I went to the doctor today and he gave me a couple of meds to knock out this bug that has me feeling so bad the last few days. It made me feel just well enough to design a pattern and go to the shop to cut it out. Shop air makes me feel better.
After seeing what I have designed tonight some of you will say I should have just stayed in bed. :) Fair enough but I kind of like this guy. I think he is a statement of how I felt yesterday.
I want to thank all of you who wrote to tell me to get well soon. I really appreciate your kind concern. The last couple of nights were the worst because of a cough. I could not get more than two hours of sleep before I would wake up with a coughing fit. The doctor gave me some more powerful cough medicine so I'm hoping I get a good nights sleep.
Amazon Sale on the Delta 40-694:
The Delta 40-694 20 inch scroll saw is currently priced at $331.80 on Amazon. If my memory is correct this is their lowest price ever on this machine. I have said it before and I'll say it again. This is not the best saw on the market but it is the best value.
The Delta is a mid level saw at very close to an entry level saw price. If you are looking to upgrade from an entry level saw this Christmas this is one of the machines you should consider.
What should you look for in a scroll saw? That is a question that I get to answer every week. There are a few things that stand out in choosing a scroll saw. These are basic features that you want if you plan to cut more than just basic craft shapes.
First you want a scroll saw that accepts plain end scroll saw blades. The blades with pins in the ends are for rough cuts.
You want a machine that has easy blade change. Most people prefer a toolless blade change system. If you are doing an intricate pattern with many interior cuts you don't want to reach for a tool every time you need to insert the blade in a new hole.
You want a scroll saw that will not vibrate across the room when you turn it on. It's difficult to make accurate cuts if you have to fight to keep the saw on the table. All saws have some vibration but the better ones limit it as much as possible.
It's nice to have up front controls. You don't want to reach to the back of the saw to add tension to the blade. It will wear you out after long sessions.
You want an air blower to keep the pattern line free of dust. I remember in the early days when I would have to blow the dust away myself. Boy did that get old quick.
All of these basic feature are included on the mid level saws on the market today.
You absolutely can enjoy the hobby with an entry level scroll saw. Many people make wonderful projects with these machines. You do not have to buy an mid level or high end saw. You will enjoy the extra build quality and ease of use of the better saws.
If you do want to move up then I hope these basic features will give you something to look for.
Bear Woods Sponsored Giveaway:
Entries are going strong for the Bear Woods Giveaway. We have over 7,300 entries with 2 days left to enter. If you have not yet entered then click the link below and maybe you will be the winner.
Remember that you can enter every day.
Remember that you can enter every day.
The 1st Winner will receive a $100 Bear Woods gift certificate.
The 2nd winner will receive a completed Charles Dearing artwork
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
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.
