Two Patterns Today
If you are as old or older than myself then you remember simpler toys. We also played outside most of the time. If we were lucky we had a bicycle. Dolls for the girls. Sports equipment was often played with. We also knew how to play with rocks, sticks, snow, and bugs. Today's two patterns are a throwback to those days.
When I was a child I could spend hours with a paddle and ping-pong ball. I would see how many times I could bounce it in a row. I'll admit that I was a bit strange but I had fun. The paddle pattern today is all 1/4" thick wood. Plywood is fine. You could also set up a table ping-pong game in the backyard. Just throw a board across the table for a net and you are ready to go.
The train is two layers of 1/4" thick and two layers of 3/4" thick wood. It is nearly 18" long when finished. The axles are 1/2" wooden dowels. I kept the pattern easy so it is less likely to break with rough play sessions.
Spiral or Straight Scroll Saw Blade?
The subject of which blade to use comes up often even with seasoned scrollers. The correct answer in my opinion is to use the blade that gives you the results you like. Here are a few general tips about the blades.
These are not rules. These are just suggestions. Spiral blades will cut in any direction without turning the board. This allows them to cut larger boards because you do not need the space to turn the board.
Spiral blades can give your cut a more organic look so they are often used for portrait-style patterns. I used a spiral blade on my Beatles pattern. The board is 17" X 13.5" and all the cuts are organic with few straight lines. Some people find straight lines with a spiral blade difficult. This includes me.
Spiral blades often leave a rougher cut with more back-side tear out. This can be minimized with tape but it is an extra step.
Straight blades can normally cut straighter lines. I would choose a straight blade for my Old Trcuk pattern. A good straight blade cutting a quality board can come out sanding-free free both the front and back of the board. With proper technique, you can get a more square corner cut than with a spiral blade.
My suggestion is to practice with both spiral and straight blades. After a while, you will choose the blade that works best for you and the patterns you are cutting.
I use straight blades 99% of the time. Charles Dearing, a professional portrait pattern designer uses spiral blades 99% of the time for his patterns. He has mastered the usage of spiral blades.
In my experience, new scrollers find spiral blades a bit more difficult to control until they have practiced for some time.
You are the one creating the art. If a spiral blade gives you the result you are looking for then that was the best choice. If the straight blade gives you the look then it is the best choice.
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.
Paddle Pattern.
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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