Lessons "learned" the hard way for those just getting started in scrolling

[Blaughn]

For those in the early stages of scroll sawing there is so much to learn that learning things the hard way can be discouraging.  Those of us who have been scrolling for a while have learned some things that may prevent frustration and do-overs for those who are new to scrolling.  I'll start with a couple:

1.  When working with lumber (as opposed to Baltic birch plywood) inspect the face of your lumber carefully before applying patterns.  Imperfections are far easier to correct before you complete your scrolling.  Sanding a finished piece is risky.

2.  Do not let the blade lift the scrap out of your work piece.  Nine times out of ten it will be fine but the blade may grab and twist the scrap causing a delicate detail to break.  By the way, Murphy's law dictates that the piece that broke off will ALWAYS find the vacuum with an audible clicking sound as it goes...

3.  Those tiny drills we use to drill pilot holes DO NOT like to be rushed.  If you are really unlucky the tip will break off inside the work piece.  Start the hole and back the drill out to clear the flutes before drilling all the way through.

 

[BadBob]

Drill all the holes before cutting. I turned several toys into kindling before I learned this.

 

[Norm Fengstad]

So many things to learn and then one has to remember them

[barb.j.enders]

I have been sanding the wood to 220 before applying the pattern.  Makes final finishing easier.

Be patient.  It is not a race.

Don't be overly critical - only you see the "flaws".  No one else does.  

[Blaughn]

44 minutes ago, barb.j.enders said:

I have been sanding the wood to 220 before applying the pattern.  Makes final finishing easier.

Be patient.  It is not a race.

Don't be overly critical - only you see the "flaws".  No one else does.  

Yup.  220 sandpaper with no noticeable indents makes for far easier finishing!

"First good - then fast." is especially true for scrolling.

[Blaughn]

1 hour ago, Norm Fengstad said:

So many things to learn and then one has to remember them

Very true.  It is an art where "action before plan" brings frustrating rediscoveries.

[Blaughn]

1 hour ago, BadBob said:

Drill all the holes before cutting. I turned several toys into kindling before I learned this.

 

Ahhh, but the kindling burns so brightly.  Sigh.......

[BadBob]

22 hours ago, Blaughn said:

Ahhh, but the kindling burns so brightly.  Sigh.......

Indeed it does, but I have plenty without breaking my projects.

[Scrappile]

Unfortunately, or really fortunately in the category  "resources" in the blue line at the top of the forums, there is a drop down titled "how to Articles" that has most the answers and tips. The unfortunate part is new members do not know to look there.  Lots of info there for beginners.  I wish there was a method to tell the new members.

[Wichman]

1 hour ago, Scrappile said:

Unfortunately, or really fortunately in the category  "resources" in the blue line at the top of the forums, there is a drop down titled "how to Articles" that has most the answers and tips. The unfortunate part is new members do not know to look there.  Lots of info there for beginners.  I wish there was a method to tell the new members.

You mean, something like this? :

"Welcome to the Village, newcomer, be sure to check out the resources tab, lots of good info there:     https://www.scrollsawvillage.com/articles/

 

[OCtoolguy]

On 12/16/2022 at 5:21 AM, barb.j.enders said:

I have been sanding the wood to 220 before applying the pattern.  Makes final finishing easier.

Be patient.  It is not a race.

Don't be overly critical - only you see the "flaws".  No one else does.  

My biggest problem. I am my worst enemy. I HATE the finishing process due to my ignorance. 

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, Scrappile said:

Unfortunately, or really fortunately in the category  "resources" in the blue line at the top of the forums, there is a drop down titled "how to Articles" that has most the answers and tips. The unfortunate part is new members do not know to look there.  Lots of info there for beginners.  I wish there was a method to tell the new members.

Maybe a "sticky header" on the Introduction page by Travis would help.

[Sycamore67]

The one thing new scrollers need is patience.  It takes time and experience and failures.  You just need to keep trying different things.  You are going to fail and just accept that.  For me, I love making things and the process of making them.  

I do not think there are short cuts just practice..practice and practice.

[Wichman]

17 minutes ago, Sycamore67 said:

The one thing new scrollers need is patience.  It takes time and experience and failures.  You just need to keep trying different things.  You are going to fail and just accept that.  For me, I love making things and the process of making them.  

I do not think there are short cuts just practice..practice and practice.

Sometimes the "shortcut" is to take a break or put the project away until morning. Trying to "get er done" leads to mistakes and redoing a piece that took hours to get cut.

[barb.j.enders]

16 minutes ago, Wichman said:

Sometimes the "shortcut" is to take a break or put the project away until morning. Trying to "get er done" leads to mistakes and redoing a piece that took hours to get cut.

So true!

[Blaughn]

1 hour ago, Wichman said:

Sometimes the "shortcut" is to take a break or put the project away until morning. Trying to "get er done" leads to mistakes and redoing a piece that took hours to get cut.

Sage advice.  "There's never enough time to do it right but there is always time to do it over......"  

[Joe W.]

Listen to that little voice in your head while scrolling when it says:  "Don't do it" 

[danny]

Been Scrolling over 20 years.  This is a Hole reply.  I did use to

drill all holes first.  Now I do not.  I find Sectioning off the Pattern

and only drill them holes.  Like One Pattern and say 4 different little parts.  Gives me a break from sitting behind the saw.  Anyway this is my 13 cents worth and I am sticking to it.  Hehe:+}

 

[Blaughn]

Okay, I will post one of my dumbest mistakes.  I wanted to compose a plaque using Micah 6:8.  I messed with it and messed with it until I had a layout that "felt" balanced.  Having "accomplished" the balance I printed the design, applied it to some wonderful cherry and cut away.  I can't tell you how long this took to cut but rest assured it was a long undertaking.  When I removed the pattern and surveyed my work my heart sank.  I was so focused on the overall balance I did not notice the additional space between the words love and mercy.  Once you see it you cannot "un-see it".

I keep this piece handy to remind myself that you have to slow down and see detail at multiple levels.  Overall balance is important but so are the small details.  I show the final design also to redeem myself.

 

[JimMarco]

oops

Edited December 18, 2022 by JimMarco
duolicate

[JimMarco]

52 minutes ago, Blaughn said:

Okay, I will post one of my dumbest mistakes.  I wanted to compose a plaque using Micah 6:8.  I messed with it and messed with it until I had a layout that "felt" balanced.  Having "accomplished" the balance I printed the design, applied it to some wonderful cherry and cut away.  I can't tell you how long this took to cut but rest assured it was a long undertaking.  When I removed the pattern and surveyed my work my heart sank.  I was so focused on the overall balance I did not notice the additional space between the words love and mercy.  Once you see it you cannot "un-see it".

I keep this piece handy to remind myself that you have to slow down and see detail at multiple levels.  Overall balance is important but so are the small details.  I show the final design also to redeem myself.

 

 

Now that's something I would do... and have done!

Edited December 18, 2022 by JimMarco
Can't get it right

[Blaughn]

17 minutes ago, JimMarco said:

oops

Yup!

[Ron Johnson]

On 12/17/2022 at 7:59 PM, Sycamore67 said:

The one thing new scrollers need is patience.  It takes time and experience and failures.  You just need to keep trying different things.  You are going to fail and just accept that.  For me, I love making things and the process of making them.  

I do not think there are short cuts just practice..practice and practice.

How true. Like playing an instrument, and soon you and your machine become as one ... in tune making beautiful music, but in this case, beautiful projects.

Edited December 21, 2022 by Ron Johnson