This word art Angel pattern comes in two sizes. The small pattern is 6" wide and the large pattern is 8" wide. I cut the small Angel in the photo above from 1/2" thick maple. 3/4" thick wood will work just as well and will probably not tip over as easily.
WEN made the correct upgrades to the WEN 3921, but did they get it right?
Late last year I did a video review of the WEN 3921 scroll saw. The title of the video was, "Is this the best $100 scroll saw?". The video was not meant to be a recommendation for the saw, I was just trying to show how well a $100 scroll saw performed. The saw worked but it had weaknesses.
The biggest weakness of all entry-level scroll saws is the blade clamps. They are typically designed to use pin end scroll saw blades. Pin end blades are not ideal for fretwork. They are too big and they need a large entry hole. Pin end blades are better for cutting rough shapes with large interior cuts and few tight turns.
The WEN 3921 was typical in that it was shipped ready to use pin end blades. They did include an adapter to use plain end blades but it was not a great solution. If you watched the video I did of the 3921 you saw that I pointed out the areas of weakness.
I was happy to hear that the upgraded WEN scroll saw addressed this problem. The machine ships ready for plain end blades. No more adapter needed. The 3921 adapter was difficult to keep on the saw.
The metal wing nuts were replaced with nicer thumbscrews on the top and bottom.
Another issue on the 3921 was the left cover. To get to the bottom clamp easily you needed to remove the cover. This was a potential safety concern and was just a nuisance.
When I saw that WEN had upgraded the saw to the WEN 3922 I ordered one to review. I saw that they had addressed the main issues so I wanted to test them out. I have had the saw in my shop since June and never got around to taking it out of the box. Today I finally got it out and set it up.
My intent was to test the new features and do a video review of the changes. I may still do that but there were problems.
The photo above shows the new clamp system. It has a decent plastic thumbscrew. The clamps for plain end blades are now a permanent feature. You can still use pin end blades as an alternative with the same clamps. The design looked good, but how well did it work.
WEN also addressed the side cover problem. You can now unlatch the cover easily and swing it out of the way for blade access. When you are ready to cut just latch it back. No need to remove screws or leave the cover off.
So why Am I writing this without the video? The new clamping system functions okay but I cannot get the blade tension tight enough without the blades slipping out of the clamps. I can get it tensioned enough to make cuts without slipping but there is too much blade deflection.
The first video of the 3921 has over 26,000 views and this one would likely have the same or more. I want to spend some time working with the new clamps to see if I can make them work better before I put out a video that discourages the purchase of this saw. I still believe entry-level saws have their place. We would get very few new scrollers in the hobby without entry-level saws. I want this one to work.
So to make a short story long. I want to know if any of you have purchased this saw and are seeing similar problems. Any other comments would be helpful also. Have you broken the thumbscrews trying to get the clamp tight enough to hold the blade?
If you want to see the original WEN 3921 video review, click this link.
Personalized Christmas Ornament Patterns are ready to order:
I am ready to start taking Personalized Christmas Ornament Pattern orders.
I can do first or last names but remember that more than ten letters will be more difficult to cut.
The order form will take up to 20 names for people and 5 names for pets. If you need more than 20/5 then start a second order.
You will not pay until you have the patterns and are 100% happy with them. There will be an invoice sent with the patterns to your email. You will have the option to pay securely with a credit card or send a check to the included address.
I am shooting for a three-day turnaround but that may be difficult for a few days until I get all the kinks worked out. I'll do my best. You can set a bookmark for each of the order forms but I will post them almost every day until Christmas.
$1 per/name with a 5 name minimum.
$2 per/name no minimum.
$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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Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.
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
About this item
- Electronic variable speed can be adjusted from 400-1,750 SPM for a wide array of cutting applications
- Dual parallel link arm design reduces vibration reducing over and under cutting improving accuracy and quality
- Upper arm lifts and locks in the raised position during blade changes or while adjusting blade position for fret work
- Tool-free blade clamp allows for quick, easy blade changes in seconds. Bevels 0° - 45° left and right. Motor: 1.3 Amp
- On/Off switch, electronic variable speed dial, flexible dust blower and blade-tensioning lever are all conveniently located up front on the arm for easy accessibility
- On-tool blade storage area provides neat, organized protection for scroll saw blades, includes 2 straight blades