Monday, December 30, 2013
It's a mouse! Where's the cat?
This little guy is about three inches tall. He is easy to make and for a mouse he's kinda cute. Grab some scraps out of the wood bin and give him a try. Every good mouse deserves a cat to pester. I will post the pattern for the cat later this week.
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.
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Sunday, December 29, 2013
Head Phone Holder Scroll Saw Pattern.
High end audiophile over the ear headphones are hot right now. Music listeners are becoming aware of the better audio quality and noise canceling ability of these devices. If you watch pro sports you see all the super stars wearing them. Of course this means all the kids are starting to switch away from the ear buds that have been so popular.
If you are going to spend $100, $200 or even $300 on a set of headphones you might as well have a nice home for them. This project will be easy to make, attractive and functional. The project is made from easily available 3/4" thick wood. I also used two axle pegs to keep the wire organized. I covered the bottom with felt to prevent furniture scratches. I also routed an edge detail around the base.
If you sell at craft shows or online this might be a good addition to your inventory.
Don't forget to check out the Scrollsaw Workshop/Cafepress store. I have men's and women's t-shirts, sweat shirts, bags and more. These items are sold and shipped from Cafepress.com. They have been around for years and have provided good reliable service you can trust. Cafepress Store Link.
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Scroll Saw Horse Head Sculpture.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Filigree Hummingbird Scroll Saw Pattern.
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I hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas. Every year after Christmas I get new visitors to my blog. Santa puts a new scroll saw under the tree and people start looking online for patterns. If this is your first visit I want to welcome you. I hope you will find that you have come to the right spot to find patterns, tutorials and friends.
Make sure you check out the Community forum. There are hundreds of scrollers there who will welcome you and make you feel welcome. You will find the link to the forum in the left column of the blog.
The left column is also the place to find the free online pattern catalog. There are hundreds of free patterns there in categories. I think you will find something that you will enjoy cutting.
There are videos in the Scroll Saw School, also linked in the left column that will teach you some of the basics.
As you scroll down the blog you will find free programs to allow you to create your own patterns such as name plates and key fobs for key chains.
One of the more popular items on the blog are the Jigsaw Puzzle templates. For just $7 you can download the templates and turn your photographs into family heirloom jigsaw puzzles. Watch the video and it will show you how easy it is with my templates.
If you are new, welcome to a wonderful new hobby. It is one of the most creative forms of woodworking you can do. The materials are relatively inexpensive and the learning curve is short. Find a pattern, grab some wood and jump in with both feet. Make sure you subscribe to the blog so you won't miss any of the future patterns. Welcome, enjoy and make some saw dust.
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
I hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas. Every year after Christmas I get new visitors to my blog. Santa puts a new scroll saw under the tree and people start looking online for patterns. If this is your first visit I want to welcome you. I hope you will find that you have come to the right spot to find patterns, tutorials and friends.
Make sure you check out the Community forum. There are hundreds of scrollers there who will welcome you and make you feel welcome. You will find the link to the forum in the left column of the blog.
The left column is also the place to find the free online pattern catalog. There are hundreds of free patterns there in categories. I think you will find something that you will enjoy cutting.
There are videos in the Scroll Saw School, also linked in the left column that will teach you some of the basics.
As you scroll down the blog you will find free programs to allow you to create your own patterns such as name plates and key fobs for key chains.
One of the more popular items on the blog are the Jigsaw Puzzle templates. For just $7 you can download the templates and turn your photographs into family heirloom jigsaw puzzles. Watch the video and it will show you how easy it is with my templates.
If you are new, welcome to a wonderful new hobby. It is one of the most creative forms of woodworking you can do. The materials are relatively inexpensive and the learning curve is short. Find a pattern, grab some wood and jump in with both feet. Make sure you subscribe to the blog so you won't miss any of the future patterns. Welcome, enjoy and make some saw dust.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas. Jesus Portrait Scroll Saw Pattern. Extra Large 12" X 16".
It's Christmas! I want to thank all of you who have made another year here at the Scrollsaw Workshop so much fun for me. I wish all of you a wonderful day with your family and friends.
Video Link
Graphic provided by www.vectorportal.com
Monday, December 23, 2013
Scary Dog Scroll Saw Pattern.
Christmas is just three days away. I went to the mall last night. I can't remember that last time I was in a mall this close to Christmas. I don't usually do well in crowds so I tend to avoid them. I was surprised to see people calmly shopping and enjoying the experience. I had it in my mind that everyone would be rushing around grabbing deals away from each other. I guess I watch too much TV news. I think I almost enjoyed being there. Don't tell my wife I said that.
Holidays can be stressful but I hope all of us can take a breath and be thankful for the things in our lives that are most important to us. Take the time to tell the people closest to you how much you love and appreciate who they are. Smile and say hi to a stranger. Help out those in your community who are in need. The greatest gift you can give someone this Christmas is kindness. The smallest acts of kindness can mean so much especially this time of year.
I will take a couple days off from blogging to enjoy my family and friends this Christmas. I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy your family and friends and remember reason for the season.
I hope all of you have enjoyed another year of my Scrollsaw Workshop Blog. I appreciate each and every one of you. I'm having a blast sharing my patterns with you and receiving all your emails. I will try to make 2014 even bigger and better.
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
Holidays can be stressful but I hope all of us can take a breath and be thankful for the things in our lives that are most important to us. Take the time to tell the people closest to you how much you love and appreciate who they are. Smile and say hi to a stranger. Help out those in your community who are in need. The greatest gift you can give someone this Christmas is kindness. The smallest acts of kindness can mean so much especially this time of year.
I will take a couple days off from blogging to enjoy my family and friends this Christmas. I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy your family and friends and remember reason for the season.
I hope all of you have enjoyed another year of my Scrollsaw Workshop Blog. I appreciate each and every one of you. I'm having a blast sharing my patterns with you and receiving all your emails. I will try to make 2014 even bigger and better.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Special offer from Artist/Pattern Designer, Sue Mey.
Sue asked me if I would pass along her special offers. For those of you who are new to my site let me give you a little background about Sue Mey. She is an artist/pattern designer who lives in South Africa. Her web site is one of the most popular on the web for scroll sawyers. The reason is simple. Her patterns are wonderful. Sue is in my opinion one of the top three designers in the world. She is not only prolific she is creative. That's a tough combination and she make it look easy. Do yourself a favor and pick up several of her patterns while the price is right.
Christmas is almost here! I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy and merry Festive Season and to thank you for supporting my website throughout 2013. As a token of my appreciation I am presenting a special discount offer of 20% on all patterns (Special Offers excluded). The offer is only valid for a few days so don’t miss out. Use the voucher code CHRISTMAS13 (case sensitive) during checkout – offer ends Sunday, December 22.
I hope you enjoy this time of the year and that you will find the time in between family, food and festivities to relax and be ready for any challenges the New Year may bring.
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Visit the Special Offers category for pattern sets at reduced prices and a great deal on seven digital books: 40 Christian crosses, 44 Christmas projects, 40 Boxes, 46 Angel-themed projects, 50 Signs & Plaques, 50 Clocks and 40 Love & friends patterns.
Patterns purchased from my website are conveniently delivered as downloads to your computer for immediate printing and use. All patterns are available in vector format on request.
Sue Mey
Christmas is almost here! I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy and merry Festive Season and to thank you for supporting my website throughout 2013. As a token of my appreciation I am presenting a special discount offer of 20% on all patterns (Special Offers excluded). The offer is only valid for a few days so don’t miss out. Use the voucher code CHRISTMAS13 (case sensitive) during checkout – offer ends Sunday, December 22.
I hope you enjoy this time of the year and that you will find the time in between family, food and festivities to relax and be ready for any challenges the New Year may bring.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Visit the Special Offers category for pattern sets at reduced prices and a great deal on seven digital books: 40 Christian crosses, 44 Christmas projects, 40 Boxes, 46 Angel-themed projects, 50 Signs & Plaques, 50 Clocks and 40 Love & friends patterns.
Patterns purchased from my website are conveniently delivered as downloads to your computer for immediate printing and use. All patterns are available in vector format on request.
Sue Mey
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Saint Nick Scroll Saw Pattern.
Saint Nick
stands a little over 9.5 inches tall in this pattern.
We are coming down to the wire for the Custom Name Christmas Ornament Patterns. If you still would like to make these for your family and friends visit the blog to place your order. They are fun to cut, make nice gifts and if you order 997,000 more I'll be rich. If I get rich I'll give all my patterns away for free. I promise. Really, I will.
I know there are a lot of you who only read the email newsletter. I encourage you to visit the blog from time to time to see what there is to offer. www.scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com.
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
We are coming down to the wire for the Custom Name Christmas Ornament Patterns. If you still would like to make these for your family and friends visit the blog to place your order. They are fun to cut, make nice gifts and if you order 997,000 more I'll be rich. If I get rich I'll give all my patterns away for free. I promise. Really, I will.
I know there are a lot of you who only read the email newsletter. I encourage you to visit the blog from time to time to see what there is to offer. www.scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Snowman Sign Scroll Saw Pattern.
This little snowman sign
is very easy to cut and fun to make. You can customize the sign with any text you like using a permanent marker. I also have included a few snowman saying on templates you can cut out and glue to the sign if you like. The snowman is cut entirely from MDF. The body is 3/4" thick MDF and all the other pieces are 1/4" thick MDF. He stands 7.5 inches tall. I used spray paint on all the pieces.
MDF can be a problem to paint unless you know the trick. The edges will absorb the paint like a sponge. It's very difficult to get a nice coat on the edges. Below is the process I use to prevent the issue.
You will need a brush, cup will water and wood glue. Just fill the cup with the amount of water that is required for the project you are doing.
Mix glue into the water at about a 60/30 mix of water(60) and glue(40).
Stir the mixture well. Now sand the edges of the MDF with 220 grit sand paper. Get it as smooth as possible.
Paint all the edges with the water/glue mixture and let it dry completely. Two coats are better but one coat is usually enough.
The last picture shows the difference with one coat of white spray paint. The left half was coated with the water/glue mixture and the right was just bare MDF. To get the uncoated MDF edges painted can take several coats and usually make a mess. The coated MDF can often be painted in two or three coats. If you plan to paint MDF it is worth the time to treat the edges.
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
MDF can be a problem to paint unless you know the trick. The edges will absorb the paint like a sponge. It's very difficult to get a nice coat on the edges. Below is the process I use to prevent the issue.
You will need a brush, cup will water and wood glue. Just fill the cup with the amount of water that is required for the project you are doing.
Mix glue into the water at about a 60/30 mix of water(60) and glue(40).
Stir the mixture well. Now sand the edges of the MDF with 220 grit sand paper. Get it as smooth as possible.
Paint all the edges with the water/glue mixture and let it dry completely. Two coats are better but one coat is usually enough.
The last picture shows the difference with one coat of white spray paint. The left half was coated with the water/glue mixture and the right was just bare MDF. To get the uncoated MDF edges painted can take several coats and usually make a mess. The coated MDF can often be painted in two or three coats. If you plan to paint MDF it is worth the time to treat the edges.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Who Won?
Last Sunday I announced a giveaway/contest. Frank Carey over at papasworkshop.net offered his wonderful new product as a giveaway. The Lifter is an accessory for the DeWalt DW788 or the Delta 40-690 scroll saws. It's actually more than an accessory to me it's an essential add-on.
Tonight I will announce the winner. The contest was simple. You had to follow a couple rules and send me your funniest family friendly joke. Tonight I randomly drew five finalist. I handed the list to my wife. Her job was to pick the best joke from the five finalist.
Let me say one thing before I announce the winner. There were well over 100 entries. I'll have to admit that I have not been able to read them all yet but I have read several. I feel comfortable in making a clinical analysis of the results. As a community we need to get out of our workshops more!
My funny scale ranges between Carrot Top as a ZERO and Bill Cosby(The early days) as a 10.
As a community I rate us as a Charlie Sheen.
First, here are the five finalist and their jokes in no order. :)
Michael Cherry - Arizona
What do you call a short, sunburned, thief on a horse?
Little red riding hood.
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Matthew Compton - Ontario, Canada.
I asked my five year old son, "Where would you find a tree?"
He replied, 'That is easy dad! Between the 2 and the 4.'
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Nancy Schanda - Missouri
Joke:
What do a chicken and a car have in common?
Answer:
Chevrolet (pronounced: She Ever Lay)
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Matt Miller - Arizona
Two inexperienced hunters went hunting in the woods. Before long they got lost. “Don’t worry,” said the first hunter, “I heard that when you’re lost you should fire three shots in the air that someone should hear you.” They fired three shots in the air and waited a half hour. They tried again another three and nothing happened. Finally they decided they will try it once more. “This better work,” said the second hunter nervously. “These are our last arrows!”
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Robin Schmeder - Washington
Chicken Surprise
A couple go for a meal at a Chinese restaurant and order the 'Chicken Surprise'. The waiter brings the meal, served in a lidded cast iron pot.
Just as the wife is about to serve herself, the lid of the pot rises slightly and she briefly sees two beady little eyes looking around before the lid slams back down.
'Good grief, did you see that?' she asks her husband. He hasn't, so she asks him to look in the pot. He reaches for it and again the lid rises, and he sees two little eyes looking around before it slams down.
Rather perturbed, he calls the waiter over, explains what is happening, and demands an explanation.
'Please sir,' says the waiter, 'what you order?'
The husband replies, 'Chicken Surprise.'
'Ah! So sorry,' says the waiter, 'I bring you Peeking Duck!'
_________________________________________________
Okay now for the winner as selected by my wife.
Drum Beat.............
Chicken Surprise by Robin Schmeder. Congrats Robin. I will be sending you an email soon. We will need your complete shipping address. We will get the Lifter out to you as soon as we hear back. Thanks to everyone who took the time to send your joke. Thanks to Frank Carey for making the Lifter available for the contest.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
18 inch Tall Holy Night Scroll Saw Pattern.
This pattern is over 18 inches tall. The figure of Mary is around 15 inches so I think you will be able to cut it on a 16 inch scroll saw. If you are proficient with spiral blades a few of the cuts may be easier if you use them.
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It's starting to look a lot like Christmas. Snow has hit many parts of the U.S. and it's time to get out in the shop and make a few more custom Christmas ornaments. The ornament orders are going out quickly this year thanks to the help I am getting from Frank Carey. If you still want to make a few of these family heirlooms go ahead and place your order now. Our turn around is quick enough that there is still plenty of time for you to get them cut.Order your 2013 Custom Christmas Ornaments Patterns. These will become family heirlooms. Fill out the order form and you will receive a pattern for each name. The patterns are $1 per name with a 5 name minimum. You only pay once the patterns are completed and sent to you for your approval. You will receive the patterns in your email. There will be a link to pay with your credit card. I will also provide an address to send a check if you prefer. Names longer than 10 letters will be more difficult to cut.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Wilker Do's.
Inexpensive scroll saws may not work for many of the projects we like to cut but they do have their place. I found this video review of the Dremel Moto-Saw by April Wilkerson very well done. She gives the pros and cons of this sub $100 scroll saw/power coping saw. April is a breath of fresh air and I hope to see more from her. She is obviously a talented DIY craftswoman. Also check out her blog at Wilker Do's
This saw is a pin end blade only saw so that obviously limits what it can do. There are no advanced features but that's not what this saw is all about. It is intended for the crafts person on a limited budget/limited needs and little space. Watch the video and see if it is something you could use in your shop.
Nice job April. Thanks for sharing your review.
You can do more research on the saw at this link.
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
This saw is a pin end blade only saw so that obviously limits what it can do. There are no advanced features but that's not what this saw is all about. It is intended for the crafts person on a limited budget/limited needs and little space. Watch the video and see if it is something you could use in your shop.
Nice job April. Thanks for sharing your review.
You can do more research on the saw at this link.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Scroll Saw Sculpture.
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Sometimes I like to go into the shop and just play with ideas. I wanted to do a project that was purely art for arts sake. I knew I was going to play with basic shapes. I freehand drew a few shapes until I found a couple things I liked.
That was the beginning of this project. I went back up to my computer and started putting the shapes together in groups of three. Once I had three sculptures I liked I headed back to the shop. I cut one of the patterns but it looked too plain.
That's when I had the idea to laminate thin strips of Bubinga with the Hard Maple boards. I did one with the strip running along the grain of the Maple board. The other Maple board was cut at an angle and glued it back together with the Bubinga strip. You can see both below in the picture. I did plan where I wanted the thin strip to intersect in the pattern.
I used the angled strip board to cut the sculpture above. I liked the sculpture much better with the accent.
This project may not appeal to everyone buy if you enjoy abstract sculpture as I do you might find this a good starting point to design your own sculptures. If you come up with something interesting I would love to see it. Send me pictures and I'll post them on the blog with your permission.
Don't
forget to enter the contest drawing for the FREE Lifter from papasworkshop.net.
If you missed the details in yesterday post just visit this link for the details.
Win a free Lifter for your DeWalt DW788 or Delta 40-690 scroll saw from papasworkshop.net.
It's time for a contest giveaway. Frank Carey from Papasworkshop.net is offering one free Lifter as a prize for those of you who own the DeWalt DW788 or the Delta 40-690. This is a great product. You can watch my review in the video below. Don't worry if you don't own one of these saws. As soon as this contest is over I will post another contest for everyone.
Here are the contest rules. If you don't follow the rules you cannot win.
Using the email address below.
Send an email to giveaway@stevedgood.com.
The subject must be "The Lifter"
In the body of the email you have to type YOUR NAME and the STATE you live in.
Under that you have to tell the funniest family friendly joke you know. Ask a friend, look it up on google or just tell one you already know. Just keep it family friendly or it will not make the cut.
The entries have to be in by midnight December 13th 2013.
I will randomly select 5 finalist from the entries. My wife will read the jokes form those 5 finalist. The joke she thinks is the funniest will be the winner. She is a tough judge so give me your best.
The winners first name and Joke will be posted on the blog when I announce the winner.
Thanks Frank for supporting the Scrollsaw Workshop with a nice giveaway.
LED Desk Lamp Scroll Saw Pattern.
This project was fun to make and useful. On a recent trip to Frys electronics I purchased an High brightness four LED module for $6.99. I was not sure how I would use it but it was cool looking and I like gadgets so it came home with me. This project is what I decided to do with it. The pattern download is large because I have detailed pictures showing all the parts needed with links to buy them.
Before you start emailing me I know you can probably buy a cheap desk lamp cheaper but sometimes it's just fun to make something. The parts really are not that expensive. $6.99 for the LED, $7.89 for the Power supply off amazon.com, $3.49 for the rocker switch from Radio Shack. Just a few more dollars for the hardware and supplies. Maybe $25 total.
The
LED module has four High Brightness LEDs. The power supply I bought does not turn them on to full brightness but it's plenty bright enough for a desk lamp.
Make sure you read all the instructions and take your time. There are a few important steps that will cause trouble if you miss them. For instance the LED module has a polarity. If you wire them up backwards they won't work. It won't kill the LED but you will have to un-solder and start over.
Another good point to consider. You really need to be able to solder the connections. If this is something you are not familiar with then you may want to pass on this project. Soldering is not hard but if you don't have a soldering iron I would not buy one just for this project.
One mistake I made while putting it together was not installing the rocker switch lock nut on the wire before I soldered the wire to the switch. Pay close attention to this to avoid the same easy mistake.
This inexpensive LED module could come in handy for many lighted projects. Even if you do not build this project you may want to check out the LED modules from Frys.com.
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
Before you start emailing me I know you can probably buy a cheap desk lamp cheaper but sometimes it's just fun to make something. The parts really are not that expensive. $6.99 for the LED, $7.89 for the Power supply off amazon.com, $3.49 for the rocker switch from Radio Shack. Just a few more dollars for the hardware and supplies. Maybe $25 total.
Make sure you read all the instructions and take your time. There are a few important steps that will cause trouble if you miss them. For instance the LED module has a polarity. If you wire them up backwards they won't work. It won't kill the LED but you will have to un-solder and start over.
Another good point to consider. You really need to be able to solder the connections. If this is something you are not familiar with then you may want to pass on this project. Soldering is not hard but if you don't have a soldering iron I would not buy one just for this project.
One mistake I made while putting it together was not installing the rocker switch lock nut on the wire before I soldered the wire to the switch. Pay close attention to this to avoid the same easy mistake.
This inexpensive LED module could come in handy for many lighted projects. Even if you do not build this project you may want to check out the LED modules from Frys.com.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Sue Mey honors Nelson Mandela.
This is from an email I received from Sue Mey yesterday. As you know Sue is one of my favorite patterns designers. She lives in South Africa and is one of the most prolific designers in the world today. I think she has done a wonderful tribute to one of the most influential leaders the world has seen in several decades. The pattern is available from Sue's site. You have to register to download the pattern but it is free.
Sue Mey
Friday, December 6, 2013
Just Dip It.
Last year I purchased replacement knobs for my Excalibur and DeWalt scroll saws. I have never liked the thumbscrews that come with those saws. I have tried several different options, some with better results than others. I thought I would like these round knobs that I purchased from Seyco.com. They are fairly expensive and to be honest they were not comfortable at all. I never ended up using them.
I decided to try to make them better. I think I did. Here is how I improved them.
Plastic Dip made by Performix is a product used to dip tool handles in. It comes in dip and spray forms. I bought some of both. You can also choose the color you want. For this project I will use the dip.
I covered the the threads with blue painters tape. Leave a little extra tape on the end.
I used a 10 inch piece of wire and pushed it through the extra tape at the end of the threads.
Now I had a nice handle to use to dip the knob. The Plastic Dip is thick enough that I was able to dip the knob just deep enough to cover the outside and not fill the inside of the knob with plastic.
Let the Plastic Dip dry 1/2 hour between dips. I dipped mine four times to build up the thickness I wanted. When you pull the knob out of the can it tends to leave a nipple. I didn't want this so I would turn it over for a few seconds to let it flow even. After 3 hours it had cured enough that I gave it a try.
I cut a complete project using the improved knob. Not only did it feel great it looks like the durability is going to be fine. It now has a nice rubber feel and improves the grip. If you have trouble with sore fingers from arthritis or other issues this might help. I'll let you know in a few weeks how well the plastic holds up. I'm not sure it matters too much because it will be easy to re-dip if it wears out.
These knobs work on both my Excalibur and DeWalt saw. These knobs are available from Seyco.com for $29.95. I purchased the Plastic Dip from Amazon.com for $8.
I decided to try to make them better. I think I did. Here is how I improved them.
Plastic Dip made by Performix is a product used to dip tool handles in. It comes in dip and spray forms. I bought some of both. You can also choose the color you want. For this project I will use the dip.
I covered the the threads with blue painters tape. Leave a little extra tape on the end.
I used a 10 inch piece of wire and pushed it through the extra tape at the end of the threads.
Now I had a nice handle to use to dip the knob. The Plastic Dip is thick enough that I was able to dip the knob just deep enough to cover the outside and not fill the inside of the knob with plastic.
Let the Plastic Dip dry 1/2 hour between dips. I dipped mine four times to build up the thickness I wanted. When you pull the knob out of the can it tends to leave a nipple. I didn't want this so I would turn it over for a few seconds to let it flow even. After 3 hours it had cured enough that I gave it a try.
I cut a complete project using the improved knob. Not only did it feel great it looks like the durability is going to be fine. It now has a nice rubber feel and improves the grip. If you have trouble with sore fingers from arthritis or other issues this might help. I'll let you know in a few weeks how well the plastic holds up. I'm not sure it matters too much because it will be easy to re-dip if it wears out.
These knobs work on both my Excalibur and DeWalt saw. These knobs are available from Seyco.com for $29.95. I purchased the Plastic Dip from Amazon.com for $8.