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Small parts warning. Possible choking hazard. Make sure the child is age-appropriate or supervised.
This dinosaur tray puzzle is 10" X 8" and cut from 1/4" thick plywood. There is a finger hole at the bottom of the palm tree. Start your cuts there. You will need a 1/16" drill bit to drill the entry holes for the sun. You could also just skip cutting the sun if you don't have a bit that small.
Remember that the larger of blade that you use the looser the pieces will fit. I normally use a #5 blade for tray puzzles. On Jigsaw puzzles I use a #1 so I get a snug fit of the pieces.
Which Scroll Saw Should You Buy?
Spoiler! I am not going to tell you which scroll saw to buy.
When looking for a scroll saw to buy you will see prices ranging from $99 to over $1,500 for consumer-grade scroll saws. That is a pretty large range. So what makes the $1,500 saw so much better than the $99 saw? Before we get into the reason let's talk about why you want a scroll saw.
The scroll saw can be used for different types of projects. Some furniture makers have a scroll saw that they use when the band saw won't get the job done. These saws may get used a few times a year. Depending on budget they may be able to get by with a lower-priced scroll saw. For them, the mid-range saws will often do fine.
Basic crafters. I have spoken with scrollers who use their saw to cut parts used in other hobbies. One lady I spoke with used her saw to cut the wood handles of purses she made. That was her only use for the saw and this was not a business. She made a few of these purses a year. She was getting along pretty well with a $99 scroll saw. I will say that she emailed me because the saw was broken.
Scroll Saw Artist. These folks often use the scroll saw to make very delicate and precise cuts. If the saw is trying to walk off the table because of excessive vibration those cuts will be near impossible. Depending on budget, a scroll saw artist can go with a mid-level or high-end saw. I know many folks who use the mid-level, DeWalt DW788 in their full-time scroll saw business. They need to do maintenance from time to time and they often do the repairs themselves. The people who have the budget for a high-end scroll saw get the benefits of ease of use, precise cuts, and low maintenance.
So why is the $1,500 scroll saw so much better than the $99 scroll saw?
The following is not my writing. I submitted my writing to ChatGpt for grammar and spelling check and it rewrote my stuff so much better, that I am just using its words. I don't find much to fault with its thoughts.
The quality and performance of a scroll saw can vary significantly between expensive and cheap models. Here are some factors that generally distinguish an expensive scroll saw from a cheaper one:
Build Quality:
Materials: Expensive scroll saws often use higher quality materials, including sturdy metal components, which contribute to durability and longevity.
Construction: Precision engineering and better craftsmanship in the assembly of components result in a more stable and reliable machine.
Vibration and Noise Control:
Balancing: Expensive models are designed with better balance and precision, reducing vibration during operation. This contributes to smoother cuts and less user fatigue.
Noise Reduction: Higher-end scroll saws may include features to minimize noise, providing a more comfortable working environment.
Motor Quality: Expensive scroll saws often come equipped with more powerful and efficient motors, allowing for smoother and more consistent cuts, especially through thicker or denser materials.
Variable Speed Control: Some high-end models offer variable speed settings, allowing users to adjust the cutting speed based on the material and intricacy of the project.
Table Tilt and Adjustability:
Tilt Mechanism: Expensive scroll saws may have more advanced and precise table tilt mechanisms, allowing for more intricate and angled cuts.
Adjustability: Higher-end models often provide better options for adjusting the height and angle of the work table, enhancing versatility.
Blade Changing Mechanism:
Quick-Change Systems: Expensive scroll saws may feature tool-less blade changing systems, making the process quicker and more convenient.
Throat Depth and Cutting Capacity: Bigger is not always better but it is nice to have when you need it.
Higher-end models often have larger throat depths, allowing for the cutting of larger workpieces.
Cutting Capacity: Expensive scroll saws may have greater cutting capacities, accommodating thicker materials.
Dust Collection: More expensive scroll saws usually have better-designed dust collection systems, helping to keep the work area clean and improving visibility.
Brand Reputation and Support:
Customer Support: Reputable and higher-priced brands often offer better customer support, including warranties and access to replacement parts.
Longevity: Expensive scroll saws may be designed to withstand heavy usage over an extended period, providing a better long-term investment.
While expensive scroll saws may offer these advantages, it's essential to consider your specific needs and budget. Cheaper models can still be suitable for certain projects and hobbyists, and it's crucial to find a balance between features and cost based on your intended use.
Me writing again:
You will often hear guys who have scrolled for years tell you to stay away from low-end scroll saws. I understand their reasoning but it is just not practical. Very few people are going to put out hundreds of dollars for a first saw when they don't know if it is something they will enjoy.
From my experience, almost everyone starts with a low-end saw. One of two things will happen. They either get frustrated and never touch the scroll saw again or they get addicted and upgrade to a better saw.
Sometimes the frustration is only partly caused by the saw. The scroll saw is a skill-based tool. It takes a few projects to get the feel of what you need to do for good results. The people who can work through the skill issue often become lifelong scrollers.
If you are looking to buy your first scroll saw, buy the best that you have the budget for. If that is a low-end saw please don't give up too quickly.
Here is a video I did a few years ago using an entry-level scroll saw. It will show you some of the positive and negative issues of entry-level scroll saws. There are some frustrations but this saw is usable and with practice can make nice projects. It is currently priced at $120 on Amazon. Amazon Affiliate Link
2023 Personalized Christmas Ornament Patterns are open for orders.
I am taking orders for this year's personalized Christmas Ornament Patterns. The price is the same as always. Five names minimum for $5. $1 for each additional name.
The order form will accept up to twenty names. If you need more than twenty then start a new order form. PLEASE double-check the spelling of names. PLEASE, make sure that you select an ornament style for each name entered. After the order form is complete scroll to the bottom and hit the SUBMIT Button.
I will complete the order and email you the patterns as a PDF just like all the patterns in my catalog. You will not need to pay for the patterns until they are delivered. If you are pleased with the patterns there will be a payment link in the email. There will also be an address to send cash or check payments
My goal is to complete the orders within three days. As the holiday season gets into full swing I may need more time. I will keep times posted on the blog.
Pet ornaments are $2 per name. There is no minimum order.
$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.
Over 3,900 Digital Pattern Books. Many with multiple patterns.
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2022 on USB drive, or Instant Download. Over 3,900 Patterns!
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.You will never run out of fun patterns to cut.
Two delivery options.
After payment, you will receive an email with the download link. This is a large file. You should not attempt to download it on a tablet or smartphone. It is a compressed file that will need to be extracted to your hard drive. Basic computer skills are necessary to extract the file.
The USB drive will be shipped to the US only by first-class mail. Shipping time varies but you will get a tracking number. I normally ship within three days. USPS shipping normally varies from three days to a week.
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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