Second Pattern Today
This frame holds a 4" X 6" photo.
The Ichthys pattern is 10" long and cut from three layers of 1/4" thick wood.
Okay, cutting fretwork on a scroll saw requires precision and patience. Here are ten tips to help you achieve cleaner, more accurate results:
1. Choose the Right Blade: This is crucial. For intricate fretwork, you'll want very fine, thin blades (e.g., #2/0, #3/0, or even smaller for extremely delicate work). Reverse-tooth blades are excellent as they cut on the downstroke but have a few teeth pointing upwards at the bottom, which helps prevent tear-out on the underside of your workpiece.
2. Perfect Blade Tension: Too loose, and the blade will wander and break easily. Too tight, and it can snap or distort. It should "ping" like a guitar string when plucked. Proper tension ensures a straight, controlled cut.
3. Control Your Speed: Don't run the saw too fast, especially on tight curves or delicate sections. A slower speed gives you more control and reduces blade breakage. Adjust based on the wood hardness and blade size.
4. Accurate Pattern Transfer: A clear, crisp pattern is essential. Use spray adhesive to temporarily attach your paper pattern to the wood. Ensure it's flat and smooth.
5. Drill Pilot Holes & Plan Your Attack: For all internal cuts, you'll need to drill a pilot hole to thread the blade through. Drill these before cutting the outside perimeter. Plan your cutting order: generally, cut the smallest, most intricate interior pieces first, working your way outwards. This maintains maximum support for delicate areas as long as possible.
6. Let the Blade Do the Work (Don't Force It): Guide the wood gently into the blade. Forcing it will cause the blade to bend, break, or result in an inaccurate cut. Use light, steady pressure and focus on following your line.
7. Good Lighting and Magnification: Fretwork involves fine details. Ensure your work area is well-lit. Many scrollers use a magnifying lamp to see the lines clearly and make precise cuts.
8. Material Matters: Thinner, good-quality wood is generally easier for fretwork. Baltic Birch plywood is popular for its stability and minimal voids. Hardwoods can be used, but require sharper blades and potentially slower speeds. Avoid woods prone to splintering.
9. Practice, Patience, and Precision: Fretwork is not a race. Take your time, especially on tight corners. Practice making smooth turns by rotating the workpiece, not by trying to steer the blade. If you get tired or frustrated, take a break.
10. Use a Zero-Clearance Insert (or Backer Board): This supports the wood fibers right at the cut line, significantly reducing tear-out on the bottom surface and providing better support for delicate pieces. If your saw doesn't have one, you can tape a thin piece of cardstock to your table with a small hole for the blade.
Good luck, and enjoy the intricate art of fretwork!
Here is a video that may interest you if you are a Christian.
It explains the Ichthys origins as much as is possible.
The Origins of the Jesus Fish
Frame Pattern
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