For the wine drinkers out there I have a display stand for your favorite bottle. I can't claim that the original idea was mine. I saw one on Pinterest that gave me the idea then I designed it from scratch.
I used light chain for strength. The chain is attached to the board with eyelet screws. I considered using fishing line to make it less visible but I was afraid it might break after a while. I decided the chain was safer and looks kind of cool also.
I used 1/2" thick soft maple. I included a pattern for both 1/2" Thick wood and 3/4" thick wood.
If you consider giving this as a gift you could remove the grape ornamentation and personalize it with a name.
When should you use a spiral scroll saw blade?
I have spoken about this several times in the past. I get new readers every day so I want to share just a few thoughts. This is one of the most frequent questions I get from people who are new to the scroll saw.
There are few rules that are absolute in any art or craft. Just when you say this is the only way to do something, someone will give an example that is the opposite. My suggestion is to try different tools and techniques until you have a feel for what you like.
I want to show you the cut quality I just made with a #3 spiral blade and a #3 flat blade. I cut these tests in 1/4" thick Baltic birch plywood.
I made both cuts with care. I was using a similar speed of cut. There are people who can use a spiral blade better than me but I think these cuts are similar to what you will experience.
The above photo is my test board. All these photos can be clicked to enlarge for a close look.
Freehand straight line cuts. You can see that the spiral blade causes a wider kerf. You can see that my flat blade cut is straighter and cleaner.
In this photo, I am cutting circles. Pretty much the same results as the straight line cuts.
The spiral circle is a rougher cut and is not as accurate.
I can cut a near-perfect circle with a flat blade and the cut is much cleaner.
After looking at these photos, why would you ever use a spiral blade? There is a good answer to that question. Spiral blades don't require you to turn the board as you cut. The spiral blade will cut in any direction. Where you push the blade is where you make the cut.
Not having to turn the board allows you to cut much larger boards.
The test above is a bit misleading because I was cutting perfect paths. A circle and a straight line. If one of the cuts would have been a leaf then the spiral blade would have shown better. The limits of the spiral blade are just not as obvious on irregular shapes.
Portrait style patterns are often cut with spiral blades. There are generally fewer perfect paths to cut. Portraits are often larger so not having to turn the board is a big advantage.
When a person is just getting started on the scroll saw I recommend using flat blades until you get a feel for the saw. Most people will be more successful with flat blades when starting out. Add the spiral blade to your kit after you feel comfortable with the flat blade. This is just my opinion from helping hundreds of people learn to scroll. There are exceptions.
My suggestion is to be open-minded about the tools you use. Experiment and learn the tool's capabilities. Take the time to use the tool long enough to learn your ability to use that tool. I know scrollers who never used flat scroll saw blades. They turn out beautiful work. They have taken the time to learn the tool. At some point, some people can take a tool and push it past its normal capabilities.
$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 its 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 2007-2019 on DVD
This DVD has over 2,900 patterns published from 2007 thru 2019.
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 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 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 that support our community.
Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.
Ad: Affiliate
WEN 4225 8.6-Amp Variable Speed Floor Standing Drill Press, 15-Inch
For under $500 this looks pretty nice. Digital display for adjustable speed. Laser. Quick set depth stop. Tilting table. Good Amazon customer reviews.
- 4-inch stroke makes drilling through 4x4 boards easier than ever
- Adjust the variable speed anywhere from 280 RPM to 3300 RPM
- Includes a built-in work light, a precision laser, a 5/8 inch chuck, and onboard chuck key storage
- 12-inch by 12-inch cast iron work table pivots up to 45 degrees in both directions
- Backed by a 2-year warranty, a friendly customer service line and a nationwide network of skilled technicians
Check out the video below.
