SXD Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 Hi Ya'll! Just a quick question for some of you that have been scrolling a while...and some that are new too! lol I've never worked on a scrollsaw before. I have a CO2 laser that I can cut on but only up to 1/2 inch. So I thought about getting a scrollsaw for the thicker stuff and the guy at the hardware store had a cheap one (probably made in China), and he sold it to me for $40. I figured that would be good enough to learn on before I tried to invest in a DeWalt or something. But is there anything that I should know about the thing before I get started? I mean, of course I know safety rules, and I see the pilot holes to drill on things to begin the sawing process. But if you guys have any pointers that would be helpful, I would greatly appreciate the help! Thanks so much in advance! Elizabeth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 Hi Elizabeth and welcome aboard. There's so much you will learn here from all talent. I know I've learned a lot. One thing about thicker hardwoods, after you apply your pattern to the wood, wrap it with clear packing tape. Some hardwoods like cherry will burn during cutting and the packing tape will lubricate the blade and reduce the burning and possibly increase the life of the blade. That's my 2 pennies. I'm sure others will chime in soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clayton717 Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 Welcome Elizabeth. when cutting thicker wood let the blade do the cutting, don't force/push the wood into the blade. this will cause the blade to flex. We can all give you advise on how to do this and that, but the best way to learn is to practise, and practise some more. most of all just have fun. I'm sure you will get several other tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beeber Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 One big thing I have learned is RELAX while cutting. Have encountered back problems and shoulder problem with tenseing up while cutting. Don't forget zero tolerance on close cuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FD Mike Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 Check this out: http://www.mikesworkshop.com/Q&A-FP.htm I agree wirh Clayton, Also do not turn the speed down too much or you will starting what Clayton is talking about. FD Mikr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshall Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 Welcome Elizabeth. when cutting thicker wood let the blade do the cutting, don't force/push the wood into the blade. this will cause the blade to flex. We can all give you advise on how to do this and that, but the best way to learn is to practise, and practise some more. most of all just have fun. I'm sure you will get several other tips. I'm in agreement here , but in all the years of scrolling - remember slow is better and as said let the blade do the walking or cutting with very little force ..............MB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Finn Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 get the tension on the blade tight enough to hear a "ping" when plucked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken O Posted January 29, 2012 Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 Hi Elizabeth and welcome aboard. There's so much you will learn here from all talent. I know I've learned a lot. One thing about thicker hardwoods, after you apply your pattern to the wood, wrap it with clear packing tape. Some hardwoods like cherry will burn during cutting and the packing tape will lubricate the blade and reduce the burning and possibly increase the life of the blade. That's my 2 pennies. I'm sure others will chime in soon. See! I've been on here for a while, been scrolling since the early 90's and I just learned something new! Didn't know the clear packing tape trick! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.