Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I'm showing my age with this one.



Tie-Dyed shirts, bell bottom jeans and the hippy dippy weather man. The 60's era changed us forever. Love it or hate it life was never the same again.

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Sooner or Later She's Gonna Break!

Thomas Jefferson said, “I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

Sorry for the politics but that's just the mood I'm in tonight.


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Monday, June 27, 2011

Fancy Trivet.



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Corel Draw X4 Home & Student Version.

This is not an ad. I'm not linking to an affiliate link here I just want to pass on what I think is a good deal. I have always used Corel Draw to design my scroll saw patterns. It is a powerful vector graphics program that has all the features I need. The current version is X5. This means you can pick up a good deal on the previous version.

Corel Draw X4 Home & Student is still for sale on Amazon and the price is a steal. You can currently buy it for $41.65 plus shipping. The normal full retail price was $129.00. This is not the educational version that requires a student ID. This is the Home & Student version which is the complete version with the restriction that it not be used for commercial purposes.

A word of warning needs to go out here. This is a serious application that requires you to learn how to use it. I personally think it is the easiest vector graphics program to learn but it still takes time an effort on your part. The good news is that as pattern designers we only need to learn some of the tools in the program to be productive.

If this is a part of the hobby that interests you then this might be something to look at before all the X4 packages are gone.

Corel Draw X4 Amazon Link.



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Sunday, June 26, 2011

Deer Family Shadow Display.


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Saturday, June 25, 2011

5 X 7 Word Frames.


Here are several different word frames for you 5" X 7" portrait pictures. You can cut these from different thicknesses of wood for different effects. I like to cut them from 3/4" thick wood for a shadowbox look. You can use an optional 1/4" backer board for a different look also.


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Friday, June 24, 2011

God Bless America 8 inch Plate.


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Adrian Iredale, wooden gear clock maker.

Adrian is a wooden gear clock maker from Australia. I received an email from him today telling me about a new video he just uploaded to his YouTube Channel. In the simulated wooden gear above notice how he spokes have been cut into the gear. This is a typical technique in wooden gears and is mostly decorative. Adrian had watched my video on the double bevel inlay technique and decided to use the inlay in place of the cutout spokes. I have never seen this technique used in gear making and thought I would share his video with all of you. Can't wait to see a finished clock with these gears. Take a look at the video and maybe you can come up with some interesting techniques using the double bevel inlay also.

After you watch this video check out Adrian's YouTube channel and be amazed by his beautiful clocks.


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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Noah's Ark Puzzle by Philip Lowndes.

This is one of my favorite puzzles of all time. This ingenious puzzle pattern was developed by Philip Lowndes of the UK. I first saw this puzzle a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I contacted Philip to see if he could make the pattern available for sale. Luckily he said yes and many of my readers have been able to buy this pattern and build this heirloom toy for their grandchildren and children.
Philip gives painting suggestions for the animals. Don't lets the painting scare you. The kids will love the animals even if your painting skills are not so great.

The easiest way to get a feel for the construction is to watch the video below of the puzzle being disassembled and assembled. If you watch the video a few time the instructions for cutting and building the ark make much more sense. The pattern is metric so a little adjusting of the pattern is required but that's not too difficult.

The puzzle comes in three sizes. The medium is the easiest to build. I consider this an intermediate pattern to build. It will require you to dimension the wood and make some adjustments if you are not accustomed to the metric system. The small amount of effort required to build this puzzle is well worth the end results.

You can buy this pattern HERE.


For another treat visit Philip's Automata site HERE.

Check out this wonderful video of just one of Philip's Automata. His craftsmanship is masterful and the pieces are always fun to watch.



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Monday, June 20, 2011

Mini Clock Inserts.

There are many different Styles

Clock Insert Mounting


Mini clock inserts are popular accessories for scroll saw projects. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and make nice little gifts. They range in price from $5 to $15 for the insert. There are many different styles of face plate so you can find one that matches the pattern you have.

They also range in quality. It can be difficult to determine the quality of the insert from the online advertisement. Usually the less expensive inserts will be categorized as "Economy Inserts". This does not always hold true so read the ad closely then ask questions of other more experienced scrollers. The common difference in quality is a metal bezel and glass face cover vs plastic. I find that even the economy models are fine for most scroll saw projects.

In the image above you will see the backs of two different mounting styles. All the inserts fit in a hole drilled in the wood at a certain diameter and depth. The insert on the left is secured in the hole with small clips. The clips apply pressure to the inside of the hole. These are called "friction fit" inserts. The image on the right shows a "rubber ring" insert. The rubber ring wraps around the insert and when pressed into the hole makes a tight fit. I have used both types and prefer the friction fit but honestly I usually just buy the best price available at the time.


The best method to drill the hole for the insert is to use a forstner bit. (pictured above) Each size insert requires a different size bit. The most common inserts used are the 1 7/16" (36mm). These inserts require a 1 3/8" hole. You can buy the forstner bits individually or in sets. The insert will have specifications for the depth required. You can find them at most hardware and woodworking stores. Many of the retailers who sell the inserts also carry the forstner bit.

The links below are just a few of the places online you can find the clock inserts. I think I have purchased from all of these merchants over the years. I have not had any problems with any of them but if you read the online forums you will hear stories of poor service occasionally. Visit the sites, read the online forums and use your own judgement as to which you prefer. I am not recommending any of these merchants.


Woodcraft
Sloans Woodshop
Wildwood Designs
Steebar
Klockit
Bear Woods
Wooden Teddy Bear
Rockler
Penn State Industries
Clockparts

If you have never used the mini clock inserts give them a try the next time you need to give a small gift. There are hundreds of patterns available for just about any occasion.


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Sunday, June 19, 2011

Butterfly Desk Ornament.

This is what I call a desk ornament. Cut it from 1/2" or 3/4" thick wood. Butterflies are one of several themes that many people collect. If you do any craft shows butterflies usually sell pretty well.


Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. I lost my father many years ago when I was just a child. I wish I could celebrate this day with him. Even though I was very young when he passed away he still influenced almost every part of my life as I grew up. I miss him very much. Happy Father's Day dad. I love you.

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Saturday, June 18, 2011

Caution Sleeping Dad Sign.




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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Desk pen holder for you favorite driver.

Stock car racing is one of the most popular sports in America today. Fans have their favorite drivers and they collect anything associated with that driver. Here is a desk pen and pencil holder for 40 of the most popular drivers .

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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Candle Sconce Scroll Saw Pattern.


This project requires a pair of wooden candle cups. You can find them at most craft stores. I also used wooden button plugs to hide the wall mounting screws. I highly recommend the use of battery powered candles. They are much safer and the ones on the market now look very natural.

This sconce is a little over 10 inches tall. I used 1/2" thick poplar so it would match the candle cups better.


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Monday, June 13, 2011

1st Bank of Dad.


I'm still trying to work out the details of the monthly giveaway. There are a couple of issues going on that I'm not sure how to deal with yet. There are technical as well as legal issues involved in running an online contest. I have to make sure that your privacy is protected and that I'm not breaking any laws with the giveaway. Sounds crazy but there are laws about giving things away online. Because entry in the giveaway is free there should not be a problem but the rules need to be posted clearly on the blog. I need to update the rules and make them available on the blogs main page. The other issue is that I collect email addresses for all the entries so I can notify the winner. I have to have a privacy statement about the use of that data. I only use it for the contest entry then they are deleted but that also needs to be clearly spelled out on the blog.

I'll get the giveaway back up and running as soon as I can. Thanks.


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Sunday, June 12, 2011

The Man The Myth The Legend.

Customize this pattern with the name of your favorite legend(Dad). Use a stencil font in your word processor at a size of 48 points. There is a link to font in the pattern.

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Friday, June 10, 2011

Country Was Always Cool.

All you country music fans out there remember Barbara Mandrell's "I was country when country wasn't cool" title. Well in my book country was always cool.

This clock requires a 1 7/16" mini clock insert. It should make a nice little gift for your country music fans in the family. If you live in Nashville you might even be able to sell a couple to your favorite country music legend.

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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The harder I work the luckier I get.


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Wooden Comb.

Here is a blank for a wooden comb. You can cut it as is or customize it with your own stencil font.

When you cut the blank for the comb try to make the grain of the wood run in the direction of the teeth. This will help prevent the teeth from breaking. The one in the picture has the grain running the length of the comb and the teeth are a little weak. It's actually not too bad because the teeth are strong in the direction they run through your hair.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The link to the monthly contest entry form is down. They were deleted off the server somehow. It seems like this will be a good opportunity to change the giveaway. I will be doing two drawings from the entries already received and then we will start over with something new. I'll try to announce the new entry method this weekend.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Monday, June 6, 2011

Heartland Highways Episode 907.

I am always on the look out for online videos that showcase scroll saw artists at work. This episode of Heartland Highways features Rick Wallace and his scroll saw art. You might also be interested in the other artist profiled in this show.





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Sunday, June 5, 2011

Flying Bird Ornament.


This is a very simple project that can be displayed alone or with other projects. The flying bird is cut from 1/4" wood. Use an eyelet screw for the hanger.


Portable shop air conditioner update:

A couple weeks ago I posted how I installed a portable air conditioner in my windowless garage workshop. I ran into a problem where the compressor would only run for a few minutes then shut off. This would leave the fan running but no cool air. After a few minutes the compressor would kick back on but repeat the cycle.

I explained in the post how I had cut a hole in the side door to vent the air conditioner to the outside. To help keep critters out I decided to install a plastic grate and a butterfly valve on the outside of the door covering the hole. This turned out to not be a good idea. The butterfly valve worked fine but it was restricting just enough air flow to cause the thermal fuse in the compressor to trip and shut the compressor off. After it cooled back down the compressor would come back on.

It took me a few days to figure out what was happening but when I removed the butterfly valve the air conditioner runs great now. It was 89 outside this afternoon and I was working in a comfortable 73 degree workshop. I could not be happier.

Several of you had emailed me interested in installing a similar system in your garage workshop. I wanted to pass this update on to any of you who might run into similar trouble.



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Saturday, June 4, 2011

Wooden Basket Scroll Saw Pattern. Coffee Bean Wood Review.

This wooden basket is a pattern I created several years ago. I wanted to update the pattern with a new picture and clean it up a bit. Of all the projects I make this is one of the most popular with friends and family.

Coffee Bean Wood

Another reason I wanted to cut this project tonight is that I am experimenting with several different domestic hardwoods. One new wood to me is Coffee Bean Wood. I used Coffee Bean for the weave in this basket. The grain pattern looked good to my eye for the weave.

Coffee Bean is known by a few other names depending on the region of the country you live in. Kentucky Mahogany, Coffeetree and Chicot are a few of it's names. The wood has a coarse straight grain. It reminds me a little of Red Oak. I'm not a big fan of Red Oak for fretwork but Coffee Bean cuts easier and does not seem as prone to breaking along the open grain.

Coffee Bean has the same hardness as White Oak. I did notice that the cut created a lot of dust. I did not notice any allergic reaction to the dust like I have with some other domestic woods.

On a scale of 1 to 10. With 1 being "terrible to cut on the scroll saw" I would give Coffee Nut Wood a 7.

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Thursday, June 2, 2011

Patriotic Mini Desk Clock.

This small patriotic clock requires a 1 7/16" mini insert.

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Don't forget dad on Father's Day.


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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.

-

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.

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.
__________________________
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