This shadow box scene is made up of seven layers of 1/4" Baltic birch plywood. It is small, measuring only 4 inches square and 1.75 inches thick.
When designing projects, going very large or very small can add a great deal to the interest to the piece. In this case, going small elicits a bit of awe at "how did you get all that in there" response.
When going small the minimal amount of detail looks more complex than it is. If you doubled the size of this project you would need to add much more detail to look as interesting.
To add even more interest you can use different species of wood for the different layers.
Vibration!!! Check this first.
There is nothing worse than trying to cut intricate fretwork when your scroll saw is trying to walk away. There are a few things that can cause vibration in a scroll saw but one of the most common is also one of the most overlooked.
I have seen this problem several times. It will cause more vibration than you would expect so it is hard to troubleshoot.
If troublesome vibration starts rearing it's ugly head check the nuts and bolts on the stand. If you have the factory stand included with many saws the nuts will occasionally work loose from vibration. When they get loose enough they can add significant vibration to your saw.
The next time you are in the shop check and tighten all the nuts on your scroll saw stand including the ones that mount the saw to the stand. Give the saw a test run and see if the vibration is improved.
You may be surprised that it cut like new again.
$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:
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2018 in DVD
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
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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Ad: AffiliateGrizzly G0771Z - 10" 2 HP 120V Hybrid Table Saw with T-Shaped Fence
This hybrid is a selective blend of the best features of the contractor-style table saw and cabinet style table saw. Like the cabinet saw, it has an enclosed cabinet with 4" dust port, heavy-duty cast iron trunnions that mount to the cabinet, and plenty of power (with its 2 HP motor) to easily rip through hardwoods or cut dadoes. Like the contractor-style saw, it's still light enough to move around (it weighs approximately 286 lbs. when fully assembled) and it's easy on the budget. The fence has the easy lift-off and simple adjustability of the popular T-shape Shop Fox Classic fence, the front locking ability of the Shop Fox Original fence, and the accessory T-slots of the Shop Fox Aluma-Classic fence. To top it all off, this saw features an innovative quick-release blade guard and riving knife system that can be changed in seconds—and it's prewired to run on an ordinary 120V, 20A circuit! Includes 10" x 40T carbide-tipped blade. Specifications:Motor: 2 HP, 120V/240V, prewired 120V, single-phase, 60 Hz Amps: 15A@120V, 7.5A@240V Precision-ground cast iron table with wings measures: 40-1/2" W x 27" D Table height: 35-3/8" Footprint: 21" L x 19-1/2" W Arbor: 5/8" Arbor speed: 3450 RPM Max. depth of cut @ 90°: 3-1/4" Max. depth of cut @ 45°: 2-1/4" Rip capacity: 31" right, 16-3/4" left Overall size: 57-1/4" W x 35-1/2" H x 40-1/4" D Shipping weight: 371 lbs.