Use a Scroll Saw

A scroll saw is a small machine with a fine blade well suited for working with thin wood. Mechanical scroll saws have been available since the 1860s, and today more than 50 models are available with options including variable-speeds models and different throat capacities. Scroll saws are usually either parallel arm or C-arm, types and are used in the freehand cutting of intricate wood patterns, which is also called fretwork. Scroll saws can be used to create such items as name tags, miniature furniture, clocks, and many other designs. Learn how to use a scroll saw to create wood crafts and decorations with curves and joints.

Steps

1. Turn the scroll saw on, and roughly cut around the pattern. Depending upon the type of wood you're using, you may want to use a blade with few teeth for this part or a different saw.
2. Adjust the speed of the blade if you are using a variable-speed model. For hard wood, use a slower speed. Soft woods, such as maple or popular, can take faster speeds.
3. Aim the scroll saw blade toward the first line to be cut.
4. Use both hands to gently guide the wood into the blade.
5. Use your forefingers of both hands and the thumb of 1 hand to move the work through the blade. Hold down the piece, and push it forward along the cut line.
   • As you push the piece forward, lift 1 finger at a time out of the way. Do not lift 1 hand or both fingers, or the piece may jump and create a jagged cut.
6. Adjust the feed rate into the scroll saw to what feels right to you. Watch the blade, and listen to the saw to determine if you need to slow down.
7. Go back through the cut line and remove the wood from the saw once you reach a turning point.
8. Turn the wood so that the next line is in front of the scroll saw blade. Guide the blade onto the line of cut, and meet with the first cut. Gently back the blade out of the cut, and turn the piece again for the next line.
9. Make gradual turns with the scroll saw by slowly turning the wood as needed.
10. Continue cutting all of the edges, and work your way around the piece until all outside lines have been cut.
11. Use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to soften any rough edges you created.
12. Finished.

Tips

• Test the speed and blades on a scrap piece of wood before you work on your pattern piece.
• To change the thickness of a cut, change your skill saw blades.
• Practice with different scroll saw techniques, speeds, and wood to get the desired effects.

Warnings

• Wear safety goggles while using a scroll saw. Broken blades and sawdust can cause eye injuries.
• Be careful not to break any of your blades.

Things You'll Need

• Scroll saw and blades
• Scroll saw pattern
• Wood
• Goggles

Related Articles

• Change a Circular Saw Blade

Sources and Citations

• http://www.craftideas.info/html/scrollsaw.html
• http://www.thewoodbox.com/data/scrollsaw/scbasiccuttininfo.htm

See also

• Handle Kickback in a Circular Saw
• Sharpen a Chainsaw
• Operate a Chainsaw
• Use a Bench Top Bandsaw
• Use a Circular Saw
• Sharpen a Saw
• Use a Tile Saw
• Use a Steel Chop Saw
• Change a Circular Saw Blade