Sunday, July 31, 2011
Don't Ever Give Up.
Friday, July 29, 2011
If Nursing Was Easy It Would Be Called Management.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Rockwell Bladerunner Questions.
This is the Rockwell Bladerunner. Since this tool hit the market several months ago I have been receiving more and more email about it. Let me start out by saying I have not used the Bladerunner so I am not in any way trying to review it here. I just want to give my observations after reading many reviews and watching several video reviews.
The number one question I receive is "Should I buy this instead of a scroll saw?". Rockwell advertises the Bladerunner as an alternative to a few different tools. One tool they mention is a scroll saw. Well, I guess in the broadest sense of the word you could consider it an alternative. The blade runner will make outside and inside scroll cuts. That's about as far as I will go on calling the Bladerunner a scroll saw. It is a jig saw mounted upside down under a table. It uses T style jigsaw blades. That means that the interior hole can be no smaller than the blades which are very large when compared to scroll saw blades. This eliminates the tool from all but the most basic scroll saw patterns. It is not an alternative for anyone who wishes to do detailed fretwork.
Okay now that I have that out of the way let me go on by saying that the Bladerunner might have a home in the crafters workshop. The system is under $200 which seems like a fair price for a consumer level product. It does have some versatility in that it will cut wood, tile, metal and plastic. It comes with a simple miter guide and rip fence. From what I have seen I would not count on very accurate cuts but that's not what this tool is for.
I will try to get my hands on one so I can talk about the quality of the machine for those of you that might consider this for your shop. The video below is the official Rockwell web commercial. As usual they hype the tool a little over the top but is does show what the tool can do.
Voices in my head!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Oval Dragon Plaque.
Ten inch tall oval plaque.
Monday, July 25, 2011
3D Deer Demonstration on the Scroll Saw.
This is one of my older videos but I keep getting email asking where the video is so I thought I would just post it again. This project is a lot of fun and it's great for when you have guests in the shop. It's a quick way to show off the scroll saw to someone who has never seen one before. Best of all you can cut this in under a minute with a little practice.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
More Scroll Saw School Videos added. Five new Mini Clock patterns.
I have added more videos to the Scroll Saw School with many more to come. Click the icon above and I hope those of you that are just getting started will find them useful.
This pattern book has five more mini clock patterns. They use the 1 7/16" mini clock inserts. These are a little random but you might find something you like.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Baby Jesus.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Warning, Guard Dog.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Legend Has Retired.
Need a gag gift for the person retiring in your office. Cut this plaque for them. I included the years 2011 thru 2015.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Woven Box Scroll Saw Pattern
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Just getting started but at least it's a start..
I have a very small start to the Scroll Saw School. If you click the picture above you will be taken to my new page where I will be posting basic scroll saw videos. The picture above is also located in the left hand column of the blog. I want these videos to cover everything a new scroller needs to feel comfortable starting out.
My plan is to keep each video very specific to a technique or tip. I will try to keep the videos short and to the point. The first two videos cover scroll saw blades and are rather lengthy. A few topics might require several minutes but most will be a couple minutes long.
Many of you have already sent suggestions for topics and tips. I appreciate the help. Hopefully we can put together a resource here that will bring more people into the hobby.
I know there is not much there yet but I wanted to open it up so all of you can help me make this as good of a resource as possible.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Saved by Grace.
For those of you who tried but failed to download yesterdays pattern, I am sorry for the trouble. I removed the pattern and the post after the email newsletter went out.
This is a good time to remind everyone including myself about trademark and copyright violations in scroll saw patterns. Any name that is a trademark of a company or copyrighted image is not fair game for scroll saw patterns. In yesterdays key chains I used names that were trademarks of various companies. Luckily I came to my senses before anyone said anything but you have to be very careful when designing patterns or selling products. It can sometimes seem innocent enough to use something without permission but if there is any doubt don't do it. Get permission or leave it alone.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Uncle Sam Scroll Saw Portrait.
I have the next week off of work. No plans right now to go anyplace so I hope to be spending a lot of time in the shop. I also have plans to open a new feature on the blog if I can get everything in place. What I want to do is put together a video page that will just have techniques and tips for people just getting started with the scroll saw. Right now when a new reader ask me for a tutorial on a specific technique I can't easily send them to my videos because they were never organized for that.
My vision is to have a page that will take a novice from the very basics to intermediate skills as quick as possible. I have always had the goal with my blog to get new people involved in the hobby. I think I have accomplished that to a certain degree but I really want to take it further.
The first step will be to get an outline of all the skills I want to teach. That's where I can use some help. It's going to take quite some time to get the videos all filmed and edited. If you have any ideas for techniques you think would have helped you when you first started send me an email and I'll try to add as many as I can.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Lucky Double Dragons
Here in the U.S. we are well into the summer season. The heat index across parts of the country is pushing 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Many woodworkers are foregoing their hot workshop in favor cooler activities. Nothing wrong with taking some time off to rejuvenate the creative juices but if you just have to get your scrolling fix here are a few ideas.
Take the opportunity to try your hand at designing a scroll saw pattern. There are lots of tutorials on the web for using your computer to draw a pattern. If you want to get started with a free program check out Inkscape at www.inkscape.org It's a free powerful vector graphics program that will work nicely to design patterns. There is a learning curve but you can do it.
Take a walk around the shop and look for safety items that need to be corrected. Make a list and take the time to get the supplies ready for when the weather cools a bit. While your at it put together a first aid kit. Here is a Fine Woodworking article about first aid in the wood shop. You should also make sure your fire extinguisher is functional.
Join one of the scroll saw or woodworking forums. Of course I would recommend our wonderful Community forum. Another fine forum is hosted on Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine site. If you have never participated in one of these forums you are really missing out. You will meet new friends that share your interests. There are scrollers of every skill level in the forums. You will find everyone willing to help with question or just share a good joke.
Keep your eyes open for local arts and crafts shows. Consider participating or just visiting the show. You will be surprised how inspired you will be to get back in the shop after a trip to a good arts and crafts festival.
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and getting a chance to spend some time with their scroll saw. Stay cool and make as much saw dust as you can.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
My Kitchen. My Rules.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Ooh Look It's a Rabbit Designs by Suzan.
This is a nice video I found on YouTube by Susan from Ooh Look It's a Rabbit Designs. Susan describes herself as a compulsive crafter. One look around her blog and you will understand why. She works and is proficient in several different media.
I like this video because she shows that you don't have to have a computer degree to create scroll saw patterns. She shows how she uses designs from books and modifies them to make her own unique patterns.
Take a few minutes to watch the video and maybe it will give you some ideas for creating your own patterns.
After you watch her video jump over to her Etsy site and take a look at all the crafts she has for sale.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Hike
Dragon Plaque Scroll Saw Pattern.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Nimer Comb.
I received an email today from a wood craft artist from La Ceiba, Honduras. His name is Nimer Alvarado. Nimer lives is a place where the scroll saw is not a common tool. He was not able to find a saw that accepts plain end blades and I'm not sure if he even has an electric saw yet. He has been looking but the shipping from the U.S. is more expensive than the saw it's self.
Nimer has been reading my blog waiting until he could find a saw. One of the projects he decided to make was the comb pattern I published a couple weeks ago. I'll be the first to admit that some of my patterns are just trinkets and don't have much artistic quality. The comb pattern was just something to tinker with in the shop. That was until I saw what Nimer did with that simple pattern.
He had a problem where the teeth were too brittle so he decided to make the comb from two pieces of wood with the grain of the teeth running perpendicular to the handle. Not only did this improve the strength it took a very plain pattern and in my opinion made it a piece of woodworking art.
This just goes to show how something so simple can be so beautiful. He was kind enough to let me modify the pattern to include his technique. Now why didn't I think of that?
Thanks Nimer.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Old Bike Scroll Saw Pattern.
Born to fish. Forced to work.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Wooden Gear Clock. Maybe I cheated a little but it's still cool.
Have you always wanted to build one of those cool wooden gear clocks but thought they were too complicated? This clock might be just the ticket. The gears do nothing except look neat. You don't have to worry about all the setup and adjustments. Just cut the gears and glue them on the frame and your all set.
This project requires a 2 3/4” clock insert. I purchased mine at www.woodcraft.com. Item number # 142320.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Ball and Cage. A little scroll saw a little carving.
Don't let the carving intimidate you. It's really not that difficult. Give this one a try and I think you will be surprised with the results. Just take your time and remember to wear a carvers glove and thumb guard to protect your fingers. Make sure you use a very sharp knife. Dull knives are way more dangerous than sharp ones. There are several videos about carving basics and safety on YouTube. If you have never done any carving before that would be a good place to start. You can do serious injury with a carving knife. There are no accidents in carving just poor decisions.
Cut the blank to .74 X .75 X 3 inches. I used walnut. It carves well and takes a nice oil finish. Bass wood would be another good choice. Cut out the compound pattern.
Apply the pattern to the blank with spray adhesive. I use clear box tape over the pattern. It helps lubricate the blade and makes for easier cuts.
Drill your interior holes. I suggest a #1 or #3 scroll reverse blade.
Cut the compound cuts and remove all the waste pieces.
After you remove the pattern you are ready to start carving.
I like to use a knife with a hook blade. It helps me round the ball as I make the cuts. That's just my preference and you may be more comfortable with a straight blade.
Make stop cuts about 1/8" deep around the ball next to the walls of the cage. Use your knife to take small shallow cuts working from all sides. The goal is to free the ball from the cage. Round and smooth the ball as much as possible before you free the ball. It's easier to keep control of the ball when it's still attached.
In the photo above you can see I am almost round and ready to cut the ball free.
At this point make shallow stab cuts around the ball where it is connects to the cage until it breaks free. Once it's free use your fingers to turn the ball and continue to take small shallow cuts. Don't let the ball get too small. You don't want it to come free from the cage. You can't put the wood back on so be careful at this late stage of the carving.Another caution it to make sure you do not apply too much pressure to the cage as you carve. The cage will break and that's no good.
After you finish the carving sand the cage and ball as smooth as possible. I just apply an oil finish. If you want to make it a key chain install an eyelet screw and ball chain.
This is a fun project and I hope you give it a try. Learning to do some basic carving is well worth the practice it takes. Many scroll saw projects can be embellished with carving. It will set your work apart and if done well make your work much more valuable.
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This is the end of the daily posts. Keep scrolling for lot's more scrolls saw fun!
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
Free Pattern Catalog. 1000's of free patterns.
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.
Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw Book $12 Each
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.
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make.
Order the $3 pdf Catalog
Stencil Printer 1.7
Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1
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.
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 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.
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
