February is approaching soon guys. You know what that means. It's time to start thinking about Valentines Day. Here is a small scroll saw box that you can cut and give to your sweetheart.
The box is only 4.24" X 4.25" so you probably have enough scraps around to make this gift.
I cut the interior from a one-inch thick piece of cherry. The box looks a little more proportional if you use wood this thick but it also presents a problem.
If you are not used to cutting thick wood then there is a tendency to end up with cuts that are not square. On a project like this, you can end up with pieces that are wedged shaped and won't easily slide apart.
There are a couple of things you can do to help prevent this problem.
You can use thinner wood. 3/4" will work for this project and is easier for new scroller to cut.
If you want to try cutting the thicker wood then follow these tips.
Tension the blade well. Many new scrollers have a tendency to under tension scroll saw blades. You want high tension on the blade when cutting thicker and denser woods. The blades are designed to accept this high tension, If you have trouble with the blades slipping out of the chuck then the chucks need maintenance.
Never try to cut thick wood with a dull or poor quality blade. Blades are cheap. Buy high-quality blades and replace them before they get dull.
Let the blade do the work. Let the blades do the work. Did I mention, let the blade do the work? If you try to force or rush the cut in thicker wood you will deform the blade and get a nonsquare cut. Give the teeth of the blade time to remove the sawdust and make the cut.
Keep a light touch. Don't have a death grip on the wood. If you apply side force to the blade it will deform and cause a nonsquare cut.
Use a species of wood that cuts easier. Hard maple is a beautiful wood but cuts like steel. Save it for projects that are not as critical for square cuts. Soft maple or walnut are both good choices.
If you do end up with a nonsquare cut don't throw it out. Sand and trim the parts until they fit. On this box, you can sand the interior walls for a loose fit. The letters are a little difficult to sand but to can trim the letters with the scroll saw. With care, you can remove a paper-thin slice around the letter.
Limited Time Offer from Heritage Wood Specialties:
Take advantage of this limited time offer of free shipping. Stock up now on the boards you need for projects this winter. Offer ends 1/31/2019. Act now.
Note: Free shipping applies to orders in the lower 48 states only.
Order your personalized Signature Coins.
$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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