Hello from Western PA

[Rusty Kettle]

Hi. I am Tom and I am from Western PA. I needed a new hobby and decided to grab a scroll saw. I have not done tons of wood working. Just wanted something to occupy my time and keep my mind from running wild. My wife works nights and after my kids head off to bed there is not much to do.  I use to have hobbies but my daughter has autism and needs me at home. My son has ADHD and needs help as well. Not as much help but still needs some help.

 I use to compete some in barbecue competitions. I was a small team but retired from it even though I am 37 as it just was too much on the family. I gave up a lot of stuff I do just to be more present with our kids. 

 So I grabbed a scroll saw cheap from Harbor Freight and jumped in just to have something to do at home when I am alone. 

I am far from rich but with a steady supply of pallet wood to use its not a big deal. My wife thinks I can sell ornaments. I made some to make her happy but told her if she wants to sell them she is welcome to. From what I have been reading it sounds like its a difficult market to sell basic ornaments in. So I don't expect to sell anything but if anyone can sell something its my wife. 

 So far I have been enjoying and working on multiple projects. So far I have made a jewelry box, a pair of earrings for my wife, a number of Christmas tree ornaments and stocking ornaments. I have been working on a turkey pattern from Steve Good.  I still need to scrounge up some wood to finish the turkey tail. I don't plan to buy much wood unless it is just for me.  I figure pallet wood cleans up alright and honestly this is just to keep me busy. 

 I have been enjoying the new hobby and the stuff I make makes my wife smile and honestly that is my only real goal is to make my wife smile.  If I make a little money from her selling my ornaments great and if not the tree will have a bunch of new ornaments on it this year lol.  I am just doing this for fun and to occupy myself. 

I have a Central Machinery 16" scroll saw. I like it so far but hope to upgrade down the road. The blade adapters for the pinless blades are a pain but they do work eventually lol. 

[Norm Fengstad]

welcome to The Village There is lots of patterns here and Steve Good at Scrollsaw workshop has tons of free patter

[Bill WIlson]

Hi Tom.  Welcome to the forum.  I also live in Western PA.  What part of the region are you from?

I'm president of a scroll saw club called the Blazin' Blades Scrollers of Western PA.  If you are close enough and interested, we would love to have you stop in to a meeting and check us out.  Our meeting place is near Sarver, PA.  Let me know if you want more information.

[Scrappile]

Welcome to the forum.  Glad you are joining us.

[Dak0ta52]

Welcome to the Village.

[Wichman]

Welcome to the village.

There are blade clamps available on Amazon that are bolt on replacements for the OEM, the ones I am referring to will accept both pinned and pinless blades. When using pinless a hex driver is required.

[Denny Knappen]

Welcome to the Village forum from Tennessee.

[wombatie]

Welcome to the Village Tom.  I am sure as time goes on you will sell more and more.  The sales help to buy wood and blades.  Plus you will be able to make things for your kids.

Marg

[Blaughn]

Welcome, Tom.  You will find the Village to be a great resource for all the questions that come up when breaking into this hobby.  One of the greatest discovery is the incredible versatility of the scroll saw.  Dive in!!

 

Bruce