World's Best Auto Mechanic Scroll Saw Pattern.

Here is another pattern in the ongoing collection of "World's Best" designs.  

  
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns.

I Love You, Love Birds Scroll Saw Pattern.

It's been a long time since I talked about scroll saw blades here on the blog. It's one of the more common questions I get in my daily email. If you are new to the scroll saw then you are probably trying to figure out the best blade to use for a given project.

I'm not going to go into depth here tonight but since I have had the question a few times this week I thought I give it a quick mention.

There are several different brands and types of scroll saw blades. It can be confusing and you will get as many different opinions about which blade to use as there are blades.

The first thing you will probably notice is there are pin end blades and plain end blades. This choice is easy. You want to purchase plain end blades. Not all saws are made to accept plain end blades but if yours does then that's what you need. Pin end blades are for very basic scroll work. You can get a plain end blade through much smaller interior entry holes which allows finer fretwork. If you saw only takes pin end blades there are sometimes conversion kits that allow the use of plain end blades. If that is not the case for your saw then don't give up. There are many projects that can be made with pin end blades. you just have to be more careful in the patterns you choose.

Okay now you are shopping for plain end blades. You notice there are two types. Spiral and straight cut blades. The vast majority of fine fretwork is done with straight cut blades. There are people who will beg to differ with this but trust me when I say it's easier to learn to use a straight cut blade. Some patterns, for example portrait style patterns are better cut with a spiral blade. Sometime if you are cutting a very large project the spiral blade is the only choice because you don't have to turn the board when using the spiral blade. It cuts in every direction.

Now you are ready to purchase some straight cut blades and there are all these numbers and letters on the package. What do they mean? #1, #3, #5, scroll reverse, skip tooth etc. Let me make it easy for you. I cut 95% of my projects with these three blades. A #3 scroll reverse and a #5 scroll reverse. After that I occasionally use a #7 scroll reverse for thicker or more dense woods. That's it. I own some of just about every type of blade made but those three blades get the job done most of the time.

The other 5% of the time I may use some of the specialty blades. For example I use blades intended for jig saw puzzles when I'm cutting a puzzle. I use a spiral when I cut a portrait. The rare time when I'm cutting thin metal I'll use a metal cutting blade.  

My suggestion if you are just getting started is to buy some #3, #5 and #7 scroll reverse blades. If you want to try the spirals then buy a few of them. Practice with these blades. After you have some experience start adding other types of blades to your collection and see what works well for you.

There are charts out there that will give recommendations for which blade to use for a certain thickness and hardness of wood. Those are fine but just remember they are just recommendations. Sometimes you have to break the rules.

When it comes to brands I use Flying Dutchman blades. I also like Pegas blades and Olsen brand blades are usable but I think they are a slight step down from the other two. The blades that come with the saw when you take it out of the box are usually throw always. Do yourself a favor and buy quality blades before you make your first cut. 

This has been a very basic introduction to scroll saw blades. There are many variables that go into each blade when it is manufactured. If you have the interest then by all means do your research and learn what all the specs mean. Just don't get so wrapped up in blades that you don't get started cutting projects. The best thing you can do to become a better scroll saw user is to cut projects. You will learn more from one hour of cutting than you will from 3 hours of reading.

All this is just my opinion from 30 plus years of running a scroll saw. If your opinion is different, I say great. It's about the project that comes off the saw and not the machine or technique. I have seen some beautiful work come off a $70 scroll saw using pin end blades. Just saying.  

 
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns.

Infinity Love Scroll Saw Pattern

Show your Valentine that your love is infinite.  I'm showing this simulated project cut from corian. Corian can be difficult to find in small sizes for a reasonable price. I generally look on Ebay.com but I have also seen corian sold on Etsy.com. If you are lucky you can find a cabinet shop who will give or sell you their scraps.

This project also looks fine made from any hardwood.

Sorry things have been slow on the blog the last few days. Just like so many I have been dealing with over a foot of snow. After hours of shoveling I was just exhausted. Luckily our temperature went up today and we lost some of the snow. I hope all of you who are dealing with the high totals of snow are safe. Be careful out there.

 
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns.

Sue Mey e-Magazine. Looks great. Check it out.

Here is the latest e-magazine information from Sue Mey.  This is a sweet heart of an issue. Bad pun but the issue is great. Get ready for Valentine's Day. The compound cut "Be my Valentine" pattern alone is worth the price of this issue.  Go get this issue right now and support one of the finest pattern designers in the world. Thanks Sue. Beautiful work.

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Note: The items shown are linked to the website - Click on either the Description or the Image for it to open there

The eighth issue of my e-Magazine is now available. This issue contains several hearts and projects for Valentine’s Day coming up in February. However, there are also items that can be used for a Wedding, Anniversary, or even Mother’s Day. The Home sign, Rose plaque, and Candle stand will be appreciated all year round. For those of you who enjoy compound-cut projects, I included the Valentine’s cracker, made from 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” wood. The Ampersand projects are equally attractive as wall décor, or freestanding decorations. There is also a leash hanger, and two recipes to make your own colored chalkboard paint for this project. Since there was already a dog-themed project in the mix, I added the Soldier’s Best Friend silhouette plaque, which is best done in a dark wood, or painted with black. I hope you find a few items in the selection that appeals to you.  Included are 16 different patterns – all new, and not available on my website.

To see the Table of contents for more detail on the projects and articles included, click on either the description or the image below. Vector files are available on request.

NW1513 E-Magazine Issue 8 - January 2016 $8.95

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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.


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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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns.

Worlds Best Plumber Scroll Saw Pattern.

Here is a pattern you can cut for the plumber in your life. I'll try to do more of these profession patterns. If you have a profession you would like to see drop me a note and I'll add it to my list. Some might be a bit too obscure to appeal to many folks but I'll see what I can do.

  
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns.

Dog Mom Scroll Saw Pattern.

Hey folks just a quick note. I am even further behind on email than normal. I spent tonight doing what I call "email triage".  Like I have said before I try to get to the beginner email questions first. Then I take care of the questions about sales from my blog. Everything else kind of get lumped into "when and if I can" category. This last couple weeks I have just not been able to keep up and I'm sorry if your email has not been replied to. If you sent an email more that two weeks ago it probably won't receive a reply. I'll never get back that far on the list. Feel free to resend your question or comment and I'll try again. I appreciate your understanding.

I also want to thank everyone who has purchased the 2015 Pattern DVD update. The response has been pretty good. My distributor now ships to 50 countries. If you click on the country drop down list on the order page you can see if they ship to your country. Unfortunately if it's not on the list I can't ship the DVD's. If you send me a note with your country I'll pass it on to my distributor and see if that may help them add your country in a future update.

A question I have had several emails on lately is about selling the projects made from my patterns. There are no restrictions on the projects made from my patterns. You are free to make and sell the project without attribution or compensation in any quantity. Of course if you make a million and want to cut me in that's perfectly okay with me. :)

The restriction on my patterns are pretty simple also. You may not sell the patterns. You can give them away as long as the cover page stays with the patter book. You may not host the patterns on your website even if you attribute them to me. Please send them to my blog to get the patterns. 

 
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns. The 2015 update DVD is now available for $7.50.

Valentine Be Mine Scroll Saw Pattern.

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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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns.

Sink Side Ring Dish with Polymer Clay inlay.

This a simple project that solves a problem. When you remove your ring in the kitchen or bathroom, what do you do with it so it's safe. This simple Ring Dish with rubber feet keeps it secure right where you left it.

To add a little something special to the project I did an optional polymer clay flower inlay. Polymer clay is a clay that hardens in an over at 230 degrees in 30 minutes or less. Once it hardens it can be sanded. The technique is easy. Cut the pattern of the flower. Overfill the cutouts with the clay color of your choice. Make sure the cutout is completely filled plus. Bake the project in your oven at the recommended temperature for the recommended time. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. You don't want to burn this stuff because it stinks.

The temperature is low enough that I have never had the wood burn as long as you don't leave it in too long. Remove the project and let it cool. Sand the clay flush with the wood an apply a finish.

Several years ago I did a video showing the technique. The quality is poor but it shows the steps. If your interested here is the link.  https://youtu.be/emcGkyx1svk.



 
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns. The 2015 DVD update is now available.

Nested Elephant Family Scroll Saw Pattern.

This nested elephant family is cut with a #3 blade.  I used 1" thick cherry. You could use 3/4" thick wood as well.

 
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns.

Fancy Font Initial Frame Scroll Saw Pattern.

These fancy font initial frames seem to be pretty popular right now. This pattern book has all 26 characters. I included an optional backer board pattern if you want it to be a bit more sturdy. Each frame is about 10.5 inches tall.

One suggestion is to set the print driver to "Poster at 120%". That will print on two sheets of paper and make the frame over 13" tall. That gives you a nice large frame to hang on the wall or a front door. This project will also look nice painted. You won't hear me say that very often. :)

These should be money makers for online sales. I spent a lot of time choosing a font that was fancy and still recognizable. This one turned out okay but there are still a couple letters that I wish were a little easier to make out.

 
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns.

A House Divided Cannot Stand. Abraham Lincoln Scroll Saw Pattern. 2015 DVD catalog update available.

I just wanted to let those of you who collect my DVD catalog set know that the 2015 update DVD is now available. The cost is the same as before, $7.50 plus shipping. The 2015 DVD catalog contains all 201 patterns from last year. Order at this link.

For those of you not familiar with my DVD catalog here are the details. Many readers requested that I make all my free patterns available for offline availability. Four years ago I started publishing a DVD of the patterns. The first DVD contains the first few years worth of patterns and each year after that I do an update DVD. The first DVD is $20 and each update DVD is $7.50 each. Please note that all of the patterns on the DVD are available free in my online catalog. The DVD is for offline viewing.
 

 

On June 16th, 1858 Abraham Lincoln gave his "House Divided" speech. The words "A house divided cannot stand."  were in reference to the division of the union over slavery. Whatever the issue, the wisdom of those words are as true today as they were 157 years ago. Let's hope our leaders today are as wise.
  
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns. The 2015 DVD contains another 201 patterns an costs $7.50

Fleur-De-Lis Clock Scroll Saw Pattern.

This clock uses a 2 3/4" insert designed for a 2 3/8" hole. The hole is best cut with a 2 3/8" forstner bit but can easily be cut with your scroll saw. Just slightly under-cut the hole so you get a nice snug fit when you insert the clock.

I have used multiple thicknesses of wood for this project. The body is 1" thick. The top is 1/2" thick as is the bottom. The extra piece on the bottom is 1/4" thick as is the columns. The fleur-de-lis is cut from 1/8" thick contrasting wood.

The wood I used for this clock is Peruvian Walnut and Maple.

Sorry things have been kind of slow on the blog the last few days. I have been a little under the weather and just did not have the energy to get in front of the computer. I seem to be feeling better today so I'll try to get caught up on email as soon as I can.

  
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

You can purchase either of my "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books by visiting this link. 

Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.

The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.

If you would like to have all the patterns in the Scrollsaw Workshop catalog you can buy the first six years DVD and the 2013 update DVD at this link. DVD #1 is $20 and contains over 1,100 patterns. The 2013 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 178 patterns. The 2014 update DVD is $7.50 and has another 223 patterns.