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Scraps of wood and a very simple pattern can make art. This type of pattern is why I bought my first high-end scroll saw. I was making furniture and other keepsake projects like toy chests. It got to the point that I was spending more money on wood than I could afford. I was not selling my builds so it was all expense. I built a full-size writing desk from solid Bubinga. Bubinga goes for about $18 a board foot. As much fun as that was, it was not sustainable. I could maybe make two or three of those projects a year.
When I would complete those expensive projects I always had small scraps of expensive wood left over. None of them were large enough for the projects I was making so many small pieces went into the trash. That always hurt my feelings.
I had been scrolling for years but I never became serious enough to use it as my primary tool. Somewhere around that time, I watched a video by Rick Hutchenson showing how to use CorelDraw to make scroll saw patterns. The light bulb came on. I could use my scraps. The cost of projects was not going to put me in the poor house and I could make as many projects as I wanted.
I still occasionally make some traditional woodworking projects but I keep myself busy in the shop with my scroll saw. Of course, I never thought all those years ago that it would become a fulltime job but that is just a big plus.
Projects like this little bird family sculpture take me an hour or two to make. That is fast enough that I can cut two or three projects a day if I want. I enjoy being in the shop and I enjoy making projects. The scroll saw gives me the ability to spend more time doing what I love. That's hard to beat.
This pattern uses 1/2" thick wood for the bird bodies and 1/8" for the wings. If you take some time to round over the edges it will give the birds more of a sculpture feeling.
I used 1/8" wooden dowels for the perch. These are a little delicate so if you want more strength go with steel rods. You can make the perch's as tall as you like but not so tall as to get top-heavy. If you want taller perches them make larger bases.
This project is so simple that you don't need much in the way of instructions but there is one point to watch out for. The holes in the bottom of the birds need to be at the correct angle. I included a mark on the pattern that shows where to drill the holes. I used a clamp and drill press to make them straight. If you use a hand drill just drill carefully.
These birds are small enough that if you mess up one of the holes just cut another bird's body.
YouTuber, SentimentalWoodArt Video:
I have to admit that I am addicted to YouTube. I love to search for new craftsmen and craftswomen and watch them work. There are woodworkers of all levels on YouTube and I always learn a lot.
I want to share a video I found today by SentimentalWoodArt. I think I found out that her name is Kira. I hope that's correct. If not I will correct it later. In this video, she makes the standing reindeer project I posted back in July.
Okay, I admit that she give me a shoutout in the video so I am a bit biased but I enjoyed the video.:)
If you take a couple minutes to watch the video please leave her a nice comment and hits the thumbs up button.
$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.
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for you scroll saw ready boards.
Seyco features the Seyco ST-21 scroll saw
Make sure you check out the Seyco Scrollers Drill
Make sure you check out the Seyco Scrollers Drill
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WEN 3922 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Easy-Access Blade Changes
Guys this is the update to the WEN 3921 I reviewed a few months ago. They have made some nice changes. I have this saw in my shop now waiting for me to get the review completed. If you are looking at these entry-level saws you should consider the 3922 and not necessarily the 3911. The funny thing is that the Amazon price for the upgraded saw is cheaper. Amazon is weird.
- Unique side panel flips open for easy-access blade changes
- Variable speed goes from 550 to 1600 strokes per minute
- Spacious 16-by-10-inch table bevels up to 45 degrees for angled cuts
- Cuts wood up to 2 inches thick with a 16-inch throat depth
- Features a thumb screw blade adapter for tool-free blade changes, a cast iron base, an air pump, a dust port, a foot lock clamp, and three 5-inch blades