Download the Pattern Below
This Valentine plaque is 8" wide and a little over 9" tall. It is three layers but the back layer is optional. Each layer is 1/4" thick. The thickness is also optional. Uses what works for you.
Is this the best magnifying lamp for use on the scroll saw? No, but the price is hard to beat for the quality.
This is not an ad. I own three of these lamps and just wanted to do a short review.
Everyone needs light when we are cutting on the scroll saw. Most of the time the surrounding light in our shop will not be enough. Adding a lamp to your saw can be a valuable accessory.
Another advantage of using a magnifier lamp is the ability to see the pattern line on intricate fretwork more clearly. Some scrollers use the magnifier for all cuts and some use it only when they need it. I am in the second group, but I need it more often than I used to when I was younger.
I have purchased around ten different brands and styles of these mag lamps. I have spent over $120 on one lamp. It turned out to be almost useless.
A few years ago I found the Harbor Freight mag lamp and for the price, it is hard to beat. $39.99. Is it the best magnifier I have used? No. It is the best value mag lamp I have purchased.
Here are the two factors that keep this lamp from being a 5 out of 5.
1. The lamp is fluorescent. I prefer LED light but this light is plenty bright enough. I just prefer the color of the LED light.
2. The lens is not distortion-free. I'm not saying the lens is bad. It just has a little more distortion around the edge of the lens. The center of the lens is fine. As scrollers we are focused on where the blade is hitting the pattern line. This means we only use the very center of the lens. This one is fine for that purpose. The lens is a 3 diopter lens which is 1.75x. That is the strength that most recommend for use on the scroll saw. If you are a coin cutter you may need a stronger
There is one other minor issue. The lens has a fold-up cover. The cover will not stay open when the saw starts to vibrate. I have my lamp attached to the saw so the vibration affects the lamp. I either remove the cover or fix it open.
Let's talk about the fluorescent bulb. I have never had to replace one. I think the oldest one I have is at least five years old. I don't know if that is the norm but I would have thought I would get two years at most. I am judging by the replacement of other fluorescent lights in my shop. They don't last that long.
The articulation of the lamp is good and the springs are as effective as when I purchased the lamps. No complaints with the holding strength of the lamp. Event with the vibration of the saw it stays in place.
If you want to give magnification scrolling a try then this Harbor Freight is an inexpensive option. It may not be the best mag lamp you can buy but I'm not sure you need the best for use on the scroll saw.
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
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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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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
MLCS 9080 Billy Pedal Foot Switch, Deadman Style
A footswitch is an option that I add to all of my scroll saw. I prefer the deadman style. This means that the saw runs while your foot is on the switch. It stops running when you lift your foot. This provides the best control and safety.
About this item
- Hands-free router control means both hands on your work for safety and control
- No need to free a hand to hunt for your router switch
- 5 star performance and price
- Greatly enhances router safety
- MLCS quality guaranteed