This model biplane was cut from 1/4" and 1/8" Baltic birch plywood. The fuselage is three layers of 1/4" ply.
This is another project where I used CA glue and activator for assembly. In the past when I have mentioned CA glue I get lots of questions. I reached out to Starbond to see if they would like to send me some samples to test and demonstrate. They were kind enough to say yes. When they arrive I will do a review/demonstration and hopefully, have some products to give away.
When I cut wheels of things that need to spin on a shaft I use two drill bits. 17/64" and 1/4". I will typically use 1/4" wooden dowels for the shafts. The 17/64" drill bit makes a hole just slightly larger than 1/4" to allow the shaft to rotate freely. The 1/4" drill bit makes a hole that will allow the wheel to press fit on to the shaft.
Basic Scroll Saw Tip:
We get new folks here at the Scrollsaw Workshop every day. Things that us old hats take for granted the new scrollers have questions about. I will occasionally drop a basic tip in the blog just so the information is out there for those scrollers who are just getting started.
There are multiple methods to apply a pattern to a piece of wood. Any method that you use is fine as long as you get the results you like. Basically, we need the pattern to show up well. Stay on the wood while we cut and remove as easy as possible.
For me, I find that I like using a paper pattern and spraying the back of the pattern with spray glue. I cover the wood with either blue painter's tape of Peel and Stick(Clear shelf lining paper). I then apply the paper pattern on top of the tape.
The paper pattern gives me a clear sharp line. Easy to see.
The tape gives me two advantages. The glue from the tape actually lubricates the blade. This helps eliminate scorching of the edge of the wood. Very helpful when cutting cherry wood. It scorches easily and the tape almost eliminates the problem.
The second advantage of using the tape is ease of removal of the pattern. The blue painter's tape is designed to have a low tack. It just peels right off.
There is another advantage to the blue painter's tape that only shows on some woods. Some wood has oils that prevent the spray glue from sticking as well as we need. The pattern will lift while cutting and make it hard to cut the line. I can't tell you why but the glue on the blue painter's tape does react to these oils as badly. It helps keep the pattern on the wood.
This is one of those subjects that always gets me tones of "Are you stupid" emails. Let me say it again. Use whatever method you like. Experiment with different methods until you find the one you like. I have been scrolling for 30 plus years and have tried every method more than once. I have my preference.
$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.
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2018 in DVD
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.
This DVD has over 2,600 patterns published from 2007 thru 2018.
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.
All the same file but on an easy to use a thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
Now Available on USB Thumb Drive
Don't have a DVD drive on your new computer. No problem. Buy the catalog on a USB thumb drive.All the same file but on an easy to use a thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
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
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.
My Sponsors:
Support the businesses who support our community.
Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.
Ad: Affiliate
Scroll Saw Blades from Bear Woods
Don't waste your time with poor quality scroll saw blades. I like and recommend two brands. Pegas and Niqua(Flying Dutchman). One of my advertisers is Bear Woods. I ask them if they would carry both brands and they jumped at the chance to sell these high-quality blades. Now you have a one stop place to get both of these fantastic blades.