Remember those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Everyone have a nice Memorial Day.
How fast should you set the speed of your scroll saw?
There are a few factors that affect how fast you should set the variable speed on your scroll saw.
In this case, I am talking about the speed the saw is moving the blade. I am not talking about how fast you move the wood into the blade. (Feed Rate) They are somewhat related but right now we will just talk about the saws speed.
Most scroll saws have what I call a sweet spot. This is the highest speed the saw will run before the vibration starts to get higher than desired. For instance, my DeWalt runs best at about 90 percent of max speed. My Seyco shows little vibration even at 100 percent max speed. All my saws are a little different. When I want max speed I consider the sweet spot my max. I hate vibration.
As a general rule, you want to run your saw at the fastest speed that does not cause trouble. Trouble is defined as loss of control, vibration, scorching the edge of the wood, melting plastic, breaking blades when cutting metal. If slowing down the saw prevents a problem then slow it down.
Loss of control often happens when the material you are cutting is thin or soft. Thin or soft wood offers little resistance to the blade. The lack of resistance will make turning corners or even following the pattern line difficult. When I cut 1/8" wood I slow the saw down to about 60 or 70 percent max speed. Experiment with the speed until you feel confident you have good control.
If you start having scorching on the edge of the wood then it can sometimes help to slow the saw down a little. Most of the time you can eliminate the scorching by using blue painters tape under the pattern. If that does not work then slow it down. This is also slightly affected by feed rate. Melting plastics can sometimes be caused by running the saw too fast. Just remember that the type of blade you use can have a great effect on how the saw cuts especially when cutting special material like plastic or metal.
$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.
My Sponsors:
Support the businesses who support our community.
Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.
Ad: AffiliateMLCS 9080 Billy Pedal Foot Switch, Deadman Style
If you do not have a foot switch on your scroll saw, I highly recommend you get one. They make the saw easier to operate and safer. I recommend the Deadman style of switch for the highest control and safety. This is the one I use on my saws.
- Hands-free router control means both hands on your work for safety and control
- No need to free a hand to hunt for your router switch
- 5 star performance and price
- Greatly enhances router safety
- MLCS quality guaranteed