Download the Pattern Below
String these three Jack-O-Lanterns together for a large Halloween door ornament. They will be approximately 30" long one tied together. Each Jack has a backer board that should be painted black. The Jacks can be painted orange. I like to use acrylics and dilute the orange paint to a wash so the grain of the wood shows through the paint.
This project is easy enough that you might want to get the kids or grandkids involved. They can paint of help cut depending on their age.
Should you buy a used scroll saw?
Should you buy a used scroll saw? The answer to this question is Yes, No, and Maybe. No surprise to that answer.
We are in a period of time when prices are high and the availability of some tools is low. Hopefully, prices will settle when/if we can get past all the labor issues. I don't think that is going to happen for several months.
With budgets strained by the increase in prices, you may consider buying a used scroll saw. I watch the used market fairly closely and I don't see used prices being affected much yet. Eventually, they will probably start to climb but right now I see about the same prices I saw two years ago. That said I am seeing fewer saws hit eBay and Craig's list.
Let me give an opinion here. This can be debated forever but I typically will not pay over 75% of the current new price of a tool for a used tool. At 75% the tool needs to be in good running order with moderate signs of use. I would accept light rust, scratched paint, missing non-vital accessories. I won't go near a saw that is not in good running order unless the price is below 50% and I have a good idea of what it will take to bring it back to good running order.
Like all rules, this one is meant to be broken. There are times when the saw is in such perfect condition that I might pay up but those are rare.
Another rule that I try to follow is never to buy a used entry-level scroll saw(sub $200). Entry-level saws simply do not have a long life of useful work. Unless the owner just rarely or never used the saw, you probably will not get a good return for your money. Yes, there are exceptions. Like I said this is just my opinion.
Right now the DeWalt DW788 is selling new for $550. At my 75% rule, you would pay around $415. That is a savings of $135. As long as the motor did not fail you could buy most parts that typically fail and still be under new price. I just checked prices and the motor is ranging from $250 to $350 depending on the source. They are not in plentiful supply either so that would probably end of life the saw.
I talked to a guy today who bought a used DeWalt for $100. The motor stalls out after a few seconds of running. Considering that he paid $100 I think his chances are pretty good that he got a good deal. He is in the process of troubleshooting the problem.
Again, these are only my opinion. There are guys out there who can pretty much fix anything you put in front of them If you have those skills you can take more chances. If you never take things apart and try to fix them yourself then you should be much more cautious.
Order your Personalized Christmas Ornament Patterns:
Personalized Christmas Ornament patterns are $1 each with a five ornament minimum. Each additional name adds an extra $1 to the total. 5 ornaments = $5. 20 ornaments = $20.
After you place the order I will complete the patterns and email them to you with a payment invoice. You have to be completely satisfied before you pay.
I do not offer blank patterns. This is one of the ways I support what I do. I ask that you please not use the template to create your own custom name patterns.
My goal is to have the orders complete in three days. I will keep you posted if there are delays.
Personalized Pet Christmas Ornaments are $2 per name with no minimum.
- -
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.
Unique Wooden Vases:
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this Button. Your support is greatly appreciated.
$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.
My Sponsors:
Support the businesses that support our community.
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
Oneida Molded Deluxe Dust Deputy Kit with Two 5-Gallon Plastic Buckets
I have owned the Dust Deputy since 2017. It works great and I use it almost every day. I can go weeks without opening the ShopVac to clean or change the filter.
- Translucent Anti-Static Polypropylene
- INCREASED SUCTION POWER - The ORIGINAL shop vacuum cyclone, now 20% more throughput (CFM) and efficiency with Neutral Vane Technology, Oneida Air Systems' patented Dust Deputy cyclone uses centrifugal force to capture and remove 99% of dust and debris from the air-stream before it reaches your vacuum filter, eliminating clogged filters and suction loss!
- LONGER LIFESPAN – Prevents fine dust and large debris from reaching your dust filter, reducing the need for cleanings and prolonging the lifespan of your filter. The Dust Deputy Deluxe will save you countless time and money on expensive replacement vacuum filters and dust bags, allowing you to keep working harder, longer, and safer than ever!
- WET OR DRY – This simple and efficient design can be adapted for use with any make, size, or model shop vacuum and features tapered ports for secure fittings with standard 2.5” to 1.5” vacuum hose sizes. Portable design can be mounted directly to the vacuum. Works with most materials: Wood dust, drywall dust, concrete dust, clay/silica dust, blasting soda, cooled ash & soot, water, metal shavings, baking flour, grass & leaves, pet/animal hair, pharmaceutical waste, and much more!
- US Pat. 6833016, RE40048, 7282074, and patent pending
