Second Pattern Today
Both of these patterns are cut from 1/4" thick wood. The rose pattern has three layers, and the Bumble Bee has two layers. The rose is 10.25" tall and 8" wide. The bumble bee is 8" tall and almost 9" wide.
Wood Hardness makes a difference when cutting on a Scroll Saw.
The hardness of wood is typically measured using the Janka Hardness Test, which determines how resistant a wood species is to denting and wear. The test measures the force required to embed a 0.444-inch steel ball halfway into the wood. The higher the Janka rating, the harder and more durable the wood. For example, Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) has a Janka rating over 3,500 lbf, making it one of the hardest woods available, while Eastern White Pine sits around 380 lbf, making it quite soft. This scale is important for choosing the right wood for flooring, furniture, or scroll saw work, where ease of cutting and finish quality matter.
Hardness also affects how a wood performs with tools. Softer woods like Basswood or Poplar are easier to cut, sand, and carve, making them favorites for scroll sawing and intricate work. Hardwoods like Oak or Maple, while more durable, can be tougher on blades and require slower, more careful cuts. Understanding a wood’s hardness rating helps you match the right species to the right job—balancing strength, aesthetics, and workability.
Here’s a list of 15 of the most popular wood species used in the U.S., along with their Janka hardness ratings (measured in pounds-force, or lbf):
Wood Species Janka Hardness (lbf)
Hickory 1,820
Hard Maple (Sugar Maple) 1,450
White Oak 1,360
Red Oak 1,290
Ash 1,320
Walnut (Black Walnut) 1,010
Cherry (American) 950
Birch (Yellow) 1,260
Pine (Southern Yellow) 870
Pine (Eastern White) 380
Poplar (Yellow/ Tulip) 540
Basswood 410
Douglas Fir 660
Mahogany (Genuine) 800
Soft Maple 950
My personal favorite woods to cut on the scroll saw are walnut, soft maple, cherry, and mahogany. One of my least favorites is Red Oak simply because the grain is deep and subject to grabbing and misdirecting the blade, as well as breaking. As long as you keep a fresh and sharp blade in your saw, red oak cuts okay, but not great. I love the look of hard maple, but it is very hard and can be difficult to cut.
Rose Pattern
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