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This "Our Family", pedestal picture frame holds a 4" X 6" photo. It is cut from 1/4" thick BB plywood. Obviously, this frame is a candidate for nice hardwoods. Walnut for the frame and maple for the letters would look exceptional.
The pocket on the back is deep enough to hold a 1/8" thick piece of plexiglass and the photo.
The two oval bases for the pedestal need to be very accurate to keep the frame from looking sloppy. Ovals show mistakes like a sore thumb. Read the next sections to learn how to get near-perfect ovals.
Cutting ovals can be tricky. Erase those mistakes:
With practice, we can cut pretty accurate curves on the scroll saw. The good news is that we don't have to be that accurate. When you are cutting a curve simply cut outside the line a little. Sanding down to that pattern line is way easier than cutting on the line.
A disk sander makes quick work of erasing mistakes but even a block of wood with sandpaper on it will get the job done. This technique takes all the pressure off of trying to cut a perfect oval.
Do you need a footswitch for your scroll saw?
Do you need a footswitch for your scroll saw? Not really, but I never cut without one. The footswitch allows me to always have both hands free. I can stop the saw instantly which can help prevent mistakes.
There are two types of footswitches for tools. One is called an on/off switch and the other is called the deadman switch.
1. On/Off Switch. When you click the switch the saw starts. You can lift your foot and the saw keeps running. To stop the saw you have to click the switch again.
2. Deadman Switch. When you put your foot on the switch the saw runs. If you lift your foot the saw stops running. It's called the deadman switch because if you die and fall off the switch the machine stops. That's a pleasant thought.
There is some debate over which is better. For me personally, there is no debate. The deadman switch is what I use and recommend. It gives you instant control of stopping the saw. If you like the on/off switch then it still provides most of the usefulness. The one shown above is a link to the deadman switch that I use on all of my saws. I have several of them. They are under $25 and worth every penny.
$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 2007-2020 on DVD
This DVD has over 3,310 patterns published from 2007 thru 2020.
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