Friday, September 30, 2011
Teachers are Awesome Scroll Saw Pattern.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
More information on the Totobobo dust mask. And a discount code.
After the review the other day on the Totobobo dust mask I have had many inquiries and I have some exciting news. I contacted the manufacturer and asked for a discount code for my readers. They were more than happy to offer a 5% discount to the readers of the Scrollsaw Workshop. Just enter the discount code "Scrollsaw5" without the quotes. This discount only applies when ordered form the main web site linked above.
I want to stress again that I receive no money from the sale of these masks. When I review a product it is my true opinion of the product and not influenced by profit on my part. This is part of my 5 step program to ween myself off of bribes. I do however have my breaking point so keep the bribes coming.
Another question I had was if they have a U.S. distributor. Yes they Do. Paula Ann Ford is a pastel artist. They have the same problem we have with airborne dust. She started using the Totobobo mask and liked it so much she became a distributor. You won't be able to use the discount code from her site. She sells the mask and 4 sets of filters for $24.95 + $3 shipping and handling. I talked with Paula and she was eager to work with us in the scroll saw world. I also contacted the manufacturer and they spoke very highly of Paula and her ability to handle our orders.
Guys and gals I have heard all the excuses for not wearing a dust mask. I have used many of them myself. The fact is you need to wear one. Scrolling is a fun hobby but it's not worth risking your health. I am reviewing these masks because I want you to know there are masks out there that are not uncomfortable. Many of you have purchased cheap masks and just could not stand to keep them on for any period of time. That was my experience and excuse for years. if you choose the Dust Bee Gone or the Totobobo or even another mask just buy something and use it.
Order from the manufacturer in Singapore and use the discount code "Scrollsaw5"
Order from Paula Ann Ford her in the U.S. $24.95 + $3 shipping.
Additional note.
I heard from a few people that were more knowledgeable than me about safety and dust. They pointed out the fact that the Dust Bee Gone and the Totobobo filter dust at a very different level. The Dust Bee Gone filters to 3 microns. The Totobobo filters to 0.3 microns. The extremely small dust particles pose some of the greatest risks. You should take this into consideration when making a dust mask purchase. Another long time scroller said something very wise to me. She said "It does not matter how good a mask is if it's hanging on the wall". If the mask is not comfortable it will end up hanging on the wall and not around your neck. She uses the Dust Bee Gone because she feels comfortable with it on. It's ultimately up to you which one is best for your needs.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Baby's First Christmas 2011 Ornament.
This was a request pattern. I thought a few of you migh like to have this pattern also so here it is.
Five 2011 Christmas Ornaments.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Totobobo Dust Mask Quick Review.
I received a Totobobo Dust mask in the mail today for review. In this initial review I want to talk about a few things I like about this mask already. Later after I have time to use the mask during cleaning of my shop I'll come back and talk some more about how well it works.
Everyone should be aware of the dangers of breathing the dust from our saws. Exposure to wood dust has long been associated with a variety of adverse health effects, including dermatitis, allergic respiratory effects, mucosal and nonallergic respiratory effects, and cancer. It needs to be taken serious. Some people will see symptoms almost immediately while others might work for years before they realize their health has been affected.
This can be a complicated subject. I am not trained in the science of airborne particles or the mechanics of keeping those particles out of your lungs. This review is strictly unscientific. I will just be talking about my opinion of the ease of use, comfort, fit and features.
I received the mask from the manufacture in Singapore. They had seen my review of the Dust Bee Gone mask and asked if I would test their mask also. Now I'm a pretty big fan of the Dust Bee Gone mask so it will take a good mask to make me switch.
I opened the package to find the plastic mask already fitted with filters and a supply of extra filters. The first thing I noticed was what looked like a delicate head strap. After a closer look it is actually quite durable. It's obviously made from some high tech plastic. The strap is a single loop that goes around your neck through the mask and then over your head. There is a small clip that allows the mask to be tightened for a good seal. Because the strap is so thin it is very comfortable.
The body of the mask is also made from a transparent plastic. The transparency is actually a feature. When you put the mask on your face you can look in a mirror and see through the mask. This lets you see the seal where the mask contacts your face. The body of the mask is made to be trimmed for a perfect fit. A good seal is very important for dust masks. This one seals very well. In my opinion it is easier to get a good seal with the Totobobo than the Dust Bee Gone.
It's also important that a dust mask be comfortable or you are less likely to wear it. The Totobobo might be slightly less comfortable than the Dust Bee Gone but not by much. After you get it trimmed the comfort is very good compared to most non-fitted masks on the market. I wore the mask for nearly an hour with no serious discomfort. The plastic body of the mask is very soft and feels good against your face. Breathing felt natural and like the Dust Bee Gone I had no fogging of my glasses. If you wear glasses and have worn other masks you will probably know how much trouble fogging is. The Totobobo and the Dust Bee Gone do a great job in this area.
The manufacturer states that the mask filters down to 0.3 microns. It weighs in at a very comfortable 20 grams. The mask contains an anti-viral agent that stops bacteria and virus form living on the surface. It is reusable and can be cleaned with soap and water after you remove the filters.
So far I like this mask. This will probably be my go to mask for emptying my dust collector. I get a large amount of dust in the air during the process and this mask seals better than my Dust Be Gone. If it filters the dust as well as I think it will then I might give this mask a slight edge over the Dust Bee Gone.
This mask is comparable in cost the the Dust Bee Gone after you buy extra filters. In the long run the Dust Bee Gone might be cheaper because there are no replaceable filters to buy. I don't know how long the filters will last at this point so that remains to be seen.
If you think you are interested in this mask you can get more details at the manufactures web site.
More to come later.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Berry Basket offers three beautiful advanced clock patterns for one low price.
Click Picture to OrderI want to say upfront that this is a review and not an advertisement. I paid for these patterns myself. My only contact with Berry Basket was to ask permission to use the pictures.
I received an interesting email from www.berrybasket.com the other day. It was advertising a sale of these three advanced clock patterns for $9.95. From top to bottom we have The Bell Tower Clock standing 23" tall and 19" wide. The America's Pride Clock standing 28" tall and 16" wide and last The Deer Silhouette Clock which is 18" tall.
This price is for the "Download Only" set of patterns. I personally prefer the download method because I like the instant delivery. A really nice option that Berry Basket provides is the ability to download the patterns even if you choose the paper patterns delivered by mail. Of course you will pay more for mail delivery.
The normal price for these three patterns purchased separately would be nearly $19 so the savings are pretty good. The checkout system on the Berry Basket site is about as easy as you can get. You select the download method of delivery and add it to the shopping cart. From there you just add you personal information and your choice of payment. The only downside for me here was that they don't accept Paypal which is my preferred payment method.
After I completed the payment the downloads were immediately available. Some sites make you wait until the payment is checked so this was also a nice touch.
I checked the sites privacy policy. They state that the personal information collected is for their use only. They use it for sending their customers sale information from their store only. I like to know that my information is not up for sale so I usually check this out before purchasing online.
Berry Basket does not offer a return for downloadable patterns. That is pretty standard policy for digital material. I did not see their return policy for mail order but I suspect they are not returnable either. I don't have a problem with this but I like to check out the policy just so I know.
The downloads were made available in three separate files. They are in Adobe Acrobat format which is also standard practice. Most computer can open Acrobat files and if yours will not it is easy to install the Acrobat reader. All my patterns use this format. If you can open my patterns you should have no problem with these.
The quality of the pattern is excellent. There is a section of scrolling tips that will help you complete the project. The pattern gives details about wood selection, recommended blades, sanding, using the pattern and much more. The picture below shows a sample of one piece. As you can see the pattern is crisp and clear. They use a thin line with grey background. This is my preference but I know some of you prefer the red line patterns.
The patterns also show an exploded view for easy assembly. This is very helpful especially for the more complicated Bell Tower Clock.They refer to these clocks as advanced patterns. While the Bell Tower Clock might test your patience and cutting skill I don't think an intermediate level scroller will have trouble. I don't see any advanced assembly techniques. It is mostly slot and tab assembly. I don't think you need to feel intimidated by the advanced description.
I have not cut any of the patterns and actually don't plan to anytime soon. Because of this I can't speak about any errors in the patterns. I did spend several minutes looking for obvious errors found none.
I have spoken with the owner of Berry Basket, Matt Jones enough to feel comfortable saying that he takes pride in his business. He has reached out to the community on my forum from time to time and answered questions in a very helpful way. I have spoken to several Berry Basket customers and they have generally been very positive about their experience.
My experience with the purchase from Berry Basket was very good. The checkout was easy and the patterns are high quality. If you re looking for a nice challenge at a reasonable price give this set of patterns a try.
For all of you who ordered Custom Name Christmas ornament patterns I am working my fingers to the bone to get them out to you. It's going well and I think you will be pleased with the patterns. Thanks for all the orders. If you are considering the purchase of the ornaments just click the picture above and you will be taken to the order form.
Custom Name Christmas Ornaments.
The custom name Christmas ornaments were very popular last year. So popular my arm took weeks to recover. :) I'm going to offer them again this year and get a good early start. This will hopefully let me take it a little slower and make sure I am able to get them all finished this year. This should also give you more time to get them cut for all your family and friends. Get your order in early so you have plenty of time to finish.
You will have three styles to choose from. I will be using a different technique for inserting the name that I think looks better. Some characters were a little too distorted last year but I think I have that solved this year. The "D" was a particular problem. Notice on the bottom sample below that the "D" looks much better this year.
If you plan to cut several then Style 1 will be the easiest to choose. For a more special ornament ornament styles 2 and 3 will look great on the tree.
The minimum order is 5 ornaments for $5. Each additional ornament will be $1 per ornament. You will only make payment after you have received the patterns and are completely satisfied. The time to complete each order will vary but I will get them completed as soon as possible.
You can make payment by mail or with your credit card online. It is your option when you receive the invoice. The invoice will be emailed with the patterns upon completion.
Here is a sample page you can print out to see what the patterns will look like.
Here is the link to the ORDER FORM.
Style 1
Style 2
Style 3
Here is a sample with a long name. Notice that they are still easily cut.
Here is the link to the ORDER FORM
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Two Birds Scroll Saw Pattern.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Young Jesus Scroll Saw Pattern.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
In Memory of Raymond Wilckens
The scroll saw community has lost a good friend. Ray Wilckens was a long time contributor to the Creative Woodworks & Crafts magazine. Many of you knew Ray and his son Dan from their wonderful patterns they submitted to the magazine. You may have met Ray at one of the scroll saw shows around the country. Ray said it was a real high point in his life getting to meet and talk with the people at the shows.
Ray passed Saturday September 17th, 2011 at the age of 70.
Please keep his wife Betty and family in your prayers.
A celebration of Raymond’s Life will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 2011 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; 17200 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Higginsville City Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Winchester Model 1873, the rifle than won the west.
Click picture to enlarge.The Winchester model 1873 was the rifle that won the west. This pattern is a miniature semi-realistic 15 inch model. The stock is a lamination of three 1/4" thick pieces and the barrels are 1/4" round dowel stock. It's very easy to cut and assemble.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Free Pattern from Sheila Landry Designs.
Check out this beautiful ornament from Sheila Landry Designs. She is offering this pattern free to all. Sheila is one of the most prolific and talented designers in the hobby today. She is first and foremost an artist. Because of her artistic skills she can take even beginner level scroll saw projects and make them look like they should be hanging in a gallery. If you want to impress your family, friends and customers just visit her site and pick up a few of her amazing patterns.
Christmas is not that far off. You will not buy yourself any better gift than some of Sheilas patterns. For all you husbands out there let me give you a tip. Take a look at Sheila's candle trays. If your wife enjoys having candles sitting around the house she will fall in love with these trays. Just take my word for it, you will be doghouse free for a while if you make a few of these for her.
Sheila also blogs about her adventures as a professional scroll saw pattern designer. For those of you who aspire to jumping into the business take the time to read her blog posts. Starting and succeeding in any business is tough and it's extremely valuable to have a source of inspiration and education from someone who has walked a mile in those shoes.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
American Pride Statue Scroll Saw Pattern.
This is a fairly large patriotic statue. It's a little over nine and a half inches tall. It's cut from 1/2" thick wood and sits on an oval base.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Employee of the Month - Above and Beyond
I had a request for a simple Employee of the Month plaque. I thought a few others might also like the pattern so here it is. Depending on the size of the gold name plates you buy you might need to adjust the size of the plaque. The circle should be cut from 1/4" thick wood and the back board is 1/2" thick.
Here at my one man company I have a streak of 12 straight months as Employee of the Month. Last month the vote was close but I pulled it out in the end.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
DIY Knurled Knobs for the Excalibur Scroll Saw.
I sometimes have trouble getting a good grip on the T style blade clamps on the Excalibur scroll saw. This is especially true of the lower clamp. It can be a pain to adjust your fingers to get a thumb and finger in the correct position. Seyco sells a set of plastic knurled knobs that look good but they are $30 plus shipping. These are probably better than what I have made but this cost me next to nothing.
Making your own will cause them to be slightly bigger and reduce the distance between the bottom of the knob and the top of your project. If you regularly cut extremely thick material then you will want to continue to use the T clamp.
The DIY knobs are just a friction fit so they can be removed when needed. You could also just leave the knob off until you wish to loosen the blade. Just use the knob as a tool to assist blade removal. I prefer to leave them in place but that is just my preference.
I used 1/2" thick Baltic Birch plywood for strength. I tried hard maple but they broke while I was pressing the plastic clamp into the knob. Trust me the ply works much better.
The downloadable pattern includes complete instructions to get a good fit.
As always anytime you modify a tool you run the risk of voiding your warranty. These knobs could allow you to apply extra pressure and possibly strip out the clamp head or break it. Use this knob at your own risk. Don't use it to try and tighten the clamp tighter than normal. If you are having trouble with blades slipping it's not because they need to be tighter. Something else is wrong.
In Menory of the NYPD officers lost on 9/11/01
Today is the 10th Anniversary of the day that changed our country and the world forever. That morning 10 years ago millions of Americans watched as our country came under attack from terrorists. I remember sitting in the office at work and watching in disbelief as the Twin Towers were struck by aircraft. I remember the early confusion of trying to understand what was going on. Then it became obvious that it was no accident.
The images of the towers falling will always be seared in our minds. The faces of the people trying to escape the plumes of dust while running down the city streets will never be forgotten. The realization that we were now in a war that could last for decades was sickening. Unfortunately a decade later we are still fighting the battle with no real end in sight.
23 officers of the NYPD were lost in the terror attacks on 9/11/2001. Several more were lost from health complications caused from being there.
In memory of those fallen heroes I designed this plaque. It's 7.25 inches tall and is made by layering 4 quarter inch thick rings.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Free online issue of Woodworker's Journal. Budget scroll saw reviews on page 55.
The people over at Woodworker's Journal are giving away a free digital issue of their magazine. This October 2011 issue has a tool review on page 55 of seven budget-priced scroll saws. The reviews are pretty well done. If you are in the market for an under $300 scroll saw these reviews might help you choose from the saws listed.
Remember the heroes of flight 93 scroll saw pattern.
Ten years ago this Sunday a group of heroes tried to recapture flight 93 from the 911 terrorists. These brave passengers sacrificed their lives in the attempt and possibly saved hundreds of innocent people on the ground in Washington DC. For me it's tough to define what a hero is but in this case the word almost is not good enough. If America lasts another thousand years the story of these men huddled in the back of the plane planning their counter attack will still be told. The phrase "Are you guys ready? Let's roll" will always be remembered as the rally call from Todd Beamer as he and a few of the other men on the flight headed toward the hijackers, intent on not being pawns in the hijackers suicide attack. Heroes? I say yes.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The more people I meet the more I like dogs.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Midwest Scroll Saw Trade Show.
Here is a short video I was able to find on Youtube showing some of the Midwest Scroll Saw Trade Show from a few weeks ago. I wish I could have attended but too much work too little time. I don't know the young man who posted the video but it was nice seeing a little of the event. If anyone else shot video I would love to see and share it here.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Birds of Paradise Scroll Saw Pattern.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Miracles Happen Scroll Saw Pattern.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Multi-Layered 9/11 Memorial.
Next Sunday will mark the 10th anniversary of the largest terror attack in American history. Nearly 3000 innocent people died that day. 343 firefighters were killed at the World Trade Center. These men and women risked everything to save the people trapped in those buildings. It's important that we never forget the sacrifice of these brave public servants.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Special Offer From Sue Mey.
This is a special offer from Sue Mey.
I have made a range of pinecone plaques with an assortment of wildlife and bird topics. Each product includes a one layer version that is cut from wood thickness of choice, and a two layer version where the center oval is cut from a different color wood and attached as an overlay. This makes it possible to cut the pinecones in dark wood and have the center design highlighted in light-colored wood. My images show all the pieces backed with wood of contrasting color but doing this is optional.
Special Offer: For every three pinecone patterns purchased, you will receive one pinecone pattern of similar value at no charge, delivered to your inbox. Images of the full range of fifteen pinecone patterns can be seen by clicking here: http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/meydenhart/
To make use of this offer, email sue at suem@storage.co.za for more details
Best regards
Sue Mey
www.scrollsawartist.com
Friday, September 2, 2011
It's Official.
Don't forget to visit the Free Online Pattern Catalog. You will find hundreds of free patterns just waiting to be downloaded. Here in the US we have a long weekend coming up so download a few patterns and have some fun.
The Community Forum is another great place to spend some time. There are hundreds of scrollers there from all over the world. You will need to register but it's pretty painless. If you have never participated in an online forum before don't be shy. You will be surprised how friendly everyone is and you just might get hooked.
The blog just passed 3 million visits the other day and I'm approaching 10,000 subscribers to the almost daily newsletter. If you have not subscribed I would love to have you sign up. All you have to do is scroll to the top of the blog and enter your email address in the subscription box. After you sign up you will get the latest patterns and other content delivered to your inbox. That way you will never miss a pattern you might want.
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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
