When we design something, the function is usually at least as important as the form. We want things to work well. Somewhere over the last 100 years, everyday objects became almost completely functional designed in our society. Look at keys from over 100 years ago. They were functional and pieces of art.
I know that no one wants to carry a large skeleton key around just to start their car but some of the vintage keys are beautiful.
I guess I could not make up my mind. I drew up this old key and used it to make four patterns. The one above is 15" tall and requires a 2 3/4" clock insert.
The next key is just decorative and is also 15" tall. Then we have the 15" tall Welcome key.
The last key is only 5" tall and can be used as a Christmas tree ornament.
I cut the clock pattern from maple. You could cut it from something cheap like MDF and paint it black.
Entry-Level Scroll Saws: Are they worth it?
One common question we all get from friends who want to get started in this hobby is, "Can I buy a cheap scroll saw and do what you do?". It is very easy to discourage folks and say "don't buy cheap junk". The problem is that most of the people who you discourage will never get started in the hobby because of the cost. Mid to high-end saws are expensive. I can agree that they are worth the price but that does not mean everyone can afford one.
When I started with a scroll saw years ago. Many years ago. I bought an inexpensive Craftsman scroll saw. It was pin-end blade only. The adjustments were difficult and it had way too much vibration. I loved it. I had no idea what a higher-end scroll saw could do. I just knew I was having fun making projects.
I eventually figured out that I could pull the pin out of the blade and pass the blade through a smaller hole then put the pin back in the blade. Would I want to do that now? If that is all I had, yes. There are many projects that I would not attempt with an entry-level saw but there are also many that I could do.
So how do you answer the question, "Can I buy a cheap scroll saw and do what you do?". As Joe Friday from Dragnet would say. "Just the facts ma'am.". Let them know that with a lower price comes compromises. Blade change will be a bit more difficult. They may have more vibration and the saw probably won't last 30 years. You can also tell them that with patience they absolutely can make many great projects with an entry-level scroll saw. I know, because I have done it myself and you probably have also. Most of us started with entry-level saws.
You can also tell them that if they find out that they enjoy the hobby that you will be happy to help them select a better saw when they are ready.
I know that this is a controversial subject. It would be great if everyone could start with a high-quality tool. That is never going to happen. All I am saying is try not to discourage folks. Assess their needs and educate them on what is on the market.
I am going to put my money where my mouth is. I just ordered an entry-level WEN 3921 scroll saw from Amazon. It is priced at $129.44. That is probably at a price point where most people on a tight budget could get started. It is scheduled to be delivered on Sunday.
When I get it in my shop I will do a review of what it is capable of doing. We will see if today's entry-level saw can get a person started in the hobby.
Personalized Christmas Ornament Patterns:
I am still making good progress on ornament patterns. I should be able to get caught up today. If you have orders in the queue, keep your eye on your email inbox.
The price is $1 per name with a 5 name minimum. I keep the price as low as possible
because I want everyone to have a chance to make these ornaments for family and friends.
You only pay after you have received the order and are
100% satisfied with the patterns. Invoice included with
the pattern email. Pay by credit card(secure Paypal), check, or cash.
The patterns will be emailed to you after they are completed.
Please allow up to a week for delivery.
You can use last names on the ornaments if you like but remember that the more letters the more
difficult they are to cut. Ten letters and up gets pretty small. If you need to you can enlarge the patterns by 10% to make the interior cuts larger. No special characters are supported. I can get a hyphen in there but it looks odd. It has to connect the two letters so it does not just fall out.
$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 in 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 in an easy to use a thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
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.
My Sponsors:
Support the businesses who support our community.
Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.
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Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer with Removable Build Surface Plate and UL Certified Power Supply 220x220x250mm
3D printers are interesting tools. There is a lot of hype but there are also productive and fun projects that can be done. The Ender 3 Pro can get you in the hobby for under $260. There is a learning curve but if you like to stay current on new technology you may enjoy this machine. It receives good reviews and there are many YouTube videos to give you an idea of what you need.
- REMOVABLE BUILD SURFACE PLATE: Provide all-round protection to your 3D printer build plate and ensure consistent temperature throughout the build surface. Easy to remove the printing models after cooling.
- SAFE POWER SUPPLY: Ender 3 Pro comes with a UL Certified power supply, protecting your printer from unexpected power surges, that can heat the hot bed to 110℃ in just 5 minutes.
- RESUME PRINT FUNCTION: Ender 3 Pro can resume printing from the last recorded extruder position after suffering unexpected power outages.
- SEMI-ASSEMBLED KIT: This easy-to-setup kit comes partially assembled, allowing you to learn about the basic construction of 3D printers as you finish putting it together. A fun STEM educational experience in mechanical engineering and electronics.
- WHAT YOU GET: Ceality Ender 3 Pro 3D pinrter, 12 months warranty, lifetime technical assistance and 24 hours professional customer service.