This bicycle sprocket pattern is 8 inches in diameter. This will make a nice wall hanging for any cyclist.
This is my regular apology for not being able to answer all the email. I really do try but I'm so slow answering questions that I just get too far behind. Please do not think I am ignoring you personally. Keep sending the email and I'll do my best to get to it.
I often get email asking how I keep up with the blog and keep regular content coming and answer all the email. On a typical day I have about 2 or 3 hours to work on the blog, design a pattern and answer the email. Sometimes it's less than an hour. Some days the patterns come quick and other times I draw a complete blank. 80% of the pattern design is the idea phase. Once I have an idea I can generally draw the pattern fairly quickly. I make pattern design my 1st priority then I answer email with the time left unless there is some problem with the blog that needs attention.
After the pattern is designed it has to be uploaded to the server and the photo has to be edited. After that I write the post and publish it. If you are observant you will notice that under each post you will see the time of posting. They usually range from 11pm to 2am or later. Luckily I don't seem to need much sleep because I have to be back up a 6:30 am to go to my day job.
I am also very lucky to have volunteers that keep the Community forum and the free online catalog running smoothly. Without their help those things would be neglected badly.
Running the blog takes some time but it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever been a part of. I have met so many great people and learned much from them. Thank all of you for allowing me to share what I do.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Just Ride Scroll Saw Pattern.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Table Saw Push Block Pattern.
I was in the need of a new push block for using at my table saw. I have always made my own out of scrap material around the shop. I thought I might as well dress this one up a bit. I give you The Pusher.
If you own a table saw you know how important it is to keep your hands away from the blade at all times. One tool that helps is a push block. I prefer a push block to a push stick because I feel like I have better control of the wood. The block has more contact with the wood and gives me more down force to hold the wood to the table.
For the highest degree of control and safety you need three points of pressure on the wood. You need forward pressure to push the wood into the blade. You need downward pressure to hold the wood to the table and you need side pressure to push the wood against the rip fence.
A push stick only gives you forward pressure. A push block or push shoe as some call it gives you forward and downward pressure. This still leaves the need for side pressure. In some cases you can safely use your off hand but only if you can keep your fingers a full hands width from the blade. If you cannot keep this safe distance then you should use a feather board.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Bird in a Leaf Scroll Saw Pattern.
Monday, March 26, 2012
What part of "Meow" don't you understand? Scroll Saw Pattern.
Anyone who owns a cat knows who the real master of the house is. This simple 8" X 10" wall hanging makes sure everyone knows.
Easter Blessings Cross Scroll Saw Pattern
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Butterfly Mini Clock Scroll Saw Pattern
A butterfly emerges from a solid block of wood in this mini clock scroll saw project. If you prefer you can leave the clock out.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Bear Cubs Scroll Saw Silhouette.
The following video is a demonstration of a program I wrote a few years ago. It is called the Scroll Saw Pattern Printer. It is a simple program that prints out name plate patterns for cutting on the scroll saw. For those of you who have not seen the program take a look at the video then visit the blog and download a copy. www.scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com
Image of the Scroll Saw Pattern Printer.I get email all the time asking which scroll saw blades I use. I have used the Flying Dutchman brand for years and I think they are great. I buy my blades from Mike over at http://www.mikesworkshop.com/.
Mike's service and pricing are second to none. Shipping has always been fast and accurate. I want to be clear that I do not take money from Mike to advertise his business. I do it because I like his product and service. I have recommended Mike to hundreds of scrollers and the feedback I get from them is always the same positive experience. If you are looking for a quality blade at a price you can live with visit Mike.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
CorelDraw tutorial for scroll saw pattern designers. Text on a path. Lesson 006
This is the next video in the series of CorelDRAW for scroll saw pattern designers. In this video we will learn how to make text flow on a path. The pattern below the video is the project we will design. Notice how the text follows the path of the circle. Once you learn this technique it will open up all kinds of pattern design opportunities.
Luckily I only have 15 minutes per video time restrictions. This keeps me from rambling too much but it has the problem of making me go kind of fast. Remember you can pause or back up the video as much as needed to get an understanding of what I'm doing.
Some of you are having trouble keeping the videos in order when reading only the email newsletter. Remember the email newsletter is just a copy of the daily post on the blog. If you miss an email or accidentally lose one you can always come to the blog to see what you missed. You can also visit my YouTube channel where all the videos are hosted. Just click the link the the left hand column of the blog that says "Scrollsaw Workshop Videos"
I will also be publishing a new page with the CorelDRAW tutorials listed in order as soon as I can get it worked up.
Make sure you click the full screen icon in the bottom right of the video.
Monday, March 19, 2012
DuWayne Schwindt, Intarsia Art Video.
You can see more of DuWayne's work at his Etsy Shop.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Scherenschnitte patterns for the scroll saw.
Scherenschnitte is the art of paper cutting designs. Paper cut patterns can be used on the scroll saw to make beautiful pieces of wooden art. This fancy bird pattern is not my design. It was modified for the scroll saw by me. It is a public domain pattern that I thought would make a nice challenging scroll saw project. The finished piece is 8 inches in diameter. There are a lot of interior cuts but done of them are that challenging on their own. Just take your time and handle it carefully.
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
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Scrollsaw Workshop.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Easter Bunny Eggs Scroll Saw Pattern.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
CorelDRAW tutorial for scroll saw pattern designers. Power Trace.
Tonight I am posting another CorelDRAW tutorial. In this video I talk about using a feature of Corel called Power Trace.
This is a very simple pattern that is created in the video tutorial above.Tuesday, March 13, 2012
North Eastern Ohio Scroll Saw Picnic 2012.
Click to Enlarge.I want everyone to mark your calendars for the North Eastern Ohio Scrollers Picnin 2012. The event will be held Friday - Sunday May 4, 5 and 6. The location is the Richfield Ohio Days Inn and Conference Center. There will be vendors, demonstrations, seminars and a chance to meet new friends in the hobby.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Wild Horse Scroll Saw Pattern.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Photo Finish Scroll Saw Pattern.
This is a 5 layer scroll saw pattern. Each layer is cut from 1/2 inch contrasting woods. The layers are cut and stacked to make a 3D project that is then mounted on the base.
Friday, March 9, 2012
GWA Scroll Saw SIG Video. Puzzle Making.
Hans Meier and Karl Taylor demonstrate many techniques for creating puzzles on the scroll saw. This is a very long video but there are so many good ideas here that it's worth the time to watch. Many of you know Karl from his Scroll Saw Video web site. Karl has cut a lot of puzzles so his techniques come from lot's of experience. Hans has also made puzzles for years and his suggestions will be of great value. Make sure you visit his site Hans Wood Puzzles. Get yourself a big bag of popcorn and sit back and watch the video. I think you will enjoy it.
Here is a link to the Gwinnett Woodworkers Scroll Saw Group. They are a SIG of the Gwinnett Woodworkers Association in Gwinnett county, Georgia just northeast of Atlanta. If you live in the area I know they would love to have you come out and visit.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
CorelDraw tutorial for scroll saw pattern designers. Lesson 004
This is the next CorelDRAW video tutorial for those of you who are following along. A few hundred of you are following the tutorials. I am thrilled so many of you are interested in this series. Designing patterns adds so much to the hobby.
This video goes along at a fast pace and you may need to watch it a few times to get all the details. Make sure you watch it in full screen mode. Feedback is always welcome.
The pattern below is the project that is created in the video tutorial above.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Easter Egg Picture Frame for a little girl.
The project requires a 2" mini picture frame. One source for the frame is Sloan's Woodshop. Look under the Clock inserts section for the frames.
Sorry for the trouble with the blog yesterday. I had trouble with the server. For right now I seem to have it fixed. If you have trouble downloading a file, visiting the catalog or forum make sure you hit refresh in your browser. That should delete the cached page and make things good again for you.
CorelDRAW tutorial: I planned to have the next tutorial uploaded today but the server issues took all my time. If things go well tomorrow I'll try to get the next video uploaded.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Zebra Portrait Scroll Saw Pattern.
Scroll saw word art pattern. It's nice to be nice.
CorelDraw tutorial for scroll saw pattern designers. Lesson 003
In this video tutorial I will finally start actually designing a pattern with CorelDRAW. This is the format I will follow until I have explained all the relevant tools in CD for scroll saw pattern designers. Each video will build your skills and experience. You will quickly see that the technical side of pattern design is easy.
Keep the feedback coming.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
CorelDRAW video tutorial. The user interface and tools.
This is the last video before we actually start designing a pattern. In this tutorial I will very briefly discuss the user interface and the tools we will be learning through out the tutorials.
I am trying to avoid a series of videos showing a tool and how to use it. That's very boring to me and I think it would be to you also. Instead I want to do a series of video tutorials showing an actual pattern being designed. As I design the pattern I will explain the tool being used. My hope is that this will keep the interest up and still allow you to learn the software.
I highly suggest you watch the video full screen. It will be much easier to follow.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Versions, versions versions! What's a scroller to do?
I am working hard to try and make the CorelDRAW tutorials accessible to as many as possible. CorelDRAW is not a cheap program and it can be confusing to know what to buy because of all the different versions. Let me try to take the mystery out of it in this post before we get into the meat of the program.
I am going to use Amazon.com as my price reference. You might find them cheaper at other discount online shops but be careful who you purchase from. It is important that you get a valid copy that has not been pirated. It's just not worth the headache of cleaning a virus from your computer. If you can not afford CorelDRAW there are free options available. I won't be doing tutorials on the other vector graphics programs because I use and like CorelDRAW.
You can also purchase CorelDRAW at Staples and other brick and mortar stores but expect to pay close to full retail. I purchased CorelDRAW X5 Home/Student from Staple last night. The price was $129. As you will see you can buy if for nearly half that price on Amazon.com
Let me finish this section by saying that all the versions listed below will work fine for creating scroll saw patterns. I will be using X5 for the tutorials and you should be able to follow along just fine with any of the following versions. The Amazon prices listed below could change and availability is limited in some case. Not all products you buy from Amazon are sold by Amazon.com. They use outside vendors for some products. I have always had good luck buying from Amazon but I know some of you don't like to purchase online. The price is a little higher in your local stores but at least it is available.
CorelDRAW X5 Full version. Amazon Price $308.50
CorelDRAW X5 Educational version. Amazon Price $86.24
CorelDRAW X5 Home/Student. Amazon Price $67.99
CorelDRAW X4 Full Version. Not Available on Amazon.
CorelDRAW X4 Home/Student. Amazon Price $49.99I hope this clears up the confusion over versions. All of these will work just fine. If you have a version older than X4 there will be some differences that could cause the tutorials to be difficult to follow. The older versions still work great for creating scroll saw patterns and I would not upgrade just for these tutorials. Many of the tools still work the same they are just not all in the same place on the user interface.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Cheerleading Scroll Saw Pattern.
