This is difficult to talk about but I have a drinking problem. No, I'm not a boozer. My problem is that I cannot go into my shop without Diet Coke. Diet Coke makes me happy. I like to be happy. Yes, I am addicted. I need the burn. I also need something to keep my drink close to me without sitting it on a machine. I do consider this my most important scroll saw accessory. If you have a drinking problem you may want to make one of these holders for yourself.
This holder uses three 1/2" diameter neodymium magnets to attach it to the leg of my scroll saw stand. The three magnets are plenty strong enough to hold a large bottle of Diet Coke. The magnets are recessed and epoxied for strength. No clamps or screws are necessary and I can move it to another saw easily. You can find the magnets at Home Depot or Amazon
Attached to my scroll saw stand leg.
When I first bought my 3D printer I designed and printed a magnetic can/bottle holder for my scroll saw. A reader saw it in one of my videos and ask if I could make a pattern for one made from wood.
All the parts.
3D printer version. The wood version is more secure with 3 magnets instead of two. The wood version is also taller.
Fatigue Causes Mistakes:
Cutting on the scroll saw should be relaxing and fun. Because I am always in a hurry to get a project completed for the blog deadline, I often cut for multi hour-long stretches. If I try to do that without taking breaks I will make mistakes.
I get so involved in the project that I can't feel time passing until the pain starts. By that time it's too late. Once the back pain starts I have a tough time getting it to stop.
The solution for me is to take regular breaks. I have found through trial and error that I can cut for about 45 minutes before I start to get restless. Anything longer than that often causes me to cut poorly or have pain.
If I get up and stretch and walk for five minutes I can cut some more. After two or three of these 45-minute sessions I need even more breaks.
I always have my iPhone with me. I simply ask Siri to set a 45-minute timer. Watching the clock does not work for me. I forget to look. The timer reminds me when the time is up. Android phones have the same feature.
If you do not carry a smartphone then an inexpensive count-down timer works fine. Here is a two-pack of timers for under $9.
The amount of time that someone can cut without trouble varies depending on that person. Thirty minutes is a good starting point. Set your timer and see how it goes.
I know full-time scrollers who cut six-plus hours a day five days a week. God bless them but my body would go on strike after a couple of days. Three or four hours is about my limit at this point in my life. There are rare days when I cut more than that but I need lots of breaks.
Don't let the scroll saw become the start of chronic pain or discomfort. Take breaks. Do some stretches or walk for a few minutes. When you feel tired give it a break and come back tomorrow.
$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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Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.
Ad: AffiliateHorizontal Bolt and Nut Gauge / Thread Checker (Inch & Metric)
Check those nuts and bolts. How many of you have random boxes of nuts and bolts? I know I do.
This checker makes it easy to sort them out.
The Hillman Horizontal Bolt & Nut Gauge will help you quickly identify the most common size nuts & bolts in one compact and easy-to-use check center. Now you can know with certainty what size bolt or nut you have in your hand. No more guessing! Also known as a Thread Verifier or Thread Identifier, the Bolt & Nut Gauge is a must have for any shop, garage, or manufacturing facility. The Gauge has 26 female threaded holes (12 metric and 14 standard) for checking bolts or screws, and 26 male threaded studs (12 metric and 14 standards) to identify nut sizes. The bottom edge includes both a metric and standard (fractional) scale for checking diameter & length. It is made from 19" long by 3-1/2" wide by 1/4" thick anodized aluminum plate. It includes a pair of angle brackets and is pre-drilled for easy installation on a workbench or wall.