Sunday, October 14, 2018

Baby's First Christmas Ornaments Free Scroll Saw Patterns.


Three "Baby's first Christmas" ornament patterns.  

Let's talk about entry level scroll saws:



I would love to have a Tesla Model S automobile. $75,000 is a little out of my budget. Okay, it's a lot out of my budget. Luckily my Ford pickup truck will take me to the grocery store just like that Tesla will. I may not look as cool but I will still come home with groceries.

Most of us started out with the less expensive scroll saws. When I was just getting started I had no idea I would enjoy the hobby as much as I do. I could not justify spending $1,000 on a saw. My first scroll saw was a Craftsman from Sears. I think it was $120. That was thirty plus years ago. 

Since that Craftsman saw I have owned several scroll saws. Each one has given me hours of fun. Yes, even that Craftsman allowed me to enjoy the hobby. I made many projects on that machine. I eventually gave it to another woodworker. Believe it or not, he is still using it. 

I'm also not saying you should buy the least expensive scroll saw you can find. One scroll saw that I receive several emails about is the saw sold at Harbor Freight. The saw runs around $90. I know people who own and enjoy this machine. I still would not recommend that you buy this machine simply because it does not accept plain end blades. To be honest the quality is just not good enough to be a wise buy.

I mentioned plain end blades. There are a few features that you should try to buy. You want a machine that will accept plain end blades. Pin end blades are for very basic cuts. Some entry-level saw can be upgraded to accept plain end blade using aftermarket kits. I'm not a big fan of these kits but they are better than using pin end blades.  

You want to buy a saw that does not try to vibrate off the table. We make delicate cuts using our scroll saws. You will not be able to make these cuts accurately if the machine is trying to run away and hide.

You want to have an air blower to blow the dust off the pattern line. Yes, you can blow it away yourself but it's not worth the effort. Get a machine with an air blower. Luckily, most of the newer machines come with a blower. 

There are a few features that you want to have but may not be as important as those above. 

Variable speed is nice to have but not an absolute must have. There are not many saws today that are not variable speed.

Tilting table. Nice to have but most scroll saw projects do not require you to tilt the table.

You need light to see the pattern line. If the saw comes with a decent light that is a plus. You need to set the saw on something. If the saw comes with a stand that may be a positive depending on where you will put the machine. A foot switch is a must for me personally but not a requirement to get started. 

Up front, controls are very nice to have. If you have to reach the back of the saw every time you need to remove the blade that can be a real bummer after an hour of cutting. It's nice to have a quick release for the blade. You want to be able to tension the blade easily. 

One feature that you will not get on an entry-level machine is an easy blade change process. All of the sub $200 machines are difficult to clamp the blade in the chucks. You may get better at it after a period of time but once you use a machine that is actually easy to change blades you will understand how important this is. 

If you get all the features I just rattled off you won't be buying an entry level scroll saw. They just don't exist.

I will go out on a limb and tell you my suggestions for which entry-level scroll saws to consider buying. These are just my suggestions. If you buy one of these machines you need to do your own research. These are entry level machines and their quality of workmanship can vary from machine to machine. Buy them from a place that offers an easy return policy. 


If you need to stay in the $100 range I will reluctantly make a suggestion. The Wen 3920 sells for around $85 dollars. It has a light and air blower. It is variable speed. It does not accept plain end blades. I do not know if there is an after-market kit to convert it. It does not have up front controls. I briefly tested one of these machines and the vibration was decent.


If you are in the $150 range then the Craftsman 21602 16" saw is a choice to consider. This saw is getting difficult to find. I don't think Sears still sells it. The link goes to Amazon where you can still buy it. This machine will accept plain end blades. It is variable speed and has an air blower. It does not have a light or upfront controls. You have to use a tool to change the blades. The blades are a bit of a pain to replace but it gets easier with practice. The vibration was not bad at all on the one I had in my shop for review.


In the $200 range is the saw that Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine rated as the best entry level machine. I agree with their opinion. The Porter Cable 18" scroll saw is starting to get you to a feature set that would make it a mid-level saw. Up front controls, accepts plain end blades, light, air blower. variable speed, tilting table, and stand are all standard features on this machine. I reviewed this scroll saw in my shop and found it usable. Changing blades was not as easy as I would have liked but the machine is capable of fine fretwork. 

I'm going to throw in one more saw into this entry-level discussion. The Delta 40-694 sells for $399 on Amazon. It will drop to $350 from time to time. This scroll saw is my recommendation for anyone who wants to get started in the hobby and has a few extra dollars in their budget. This machine does not come with a light or stand for this price. It does have plain end blade, air blower. tilting table, upfront controls, and low vibration. This machine has one other thing that the other saws in this list do not have. Changing blades is a pleasure. Actually, it has another feature that the others do not have. The build quality is much better than the others. 

If you have a friend or family member who wants to get started in the hobby and their budget is limited these suggestions might be useful. 

Opinions about these machines will vary. I understand that some of you will have had poor experiences with some of these machines. I am basing my opinion on personal use and hundreds of letters from my readers. I am in a unique position to hear from thousands of people in the hobby. I think that experience gives me a perspective that most people are not lucky enough to have. I am just sharing that experience and not trying to get into a debate about the pro and cons of these machines.   

$3 PDF Catalog Update:

Click image for more information.

I am getting ready to update the $3 PDF catalog in the next few days. I currently have 57 new patterns to add to the catalog. I just wanted to let everyone who has purchased the catalog know I am working on the next update. Thanks for your patience.





$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.

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Email Newsletter Readers: Remember that the Newsletter is just a copy of the daily blog post. To see the post in it's proper formatting click this link. If you ever misplace a pattern or any item you see here you can always find it on the blog. Everything stays on the blog forever. 

Products for your consideration:


Scroll Saw Pattern Design Tutorial: DVD
Let me teach you to create a beautiful wooden portrait pattern. I will show you everything you need from start to finish. The video will show you the free software program you can download for Windows or Mac OS. I will show you how to install the program and configure it for best results. 
Then I will show you the technique to take your photograph and make a pattern from it. When the pattern is complete we will go in the shop and cut it.
The DVD is $10 plus shipping. This is a data DVD that you will use on your computer to watch the video tutorial  



Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2017 in DVD
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.

This DVD has 2,300 patterns published from 2007 thru 2017.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.

If you use the DVD on a Windows PC there is a simple viewer program to browse through the patterns.

The DVD also works fine on a MAC. The viewer program is not MAC compatible but there is an included PDF with all the patterns shown as thumbnails for easy viewing. 

Unique Wooden Vases:
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.

The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.


The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this Button. Your support is greatly appreciated. 
http://www.stevedgood.com/donate2.html

My Sponsors:
Support the businesses who support our community.
Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.



This is the end of the daily posts. Keep scrolling for lot's more scrolls saw fun!






https://www.bearwood.com/
Bear Woods has been around since 1987 serving our hobby. They offer a wide range of craft products including Pegas scroll saw blades, clock inserts, toy parts, workshop supplies and much more. In my ten years of writing the Scrollsaw Workshop blog I have never received a complaint about Bear Woods. I get thousands of email a month so that's saying something about their customer service and quality products. Please support the people who support our hobby. Click now and visit Bear Woods.

Heritage Wood Specialties. Scroll saw ready boards!


Heritage Wood Specialties is a nationally recognized supplier of superior quality hardwoods to fine woodworkers across the US and Canada. Novice hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike can enjoy the high quality woodworking materials and kits available from Heritage Wood Specialties. Great source for scroll saw ready boards.

Seyco

http://seyco.com/
Seyco began business in 1986 with the goal to supply the best customer support and quality products in the scroll saw industry. I have worked with Seyco on many occasions and I can tell you they are simply the best. Please do yourself a favor and click the image above. Steve Good

Free Pattern Catalog. 1000's of free patterns.

http://www.stevedgood.com/catalog/

Thousands of FREE scroll saw patterns. No registration or signup required.

The projects form these patterns can be sold without restrictions. The patterns cannot be sold.

Click here for the Free Online Catalog.

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Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw Book $12 Each

http://www.stevedgood.com/woodenvases.html
Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.
The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make. 

Order the $3 pdf Catalog

This is a PDF of all the patterns in my free catalog. It is for Windows only and has a program to automatically download the pattern to your computer. Please watch the video below before you order. Click the picture to order.
http://www.stevedgood.com/swpd/swpdorderpage.html
You do not need a PayPal account to order. At the bottom of the PayPal page is a button that will allow you to pay with a credit card. After successful payment click the Return to Merchant button for the download.

Stencil Printer 1.7

Stencil Printer Instruction Video.

The Scrollsaw Workshop Stencil Printer 1.7 is my latest software for creating patterns. It will create key chain fobs, desk name plates and more. Click the image above to download the latest version. It is free to use donationware. This software is for Windows PC only.

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1
Download the Free Scroll Saw Pattern Printer Version 1.1. Create name patterns in seconds. Windows PC only.
Download Version 1.1
Please consider a $5 donation for The Scroll Saw Pattern Printer v1.1.

Scroll Saw Keychain Pattern Maker

Use the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker to start a small keychain business. Build yourself a nice display and make up severl keychains with common names. Sell at craft shows, on Ebay or at work. Everyone needs a keychain. Take custom orders. Heck just make them and give them away as gifts. It's all made easy with the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker. Watch the video demonstration then download the file below and get started with the fun.
The following link will start the download process. After the file download is complete just click the setup file and the program will be installed. Please consider a $5 donation for the program.

Download the Oval Keychain Pattern Maker.

Enjoy designing and printing these great personalized key chains. Give them as gifts, make them for fun or sell them at craft shows. It's easy, just watch the video demo then download and install the program. You will be designing these fun projects in minutes. Windows PC only.
Download the Free Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker. Create Oval key chain patterns in seconds.
Download Version .9a
Please consider a $5 donation for The Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker.

T-Shirts and More.

T-Shirts and More.
Show your love for the hobby and support the Scrollsaw Workshop. Safe and secure order fullfilled by CafePress. Take a look. You are sure to find something you like. CLICK THE IMAGE to visit the store.

The Lifter

Papa's Custom Patterns.

www.papasworkshop.net

Philip Lowndes Noah's Arc Pattern Available. Watch the video below.

This video is from Philip Lowndes. He is the designer of this beautiful Noah's Arc puzzle pattern. If you would like the pattern follow the link below.
Buy This Wonderful Heirloom Puzzle Pattern

Think Safety

Remember to keep the safety of yourself and others in your work shop in your thoughts at all times. Always wear eye and ear protection. Follow all the manufactures warnings that came with your power tools. If I demonstrate something on this web site that you don't feel is safe, don't do it. Your safety is your responsibility. Fingers are handy things, try to keep all of them.
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Disclaimer:
The Scrollsaw Workshop Blog is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine formerly (Scroll Saw Workshop Magazine) or it's publisher Fox Chapel Publishing.

Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts