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This stand is designed using the principle of tensegrity(definition below). The strength of this stand will surprise you. It can hold considerable weight. I used fishing line for the cables.
I built this out of 1/4" thick Baltic birch plywood. This was a prototype to see if I could make it work. If I were going to build one of these as a showpiece I would use a nice hardwood.
When you build this project, you do not need to use 1/4" thick wood. Any thickness will work. This project is a bit touchy to get adjusted level. I included basic build instructions in the pattern. They are just get you started instructions. You can use any technique to attach the cables. I used pre-drilled holes and small screws. When I adjusted the tension on the side cables I used push nails in the top to hold the line in place. I then added a drop of CA glue under the top at each line. I left the nails in place. All of these could be made using hidden techniques to eliminate the visual screws and nails.
Tensegrity, tensional integrity or floating compression is a structural principle based on a system of isolated components under compression inside a network of continuous tension and arranged in such a way that the compressed members (usually bars or struts) do not touch each other while the prestressed tensioned members (usually cables or tendons) delineate the system spatially.[1]
The term was coined by Buckminster Fuller in the 1960s as a portmanteau of "tensional integrity".[2] The other denomination of tensegrity, floating compression, was used mainly by the constructivist artist Kenneth Snelson.
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CNC Scroll Saw. You have got to see this.
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This is a, not ready for primetime almost working CNC scroll saw prototype. Andrew has gone through several revisions and is learning a lot as he goes. I know we can all see plenty of issues with this project but I give him an A+ for inventiveness.
One of the first things you are going to ask about is why he is not using a spiral blade. The spiral would make the control code and the mechanics much easier. He tried the spiral blades but of course, the cut quality was lacking and the kerf was too wide. His goal with this project was to cut puzzles. Kerf width is critical for puzzles.
Don't try too hard to think of this as a practical saw. It can not insert its own blade into an entry hole so that mostly rules out fretwork. This is the kind of project that shows today's maker movement well. Andrew is using all kinds of fabricating skills and maker tools(3D printer). He tops that off with his very impressive G-code programming skills.
Our ability to manufacture advanced products in a home workshop is continuing to grow. Mass production is missing but just about everything else is possible.
$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.
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.
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.
DEWALT Scroll Saw, Variable-Speed, 1.3 Amp, 20-Inch (DW788)
About this item
- Double parallel link arm design dramatically reduces vibration and noise for extremely accurate cuts
- Exclusive tool free blade clamps allow blade changes in seconds. Depth of Cut (inches): 2 inch
- On off switch, electronic variable speed, flexible dust blower, and blade tensioning lever all located on front upper arm
- Arm design pivots from back of the saw to front, shortening the arm movement for smoother, quieter operation
- Arm lifts so blade can be easily threaded through the material for inside cuts