Scrolling 101

[don in brooklin on]

I have volunteered to do a series of sessions on scrolling. 

With the members who have never scrolled -  I first discuss the basics of patterns, blades and basic techniques and then get into cutting techniques.  I have the basic template below which does all the corners etc.  They will get 2 key chains (cat and bear).    

1.   I would appreciate any comments on the template.

2.  Then - I need a basic project to do that would be a good take home project.  I tried to do a keychains with their name and it was too difficult for some of the students. Probably have about 1/2 hour or so to devote to section.   I will glue up some extra small stuff for the real keeners.  (Always happens)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[barb.j.enders]

The templates look great.  Lots of "basic" patterns in there already.

[WayneMahler]

Looks good to me. Seems you covered the bases. Also great to see someone trying to pass on scrolling. Thank you.

[Sycamore67]

Thanks for doing this.  I remember first starting out and it was tough to follow a line.

I first practiced by following various lines starting with gentle curves and gradually going to sharper turns and eventually square corners. I think the snowflake maybe too difficult for a beginner.  

Along with patterns,it might be good to suggest various woods or blades to use.  One of the biggest questions from newbie is what blade to use.

[Denny Knappen]

I still like to use lesson one in Scroll Saw Workbook 2 nd edition by John A Nelson.  Your project ideas are great.

[MrsN]

I like to start with simple silhouettes sometimes turning them in to simple puzzles. Another thing that often goes over well is letters or simple wordart.

When working with my students I find that sparking a desire to make a project can be far more helpful than tons of random practice.

 

[Frank Pellow]

It's great that you are doing this Don!

Some of that cutting looks quite difficult for beginners and I would save those for a second lesson.  I would have them practicing on more lines.

For a project, I suggest a simple puzzle.

[crupiea]

Templates look great and its a cool idea.  i am sure they wil learn a lot.

be sure to go over the different way to attach the pattern to the wood as that is always an area people have questions about. 

[OCtoolguy]

When I first started I found the practice patterns were boring. I found some simple objects like cars, boats, airplanes etc were far more fun even if they looked like dung when finished. I still have my first cut, a duck, signed and dated so I can look back at where I started. Thanks for promoting the hobby and keeping the interest going.

[don in brooklin on]

Thanks for all your input.

When I did lessons before I used to have a whole section of squiggles and waves but I found that students got bored quickly (they are woodworkers ya know).  I will remove the snow flake (thanks Sycamore67)  and replace with a simple fish.  I am also going to replace the teddy bear key chain too.

Thanks Denny for the idea about Scroll Saw Workbook.  I was able to get the ebook from our library and his ideas are really great.  I haven't read completely but there are some great patterns especially for the follow up sessions.  

As Ray and Katie discussed it is nice to have a take home to say to the significant other "Hey honey- Look what I did - I need another tool".  I may do the cell phone stand from Steve Good with an easy pattern in the middle or a simple puzzle.

Thanks 

PS:  I just need the mask mandate to be eased in Ontario so we can schedule the sessions.  I did a survey for interest and so far 8 for never scrolled and then 8 that want refresher and then lots of interest in other topics like bowls, puzzles etc.  I probably will do weekly session from now to Christmas. 

[Roberta Moreton]

I went to Steve Good’s site.  I just typed in ‘easy’ in his pattern catalog and got easy animal puzzles.  I’m sure there will be enough in that section for you. 

Edited March 3, 2022 by Roberta Moreton

[preprius]

might consider easter concepts.

and 4 leaf clover for St. Patricks day.

also an object that could still look good with poor skills.  A wavy sided square , like an old scroll that is unrolled, a flying flag.  Carots. 

Me.

Mark Eason

[crupiea]

23 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

When I first started I found the practice patterns were boring. I found some simple objects like cars, boats, airplanes etc were far more fun even if they looked like dung when finished. I still have my first cut, a duck, signed and dated so I can look back at where I started. Thanks for promoting the hobby and keeping the interest going.

Funny you should mention the duck, Ray.

Thats how I got into this whole scrollsaw thing.  I wanted to cut out a little wooden duck and tried it with a jigsaw.  It looked terrible so I reserached what tool would do it better.  Thats when i discovered this scrolling world of ours. 

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, crupiea said:

Funny you should mention the duck, Ray.

Thats how I got into this whole scrollsaw thing.  I wanted to cut out a little wooden duck and tried it with a jigsaw.  It looked terrible so I reserached what tool would do it better.  Thats when i discovered this scrolling world of ours. 

Great minds think alike!