How to Use a Scroll Saw?

Have been desiring to make quality woodwork, with intricate shapes and designs? Then you will need to have a scroll saw and have the right blades. In addition to this, you will need to know how to make use of the scroll saw. There are so many people who love the scroll saw, but do not know how to make use of it.

Some assume that it is very difficult to use and they may never learn how to operate it. However, this is far from the truth, and if you will show some patience and follow this guide to the end, you should not have any difficulties, with your tool. Before getting into the specific details on how to operate this amazing tool, let us understand some basics and even have novices understand what the scroll saw is and what it can do. Please read on!

What Is A Scroll Saw?

The scroll saw refers to a type saw that is commonly used for creating detailed shapes and making unique cuts. This is a convenient tool to have in your home or workshop and when you have one, you can cut out a number of shapes and make intricate patterns. While this tool is small, it is so powerful and also dangerous and as such, you need to use it with extra caution.

The key advantage of having a scroll saw is that you can use it to cut different materials, besides wood, like metal and even plastic. At first, it may appear to be quite complicated, but by following this guide, you will become and expert and be able to use it perfectly.

How to Properly Use the Scroll Saw?

To help you understand the use of the scroll saw, I will break down into different steps that look at different aspects of scrolling. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1- Protect Yourself

As simple as this may sound, do not assume it. Even if you are in a hurry or assume that the task is light, wear protective wear. You need to ensure that you have safety goggles and a dust mask if need be. Do not wear loose clothes around the saw.

Step 2 – Prepare the Work Piece

You need to prepare your workpiece for the cutting. If you want to make patterns on wood, you need to start by cutting the wood to the required size and sand the rough edges. Also, take the time to inspect the workpiece has any objects that may hinder the cuts. Make sure that you mark the workpiece, with lines that are visible.

Step 3 – Get the Saw Ready

This is an essential part of the process and you need to get it right, from the start. Clamp the saw to the working surface and then install the blade that you want to sue. Get the right blade depending on the size and intricacy of the cuts that you wish to make. Ensure that the blade fits properly to the saw and has the right tensioning.

Turn the saw on and if it comes with a light, turn it on as well and ensure that the dust management system is also active. Check all the features to ensure that they are working and use a test piece before making cuts on the main stock.

Step 4 – Making the Cuts

You should set the speed of the saw, depending on the material that you want to cut. For slower materials, set a slower speed. Direct the blade of the saw to the cut line and control it, using your hands, and following the marked line. Make sure that your workpiece in such a way that you can make turns easily. When making your cuts, you should keep a safe distance between the blade and your hands.

It is advisable to make cuts, without a rush as this can cause injuries when you slip and also the quality of the patterns will be affected. After you have made your cuts successfully, you should turn off the saw and sand the edges that appear to be rough. At this point, you should remove the blade of the scroll saw and unclamp the scroll saw.

How to Make Unique Patterns?

You do not need to worry so much about the patterns that you will make with the scroll saw. Here are some tips that you can use to end up with amazing patterns.

Use a Pattern Template

You can pick a pattern from a computer from any other source. Have a copy of the pattern made and apply it on the workpiece that you want to make cuts. You can find the right adhesive to stick the stencil of the pattern on the work piece. When applying the glue, it should be on the pattern and not the piece of wood that you are cutting through. This should act as a guide as you will be able to follow it through.

Preparation of the Work Piece

Ideally, to be able to cut out shapes, you will need to work from the inner side of the wood. As such, you can start by drilling the wood, which will allow the blade to get through. When drilling the wood, you should target the center of each cut that you wish to make. This will give you the proper sense of direction of the shapes that you wish to cut out.

Best Position for Scrolling

I also think it is important to discuss the best position when it comes to the use of the scroll saw. When you are in the initial stages of making your cuts, you should do this while standing, directly in front of the scroll saw. This makes it easier for you to feed the stock into the saw blade, easily. You should not stand on the sides of the tool. If you have to work for longer hours, you may consider having a high stool.

You need to ensure that you are comfortable and have a great control of the saw and the workpiece. While at it, it is essential to ensure that you have adequate lighting on the work surface.

Make Use of the Right Blade

This must be one of the most useful tips that I will share with in terms of the proper use of the scroll saw. When you have the right blade, you will determine the quality of the cuts and designs that you will make. In most cases, the ¾ inch blade will be able to accomplish most of the scroll tasks. However, when working with very thin workpieces, you should use a #3 double tooth blade.

When you install the blade, it is essential to ensure that the fee is facing and point downwards. Failure to do this will mean that you will have splintering on the top of your surfaces, and end up with a lot of sanding to do. Besides installing the right blade on your scroll saw, you need to ensure that the blade is sharp. When you attempt to make cuts with dull blades, you will end up making low quality cuts.

Tension the Blade Properly

You cannot have a blade that is too tight or too loose. When you insert the blade, you should tension it to make it taut. When the blade is loose, it will deflect from the cut line and will make cuts that are crooked. However, even a tight blade is not as good as this may end up breaking and damaging the scroll saw. The blade needs to have the right tension to allow it to make cuts even on curves and sharp corners.

Do not stop at the corners as this may cause the blade to pick the wood and this will be dangerous. You need to position your blade in such a manner that it will handle such corners and curved cuts with ease.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to scrolling task, it is not a matter of how good the saw is, but the proper use of it. Even if you have the latest and top rated scroll saw and not know how to use it, then it will not serve the purpose. Learning how to use a scroll saw is imperative and helps you utilize this tool to the fullest. If you have found this guide to be informative, please feel free to leave a comment. You can also go ahead and share it with your loved ones so that they can learn about the best scroll saws and how to use one.