| Scroll-Saw Basics/Country Cutouts |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-109 |
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Don't be intimidated by the idea of using a power saw. A scroll saw is easy to use and allows you to cut intricate wood designs. Woodworking expert Patrick Spielman explains how. The saw blade on a scroll saw is very flexible and is stretched taut between two supporting arms on top and bottom. The serrated blade moves up and down, like the needle of a sewing machine, and does the cutting. The saw has a safety guard that fits on top of the saw platform, but it has been removed during this demo to give a better view of the sawing technique. Tool Tips The saw has two speeds: slow and high. Slow is better for beginners because it's easier to control the saw (figure A).
Keep your hands near the blade, and apply pressure with both hands, feeding the wood into the blade. If you deviate from the line, bring the blade slowly back to the line. The pattern probably won't be affected. The scroll saw makes sharp turns easily. Shift the wood and make a quick change in direction. This project demonstrated cutting a cat face from a piece of wood. Use a paper pattern from a pattern book. Patrick Spielman's books (see Resources, below) include tear-out patterns you can use--or use coloring books or create your own patterns. Materials:
Scroll saw
Wood plaque
Paper pattern for desired cutout
Spray adhesive
Sandpaper
- Cut out the paper pattern. Spray the back with spray adhesive, and stick the paper on top of the wood piece. You'll cut through both the pattern and the wood at the same time (figure B).
- Position the wood on the saw platform by the blade, turn on the saw, and follow the lines of the pattern. Don't worry about following the line perfectly. If you come off the line, bring the blade back slowly so that there are no jerky movements in the line. A slight deviation from the pattern probably won't be noticed (figure C).
- Sand the edges of the wood piece lightly.
RESOURCES :
The Art of the Scroll Saw: Award Winning Designs
Model: 0806908548
Author: Patrick Spielman
1995
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Scroll Saw Basics
Model: 0806972246
Author: Patrick Spielman
March 1991
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Scroll Saw Handbook
Model: 0806947705
Author: Patrick Spielman
November 1986
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Scroll Saw Pattern Book
Model: 0806947721
Author: Patrick Spielman
October 1986
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
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