One of my favorite project to cut on the scroll saw is baskets. You can use just about any wood and they look great. I have made these from cheap pine and people love the look crazy end grain of the pine. It gives the basket a rustic look.
When you cut these from nice hardwoods you can mix and match species to give interesting looks. I used three different species in this one just to mix it up.
This basket is an actual weave. You cut the rings and then fill in the gaps with thin strips of wood. You can see how it is done in the pictures below. This gives a much more realistic illusion of a weave than the solid ring baskets.
I only cut three rings for this prototype basket. I used 1" thick wood for the rings. You can give a more intricate look to the basket by using thinner wood for the rings and cut more of them. You just want to keep the total height of the rings around three inches for good proportion.
This is a pattern that can easily be enlarged. Enlarge the rings to approximately eight inches. Cut several rings and you have a very impressive basket.
The vertical slats are cut to size once you have the dimensions of your basket. Cut thin strips on your table saw or scroll saw. Make them the size that fits into the openings of the basket. If you use the included pattern size they need to be 3/4" wide and 3 inches long. Cut them between 1/16" and 1/8" thick.
In the picture above you will see that I am using my recent custom feather board pattern as a thin cut guide. I place the jig to the left of the blade the distance that I need the thickness to be. Make sure you place the jig forward of the blade.
Adjust the fence of the table saw until the wood touches the jig. Make a cut, move the fence and repeat until you get enough slats. This keeps all the cuts the same thickness.
You do not want to cut these thin strips between the blade and the fence. That is a dengerous cut. Don't do it.
When you glue up the rings they need to be centered. You can use the thin slat to center the rings while the glue dries.
You see that I cut the slats long. Once the rings are glued up I mark and cut the slats to the length needed.
You don't need to glue the vertical slats in place. Once the top is glued on they will sats in place.
Sheila Landry Designs Free Pattern:
Sheila from Sheila Landry Designs asked me to let everyone know that they have another free pattern available. You can find it at the link above.
The internet is an amazing place. Because I spend so much time working on the blog I have met people all over the world that have become friends. I will likely never meet 99% of them but many feel like close friends.
Sheila is one of those people who I have known through a computer screen for many years. We have never met but I know without question that she is one of the finest people in our scroll saw community. On top of all the sharing, she has done with the community she and her partner Keith are incredible artists and pattern designers.
The two of them have developed a collection of patterns that is simply remarkable. If you have never had the opportunity to visit Sheila Landry Designs then you are missing out and need to click now.
I hope you will support this wonderful business with your purchase. We so much need their talent and that means purchasing from them. This is not a paid placement. I just love what they do and want to world to see their amazing products.
Before you ask. I am terrible at catching on to puns. I often have to have someone tell me what they mean. I will admit that I do not understand the word art in this free pattern. I'm sure someone will explain it to me but I can be dense. If you are curious yourself send Keith an email and ask.
Before you ask. I am terrible at catching on to puns. I often have to have someone tell me what they mean. I will admit that I do not understand the word art in this free pattern. I'm sure someone will explain it to me but I can be dense. If you are curious yourself send Keith an email and ask.
Supporting What I Do:
My primary income comes from donations. This is important. Never feel obligated to donate. There is no expectation from me that you need to donate money if you use my patterns. They are free and you are welcome to them. I do not want anyone to send me money that is a hardship on your finances.
I am very lucky to have a generous following and I appreciate each of you and the donations are always very kind. I try to work hard to make sure you get value for the donations.
There are ways to help me that do not include money sent to me. If you need something from Amazon then use my affiliate link. Even if you do not buy the product I am showing I get a kickback from anything you order during that visit. It does not increase your price.
I occasionally show ads from Bear Woods. I have an affiliate deal with them and if you need one of their products then it helps me if you use this link. Bear Woods Affiliate. They have great products and I work with them because I trust them.
Spread the word. If someone you know uses a scroll saw them tell them about my blog. If you are trying to get someone started in the hobby then let them know I am here to help. This helps because numbers matter. The more people who follow my blog the more likely I am to earn money from a donation, affiliate links and product sales. I don't actually sell too many products.
Thank you for supporting me and I will do my best to keep the blog valuable and worthy of your support.
$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
Funny Woodworking T shirt
- Solid colors: 100% Cotton; Heather Grey: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester; All Other Heathers: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
- Imported
- Machine wash cold with like colors, dry low heat
- Are you a woodworker who builds or restores furniture? Wear it while you're in the workshop using a plane, saw, lathe, and other tools. This Funny T-shirt designed for woodworker, carpenter, people who use wood tools frequently.
- Great gift for wood workers and carpenters that work with lumber and tools. Show your father some love with this tee for his birthday, father's day or Christmas present. Perfect Gift Idea for any woodworker, crafter, engineer or wood tools lover
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem