Scrollsaw Workshop: 11/01/2013

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Fishing Saw Blade Scroll Saw Pattern.

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

If you are reading this in the email newsletter please visit the blog for more content. All previous patterns are saved in the free online catalog. Free software, videos, Community forum and more.
Scrollsaw Workshop Blog

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving here in the states. Enjoy your family and be safe on the roads. For all who are flying I hope the bad weather in the eastern US does not cause too many problems.

Unfortunately I can't be with my family because I'm away from home on business. Love you guys and I'll see you soon. Enjoy your dinner at Kellie's.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Snowflake Christmas Ornament Scroll Saw Patterns.

I often receive email from DeWalt DW788 scroll saw owners asking for help with ordering parts. The DeWalt web site has a sections called ServiceNet. You can find the parts breakdown for the DW788 as well as a parts list with price. You can also order the parts directly online.

When you visit keep in mind that there are two different DW788's, a TYPE 1 and a TYPE 2. Your saw will have the type listed on the motor. It's important you use the correct type when ordering parts because they are slightly different.

In the download section of the page you will find the exploded diagrams of the saw and the owners manual. These are handy to keep on hand so I suggest grabbing those while you are there.

Here is the direct link to the DW788 ServiceNet page. While you are there read the section titled "What is GRC?" It will explain service costs should you ever need them.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Mary and Jesus Portrait Pattern.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Sheila Landry Designs Free Ornament Pattern.

Sheila Landry wanted me to pass along a sample free pattern. This sample is from a set of 12 ornament set. You can buy the complete set at this link. As always Sheila is the best in the business at giving instructions to complete her projects. She offers cutting and painting tips.

While you are then make sure you check out the rest of Sheila's Web Site. You are going to be amazed at the number of high quality patterns she has available.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Merry Christmas From our Family to Yours.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Support your local Farmer Scroll Saw Pattern.

The next time you drive by that Farmers Market stop and buy some product. Not only will you be supporting your local economy but you will be getting a great value. Produce you buy in your big chain grocery store might say fresh but it's often several days old by the time it hits the shelves. Buy from a local source and taste the difference.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Cats and Dogs Scroll Saw Pattern.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Playing Kitten Door Toppers.

I normally cut these door toppers form 3/4 inch thick MDF. I think they look best painted black. Remember that MDF is hard on the lungs so wear your dust mask when you cut it. The edge of MDF does not accept paint as well as the face. I use a mixture of yellow glue and water to seal the edges. After it dries sand it lightly then paint.

If you are looking for a unique one of a kind Christmas gift consider a hand made jigsaw puzzle. Everyone loves puzzles and if you use a favorite family photo they make special gifts. My downloadable jigsaw puzzle template book makes it easy to turn those photos in to wondefullr gifts. The book is only $7 and is downloadable immediately after payment.
Watch this video demonstration to see the templates being used to create a wedding puzzle.

- You will be directed to the download page after your purchase for instant download.
This pattern book contains the following size patterns
5x5 25 piece
4x6 24 piece
5x7 35 piece
8x10 80 piece
4x6 96 piece
5x7 140 piece
8x10 320 piece
Important: On the successful payment page click the Return to Merchant button to be directed to the download page. This pattern book contains only the puzzle patterns. No pictures are included. The book is in Adobe pdf format and requires Adobe Reader to view. This is a download only. If you wish to pay by check please include an email address and I will send the file to you. I can not mail a disk or print of the book.

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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

If you are reading this in the email newsletter please visit the blog for more content. All previous patterns are saved in the free online catalog. Free software, videos, Community forum and more.
Scrollsaw Workshop Blog

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Don't let dull blades ruin your projects.

One problem that many new scrollers face is not knowing when to change blades. The answer is to change them before their cutting efficiency starts making your cuts poor. Unfortunately no one can tell you when this will happen. There are several variables for when a blade will become dull. The quality of the blade, the material you are cutting, the type of blade, your cutting style and the saw you are using all play a factor.

The images below are blades that I have in my shop. They are Flying Dutchman blades. These are generally considered high quality blades. You can especially see the damage caused from cutting in the 200x magnifications. I change blades very early in their life. They are cheap and I don't see any reason to ruin a project for a 25 cent blade. If you use a high quality blade they will last much longer. I usually am able to get through a typical project with 1 or 2 blades. By typical I mean the average pattern in my catalog.

20X magnification of a #3 FD Ultra Scroll Reverse.

You need to learn to recognize the symptoms of a dull blade. You will start to notice that you have to push the blade through the wood with more force. Sharp turns will become more difficult to make. Sometimes the blade will not track the pattern line as accurately. In some case you will begin to see and smell burning of the wood.

New Blade 200X magnification.

If you start to notice any of these symptoms, replace the blade. If the problems disappear then you can log those symptoms in your memory as a dull blade. Over time you will recognize the symptoms more quickly and your cutting will benefit from that experience.

Used Blade 200X Magnification.

Sometimes it's okay to push a blade longer. I will sometimes push a blade past it's life. If I'm cutting a soft wood and the pattern does not have intricate fretwork I will just push on. I still have my limits though. If I get any burning the blade has to go. If you are experienced enough you can adjust your cutting to compensate for a slightly dull blade.

If there is intricate fretwork or the wood is tough to cut then I don't even try to push a blade. Like I said earlier, blade are cheap compared to my time and the wood.

Totally Cool Grandma Scroll Saw Pattern.

Colleen Zinn wins the George in the Shop Gift Card.

Every few weeks the George in the Shop comic strip on my blog announces a free drawing for an Amazon Gift Certificate. This drawing winner is Colleen Zinn. Congratulations Colleen and thanks for reading George in the Shop. Your Amazon Gift Certificate has been sent to your email address.

If you would like a chance to win just follow my blog and read George in the Shop. You never know when there will be a giveaway so check back often.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Rock Legend Mick Jagger Scroll Saw Pattern.

Rock legend Mick Jagger was a founding member of The Rolling Stones. His career has spanned nearly 50 years. He is a member of the Rock and Roll hall of fame and has been Knighted for his contribution to music.

Normally portrait style patterns are cut from thin Baltic Birch ply or similar stock. They can be backed and framed. I designed this to be cut from a 1/2" thick board and backed with a contrasting 1/2" Thick board. I wanted it to have a deep relief effect. Either way you choose there are a lot of Jagger fans in the world. There are also a lot of people who don't think too much of his controversial life style. It's rumored that the Queen intentionally made her self absent from the Knighting ceremony because she did not consider Mick a worthy candidate. Either side you fall on he is still an intriguing artist who has stayed around for a long time.

Mini Wolf Clock Scroll Saw Pattern.

ORDER FORM

Order your 2013 Custom Name Christmas Ornament Patterns. Delivered directly to your email. You only pay after you receive the patterns. Pay securely with your credit card through Paypal. You DO NOT need a Paypal account to use your credit card. Alternatively pay through the mail with cash or check. Order early so you have time to cut them before the holiday season.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Welcome Sign Scroll Saw Pattern.

This welcome sign pattern is 10 inches long.

I was out of town for business last week. I had pre-posted a few patterns before I left. I tried to keep up with the blog on my laptop but it was tough. My email inbox is busting at the seams. There are a few hundred unread. I'll do my best to get caught back up. I'm taking tomorrow off work so I'll have a little free time. I'm sorry if I miss your email. Give me a few days and if you don't hear from me feel free to resend the message.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Love Kiss Scroll Saw Patten.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Menorah Scroll Saw Pattern.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Horse Mini Clock Scroll Saw Pattern

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Vince Lombardi Helmet Scroll Saw Pattern.

- Here is an email I received from Gary Parks. I thought others might like to see what he came up with.

Steve:

I wanted to share my idea for a work light for my D788. The OEM light that came with my saw doesn't stay in place, has an irritating glare and produces heat.

My idea was to incorporate LED technology for a white light, no glare and no additional heat. I picked up two desk task lights at a garage sale for 25 cents each. I removed the wiring and the light fixture. After straightening the mounting flange, I made a holder to mount a LED flashlight I got from Harbor Freight for free with a coupon and purchase. These are readily available as freebies from advertising or in multiple packages.

The holder was made to size from hardwood scraps and the flashlight is secured with a copper pipe strap. Copper is easy to bend to fit. Bend the circle a little small to grip the light then screw in place.

I had to take a spring off the frame of the light to accurately position the LED light due to the reduced weight of the light socket being removed. I attached the other end to my workbench so I can swivel to my drill press.

It works great and cost me nothing to make. More money for wood!

Monday, November 4, 2013

Another Gwinnett Woodworkers Instructional Video. Scrolled Puzzles By Hans Meier.

I always like to pass along the Gwinnett Woodworkers Scroll Saw SIG videos. They always do a nice job. Hans is a master scrollers and presents material in a clear and understandable way. These videos are long because they are the monthly meeting of the SIG. If you can afford the time I think you will find this video helpful and fun. Thanks Hans for another nice video lesson.

If you are reading this in the email newsletter you may not see the video. Please click this link and watch it in your browser

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving Scroll Saw Pattern.

I get email every week asking where to buy scroll saw ready boards. It's difficult for many scrollers to find thicknesses under 3/4 inch. I'm lucky enough to have the equipment to dimension rough lumber. I still sometimes purchase scroll saw ready boards. It just saves me time even if it's a bit more expensive.

One of my favorite sellers of boards is petersoncustomlumber on ebay. Unfortunately they don't offer a huge selection but what I do get it very good stuff. As I type this they have the following offer up. They have 3 available right now but they will go quick. If you miss this deal add them to your watch list and jump on the next offer. This is for, 8pc of 1/4" thick X 7" X 12" of Black Walnut. I love to cut Walnut on the scroll saw. I have purchased a few of these boxes from them always with great results. The boards are kiln dried and sanded both sides. They offer free shipping inside the continental US. I think they also ship international but the cost may be steep for shipping. This is not a paid ad. It's just a seller I use and respect. Check them out. Just don't buy everything before I get a chance:)

Link to this offer.