Do you need a little decoration for your cocktail bar? You don't have a cocktail Bar? Me neither. This was a custom pattern I did for a reader. I thought someone else might like to have it also so here it is. Drink responsibly.
Do you need a stand for your scroll saw?
Having a dedicated stand for your scroll saw is optional but it has some advantages. Scroll saws mounted to a stand that was designed for the machine generally vibrate less. The stand pictured for the DeWalt DW788 is an excellent stand. When the saw is mounted to the stand correctly it will vibrate much less than if you just set the saw on a workbench.
This stand also has an adjustable rear leg. This allows you to raise the rear of the saw. This angle gives you a better view of the workpiece without hunching over the table.
Some stands like this one can be attached to the floor for even better vibration control.
Mobile bases. Some scrollers install the stand on a mobile base. This is great for small shops where space is precious. A mobile base can cause more vibration but it's a trade-off that is sometimes worth it.
If you do buy a dedicated stand here is a tip. Every few months re-check all the nuts and bolts. If these are not all tight you will introduce vibration into the saw. I have seen even one slightly loose bolt cause enough vibration to make the saw cut poorly. It's a two-minute check.
If you do mount your saw on a workbench try to fasten it down. Either clamp it to the bench or use nuts and bolts to permanently attach it. I have seen vibration damping pads installed under saws that had vibration issues and that can help a little.
Make sure you consider the height of the saw when you set it up. Some people like to stand and others like to sit while they cut. In either case, try to get the table at a height where your arms are close to parallel to the table when bent. Your elbows may be slightly below the table height. Elevate the rear of the saw so you do not have to lean over the table to see the cut. Even a couple of inches can make a big difference.
You will often be at the scroll saw for extended periods of time. You can hurt yourself if your posture is poor. Take the time to set up your saw for comfort and efficiency. It's worth the effort.
Simply Wooden Creations Whirligig Wars Contest:
My good friend Russ Claridy from the Simply Wooden Creations site has started his yearly Whirligig Wars build contest. This is one of those really fun contests. Whirligigs are just plain fun to build and watch.
The contest has already started but you have until the end of July 2018 to get your entry included. Russ has several sponsors donating prizes. You need to go win one.
All you have to do is build a whirligig and make a very short video of it in action. Upload the video to YouTube and send the link to Russ. All the details are on the contest page.
There are many books with patterns out there. Here is one from Amazon that says it has 25 easy-to-do projects. If you want to get ambitious try designing one from scratch. The mechanics do not have to be complicated.
The scroll saw and whirligigs are a match. Many of the parts are easily cut on the scroll saw.
I know it's hot in the shop right now but work at night if you have to but go win this contest.
If you have not seen a whirligig in action here is a build video from Steve Ramsey from Woodworking for Mere Mortals. He even has limited plans available.
Exciting News. We have another giveaway for this month.
Stephen over at Bear Woods recommended that we do a giveaway in conjunction with the Midwest Scroll Saw and Woodworking Trade Show. You do not have to be at the show to win.
We will have three winners.
#1 will receive a $300 gift certificate from Bear Woods sponsored by the Scrolsaw Workshop
#2 will receive a $150 gift certificate from Bear Woods sponsored by Bear Woods.
#3 will receive an incredible scrolled piece of art by Charles Dearing. This artwork will be cut live at the show. After the show, it will be packaged and sent to the winner. You will love this artwork.
The contest is open to the world. Enter once per day.
The entries will end 7/31/2018 at midnight. Winners will be drawn during the show.
We will try to stream the drawing live if we have a decent internet connection.
Woodworker Guild of America Blogger Awards:
They have me in the "Best furniture making blog" category. No, I have no idea how I got in that category but it's just nice to be mentioned.
If you would like to vote for me just click the link. You have until July 13th, 2018 to vote.
Email Newsletter Readers: Remember that the Newsletter is just a copy of the daily blog post. To see the post in it's proper formatting click this link. If you ever misplace a pattern or any item you see here you can always find it on the blog. Everything stays on the blog forever.
Products for your consideration:
Scroll Saw Pattern Design Tutorial: DVD
Let me teach you to create a beautiful wooden portrait pattern. I will show you everything you need from start to finish. The video will show you the free software program you can download for Windows or Mac OS. I will show you how to install the program and configure it for best results.
Let me teach you to create a beautiful wooden portrait pattern. I will show you everything you need from start to finish. The video will show you the free software program you can download for Windows or Mac OS. I will show you how to install the program and configure it for best results.
Then I will show you the technique to take your photograph and make a pattern from it. When the pattern is complete we will go in the shop and cut it.
The DVD is $10 plus shipping. This is a data DVD that you will use on your computer to watch the video tutorial
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2017 in DVD
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.
This DVD has 2,300 patterns published from 2007 thru 2017.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
If you use the DVD on a Windows PC there is a simple viewer program to browse through the patterns.
The DVD also works fine on a MAC. The viewer program is not MAC compatible but there is an included PDF with all the patterns shown as thumbnails for easy viewing.
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.
The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.
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Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.
Ad: AffiliateWooden Bowls from the Scroll Saw: 28 Useful and Surprisingly Easy-to-Make Projects (Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Book)
While wood bowls are commonly made on a lathe, this guided resource offers 28 projects for crafting beautiful bowls with the more accessible scroll saw. You will not believe these bowls were made without a lathe!