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Just completed this beautiful Russ Beard pattern, it took me longer than it should have done the reason being the whole year so far we have had a maximum of four hours of power during the day so a lot has to be done when you do have power and scroll saw work has to put on the back bench. The power has improved slightly so I managed to finish it. We also had extensive flooding so the moisture content in the wood is high and played silly buggers with me in the finishing especially the Leopard. The tree I purposely textured it to give a bit of an aging effect. All in all I’m happy with the cut, I enjoy these complex cuts. Just as a matter of interest this was cut cut on the cheapest scroll saw like your Wen. I would have to think a bit about the frame thinking about a rustic frame to suit the picture as well as the back round behind the Leopard I think a nice blue representing a nice clear day under the African skies.

This is another sanding topic that might be useful. I sometimes need to sand the edges of a narrow cut or vein. These are sometimes too narrow for cloth backed sand paper. If I use just a thin piece of regular sandpaper, it breaks very quickly. So, I take thin but good quality sandpaper and back it with packing tape. Then simply cut into whatever width and length strips you like. I make them from typically 180, 220, and 320 grit sandpaper.

James McAvoy, as Tumnus, from The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe. Seemed right to take this picture in the woods. If you're not familiar, Tumnus is a faun. Sort of half goat, half man I believe.

I just finished cutting this wood-art piece. This one took about 18 hours to cut and another 2 hours to make the pattern. I made it from a painting by artist, Ted Blaylock.

Couple of clocks I've done. Love scrolling and creating saw dust!

Did you see the article on Fiona Kingdon that is. in Steve Good's almost daily email? She is a true artist with a scroll saw.

I forgot about the one one hanging on my wall. I thoroughly enjoyed cutting and assembling it. However, it doesn’t work, but I’m 99.999 % sure it’s because of the knucklehead that made it.

Made this picture of my godson/nephew

There seem to be always questions about sanding and what people use. One thing that I like is small sanding sticks I make. I start with wooden sticks like popsicle sticks. I have several different sizes. i use good sandpaper and spray the back with 3M77. I line the sticks up next to each other and apply the sand paper to both sides. I make certain it is well attached and then cut apart with a razor knife. They work really well on small parts or difficult areas. These took me about 10 minutes.

I made this clock for my son's Tiki Bar. It's backlit with color-changing LED light-strips.

Just completed for the Granddaughter. Pattern from the Berry Basket, 1/4 inch Elm (from my tree), FD Polar #! for the fretwork, #3 for the outside and large curves, 3 coats 50/50 shellac/denatured alcohol. Stack cut four deep (1" thick)

Yes a pretty steep angle. I think her Hegner is an old single speed. Doesn't look comfortable to me, but she knows what she is doing. That scroll saw is just her paintbrush.

I made this trivet for my son's Tiki Bar.

1/4 “ Baltic Birch Ply, blade used throughout #0 straight Flying Dutchman, two coats Danish Oil, then two coats of Medium Oak stain for the Leopard and two coats of Antique Oak stain for the tree as the stains cleaning agent is mentholated spirits I applied a thin coat over the tree applying it my fire finger on a soft rag more pressure in places than in others to get the aged effect I was looking for. Final finish is three coats of varnish sprayed on in thin coats and allowed to dry between coats.

In the market to upgrade from my old Ryobi scroll saw after years of use. Any recommendations for a new saw? Have been researching the Dewalt 788 and the King Industrial 16" model. Any information on either of these or any other models would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch, Richard "Poppy's Workshop"

She is totally amazing. I can't imagine cutting without some type of pattern. Did you notice how much she had her saw raised in the back?

I recently bought a new DW788. It is a workhorse. Does what I need with no finicky issues. I love it!

Emery boards from the dollar store.

Yeah it takes a long time to get used to these with the barrel clamps.. I used to have to bend down and many times get off my stool so I could see what I was doing but eventually got it without getting up or even looking.. That was after several months of using only that saw as a primary saw over a slow business time... at the time if I had a rush order or something I had the DeWalt which was my primary saw for several years. The Hegner is a lot like the Hawk and I think that is why my learning curve went pretty smooth.. I broke the first few blades but now I rarely break them on that saw. I'm not sure if the Hegner needs a new retainer or if that's how they are but not one time did the blade clamp stay in the saw when I did break those few blades..

I'm way too lazy for this. I buy emery boards ( for fingernails ).

Wonder if Hawk used different sized blade clamps at some point.. There are other brand saws that used that same style of barrel clamp.. in fact the new Jet brand saws use barrel clamps but they don't use the brass sleeve... The metal portion is slightly smaller than the Hawk ones.. when Rocky (Les ) had his Hawks he bought the Jet clamps as they are way cheaper than the Hawk ones. I believe he was one of those that made a metal retainer and I also remember JT saying he made a metal retainer.. Bushton would probably know if the older saws had a different size clamp.. When I first got my new retainer it was very tight to get a new blade clamp in place.. was always a little scared I would break the cheap plastic retainer.. they do fit pretty tight. I used to bend down on the front of it enough to slide the barrel in place. I don't think a Hegner one would work on the Hawk.. Heck, the Hegner one won't even work on the Hegner.. every blade I broke when first learning / using the saw sent the clamp flying somewhere and I never did find one of them that I think went under the workbench.. Doesn't seem like it'd be all that hard to make a retainer from some spring steel.. One could probably shape it around the clamp to get the shape of the plastic one but out of metal..

Bob, when I put my cardboard "fence" up it’s just taped to the side of the saw. I left the front open so I can put my hand in to change blades. No issues with blade changes and no crawling around hunting for the clamp and/or barrel.

I’m not a fan of the orange dust control holder thingy that came with my saw. It kind of acted like an echo chamber when I put my Fein in it. Not sure if it’s harmonics ( if that’s the word I’m look for) but it drove me nuts. Anyways, after reading about and seeing what others have done, I decided to go simple. I also kind of stole Scrappile’s idea where he uses a cigar Box below the table, but I don’t have one. Hmmm….I suppose I could take one for team and buy a box of cigars. (Big smile)

Of all the scroll saw projects I have designed throughout the years, clocks were always my favorite subject. I especially like them because they are "alive" and they serve a function. By the response to "CLOCKS" this month, it is a very popular subject. My very first and favorite was the original 1880, NORMANDY model from Italy. . Here are a few of my favorite clock designs. (The grandfather clock below is over 6 feet tall and designed to be made with a 16" scroll saw.... )

Made these out of old scratched LP's ..cut the vinyl and glued to 3mm hardboard

LOVE the bottom three! Gearworks always fascinated me, and I'd love to know where you found the plans for those three?

Some really nice clocks posted. I really like the Dragon designs whose patterns are they? I have just finished two more clocks as a test cutter for SSWWC magazine (no pictures yet). It was a bit of an eye opener seeing the prices on the larger inserts. 4-1/2" I have made many clocks, three of them actual gear clocks. My first one was just after joining our local club it is about 10" tall. The rest have all been cuts for the magazine. I have only kept 3 of them , the first and the Flying pendulum and electromagnetic one.

I have only made two clocks. These dragons were made as Christmas gifts.

I made 2 of the P51 airplane clocks, one for my WW2 veteran dad for Father's Day several years ago, and one for my son when he graduated for aviation mechanics school. The pig clock was given to a farmer friend.

Couple of my favorites. Both were my entries in a scrollers design contest. The regulator included compound cut finials. Both received honorable mentions.

I must admit, I have a fetish for clocks. Growing up on the farm my dad would buy me a new pocket watch when school was out for the summer. I have half dozen wrist watches and pocket watches. Every room in our house a at least 1 clock, some rooms 4. Don't have one in my shop. As a Air Force navigator next to the compass, a good clock was one of the most important pieces of navigation equipment. So, you see I wouldn't make it through the day without a good clock.

Clocks theme huh? Since I have made over 250 clocks which ones do I choose? Desk clocks are my favorite so I only put in one wall clock.. I have more of those too.. Hope someone here likes cars since the desk clocks is a bunch of cars. LOL Gotta say it was hard to choose which ones to post up.. I tried to do some Fords ( not a Ford person myself ) and Chevy's and now I see I left out Dodge.. which is one of my favorites.. what the heck.. Also left out a bunch of the imports.. oh well can't post them all.. but if you have a request to see something I probably have it if it has wheels.. Then I left out the entire sports line like hunting, golfing, running etc.. Oops, I forgot all the dog breeds... I gotta post one of those.. some make them as puzzles.. I make them as clocks... so see last photo Did I mention I've made over 250 clocks?

I like to make clocks. Years ago I started making clocks as wedding presents for nieces and nephews. Here are just a few.

Awesome George

Awesome Barry. I really like the design. I believe your mother is enjoying viewing it through the window in heaven.

Clock samples

Here are a couple of Steve Good patterns.

You're welcome! I used 1/2" Sycamore and #1 and #3 Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blades. I like using thicker wood but that's just a personal preference. I start with the eyes since they're usually one of the most challenging/fragile areas and if you mess them up it's time to start over. I'm pretty slow myself but that can be a plus I suppose. A very talented craftsman friend of mine once told me, "Try to make it perfect, and it usually turns out pretty good."

MarieC, I alway seal the wood with Danish Oil even if I am working with hard woods it seals the moisture in and I never never had wood. Rack on me as it dries.

Amazon had the Dewalt on sale yesterday I believe for $ 379.00. Last week it was over $ 500.00. Pretty good deal if you are shopping for a Dewalt. that was what Steve Good posted.

another great idea

great idea

Interesting that someone used cloth backed sandpaper as I have not had good luck doing that. Paper backed sandpaper worked better for me. I have needle files that I use but will need to look at the diamond ones. Part of the reason I started this thread is to find out what others are using.

I feed the blade up through the slot in the table, then angle it toward the front of the saw and use the holder to press downward on the plastic retainer enough to slip it into the spot and rotate the blade back into position.. not sure if any of that made sense to you.. but I tried... I'm sure there are many different methods to use but that is always what worked for me if memory serves me correct.. I haven't owned the saw for a couple years now and the new hawk you don't need to remove the holders typically.. When the plastic retainer was new I would have to use two hands sometimes as it was a little stiff to bend down that far for enough clearance for the blade holder to fit in there. I'd use left hand to press down on the retainer while placing the barrel in on the right hand side.

Thanks Kris

Thank you! In case you're interested in cutting it for her, here's the pattern.

I had done this in the past, but your way of doing this is much easier than the way I was doing it. Really like your way. Guess what I am going to do tomorrow. Thanks for the tip Larry, and also for sanding things #2. Jery

I was going to suggest that @kmmcrafts Kevin just post a link to his Etsy page since he is the King of the Clocks (and ornaments) i believe I have made one clock since I started scrolling. Clearly not competing with Kevin. Was not even sure I had ever taken a picture of it, but looks like I did. I made it for a friend's daughter who graduated from law school. It is a Dirk Boelman pattern. It can be found here: https://theartfactory.com/product/scales-of-justice/ Edited to Add: Oops - looks like I made two I think I gave this one to my niece or nephew both who play the guitar.

Here are two that I done a while back...

My new Hegner arrived Tuesday. It was supposed to be dropped off at my door. I woke up Tuesday morning and forecast was for rain, all day. Rain. In the middle of winter in Minnesota. I didn’t take that into account. Thank goodness a neighbor was able to keep an eye out and bring it in for me. I bought the 18” with stand, magnifying lamp, and quick change. My thoughts so far: I was pleased that it came very well packaged. It was easy to get everything set up. This saw is the exact same height as my Ex so that’s nice. I took off the hold down and the arm that holds it. I was amazed at how sturdy that was! Once everything was set up, I practiced putting in and taking out a blade. Did that about 20 times and said to myself it’s time to make dust. I took the lower blade cover off, it was in the way. The footprint is considerably smaller than that of the EX. Yes, the Hegner has a much smaller table, but that shouldn’t affect what I do, as I generally, am making small parts. I drew a few lines and circles in scrap walnut and put in a Pegas modified #5, my go to blade and off I went. Very quiet, no vibration at all, the blower worked very well. I hooked my my Fein to it and reversed the blower to be a vac. Hose for the shop vac fit, cool! The suction on on top was in my opinion terrible. I don’t care about that because I didn’t know about that until after I purchased it. My first piece was a Rook for a chess set that I am making. 1 1/4” square mahogany. I used a Pegas #5 Super Skip, recommended by Denny at ArtCrafters. (How’s that fair shameless plug). Man, what a saw, cutting that piece was as smooth as a fresh jar of Skippy Peanut Butter. The magnifier will be the hardest thing to get used to. I’ve made about 6 of the chess pieces and just really like this saw. Patti at Advanced Machinery, who I purchased it from, was fun to work with. I have yet to break a blade, or have a blade slip. Both of EX’s the blade slipped pretty much all the time, even with the new clamps from Pegas. After just a few hours on the saw, I can say that it is worth every penny. Thanks again to all who have offered their opinions on getting a new saw.