuzzies off the back of the piece. I use a micro torch similar to this one. Burn the fuzzies and wipe with a piece of sand paper (just barely sanding) and the fuzzies are gone. Being able to reduce the amount of sanding after the project allowed me to really focus on cutting the lines so I rarely have to sand my cuts. 

If using a micro torch is too scary to start, you can get the same effect using a cigarette lighter. the tip will get hot so you can only burn a little at a time before you fingers get too warm.

A grill lighter will get your fingers a little further away from the flame.  I've never tried it for burning fuzzies, but if a regular lighter works, this should be easier to use.

 

[SawMe]

I am a newbie to scroll sawing. Only had a old Craftsman saw that belonged to my wife. We did the arts & craft show's off and on for 20 years. Made no money but lots of friends. Buit  larger stuff and  didn't use my scroll saw much. Now we live in a apartment (detached garage is my "workshop") and I think scroll sawing is a great way to fill my time in retirement. I don't want to break the bank on a scroll saw, maybe under $400, any suggestions.

My sad sorry:  A few years back local guy was selling a Hawk Saw (like new) for under $300. I was not into scroll saw work at the time and had not idea the quality and /or price  of a Hawk. I already had a old Craftsman saw at the time that I never used. Sure can kick myself now!!

[Bill WIlson]

This one, Delta 40-694, is worth consideration, for your price point.

 

[RabidAlien]

7 hours ago, SawMe said:

I am a newbie to scroll sawing. Only had a old Craftsman saw that belonged to my wife. We did the arts & craft show's off and on for 20 years. Made no money but lots of friends. Buit  larger stuff and  didn't use my scroll saw much. Now we live in a apartment (detached garage is my "workshop") and I think scroll sawing is a great way to fill my time in retirement. I don't want to break the bank on a scroll saw, maybe under $400, any suggestions.

My sad sorry:  A few years back local guy was selling a Hawk Saw (like new) for under $300. I was not into scroll saw work at the time and had not idea the quality and /or price  of a Hawk. I already had a old Craftsman saw at the time that I never used. Sure can kick myself now!!

I use a Wen 3921, and once I watched a couple of Youtube videos on how to adjust blade tension, I'm actually liking the saw.  I think it was about $200 when I got it, its dropped in price since then.

 

I feed it with Pegas blades (or Flying Dutchman spirals) and they're sooooo much more versatile than the old 3" pin-ended blades my old Dremel 57-2 used.

 

https://www.amazon.com/WEN-3921-16-inch-Two-Direction-Variable/dp/B07MC1HLNP/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=wen+scroll+saw&qid=1584129843&sr=8-1

[OCtoolguy]

8 hours ago, SawMe said:

I am a newbie to scroll sawing. Only had a old Craftsman saw that belonged to my wife. We did the arts & craft show's off and on for 20 years. Made no money but lots of friends. Buit  larger stuff and  didn't use my scroll saw much. Now we live in a apartment (detached garage is my "workshop") and I think scroll sawing is a great way to fill my time in retirement. I don't want to break the bank on a scroll saw, maybe under $400, any suggestions.

My sad sorry:  A few years back local guy was selling a Hawk Saw (like new) for under $300. I was not into scroll saw work at the time and had not idea the quality and /or price  of a Hawk. I already had a old Craftsman saw at the time that I never used. Sure can kick myself now!!

I'm not sure of your location but I've got a great Hawk saw that has all the best of things on it. I need the space in my shop so I'm selling it. $400. It's a 226VS Ultra with less than 25 hours on it. I'm in So Cal if you are interested.

 

 

[heppnerguy]

If one starts to cut fragile fret pieces, a useful tool to have on hand is an awl. if the pieces start to stick in the holes,it is an easy and practical way to remove them without putting pressure on the close, already cut holes, preventing breakage of those pieces. 

Dick

heppnerguy

[lawson56]

First let me say,I had never seen nor knew what a Scroll Saw was,My Dad gave me his Craftsman,I started cutting out shilouetts.Then i worked my to little bit harder cuts,I had no help at first,I started finding patterns in magazines,the Scroll Saw sites.It was Fantastic.There were more people like me.I got tips and help.I was in Heaven when I found The Village.My advise to Newbies is don't be shy in asking for help and tips.

[OCtoolguy]

21 hours ago, lawson56 said:

First let me say,I had never seen nor knew what a Scroll Saw was,My Dad gave me his Craftsman,I started cutting out shilouetts.Then i worked my to little bit harder cuts,I had no help at first,I started finding patterns in magazines,the Scroll Saw sites.It was Fantastic.There were more people like me.I got tips and help.I was in Heaven when I found The Village.My advise to Newbies is don't be shy in asking for help and tips.

Absolutely the truth. I would have been lost without the Village to answer all my inane questions.

 

[rod143]

I started with an entry level saw and watched as many videos on scroll sawing as I could find and I found out about Steve Good's blog and signed up for that. I discovered Gwennette's website and looked at most of there videos on scroll sawing and picked up a lot of tips there. About three months after buying an entry level scroll saw I bought a better one for $350 and I have been using that one since, 21 months. 

Where I live in PA we have no local clubs and I didn't know anybody locally that even had a scroll saw. Read as much as you can, watch videos on youtube, don't be afraid to try something different and remember super glue goes a long way in fixing a problem. I have gotten some very useful patterns that others have contributed to this site. I would recommend a book by, Patrick Spielman, "The New scroll Saw Handbook" available from Amazon. 

[Rockytime]

Sounds like you started out the way most of us started. I don't know any scrollers where I live. There is a club which I think are mostly turners. Glad you found us. Lots of information here. Just jump right in and make yourself at home.

[Dan Page]

Been scrolling off and on for guessing 30 years. The internet in general has probably been the most helpful to me than anything. Patterns, forums, ordering supplies has all made a huge difference in the scroll saw world. I started using a Craftsman then had a few cheaper deltas. Now I have an excalibur and recently found a really good buy on a jet saw. When I first started I was basically self taught so had a lot to learn. Used carbon paper to trace patterns lol. I still don't consider myself a great scroller and it is only a hobby for me. Just something I started doing and I find it is relaxing to me.

[Wichman]

My advise for newbies is practice.

Practice, practice, and then practice some more.

Do you think that pro athletes got where they are by just playing? Every sport has drills, practicing a particular skill set over and over. Musicians play the scales. Actors have their own set of practices. So it is with us; practice, practice, practice. It really will payoff in the long run.