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Second Pattern Today
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Third Pattern Today
This basket is ten inches long and six inches wide. It is cut from 1/4" thick food.
I had a reminder today that I had not designed a Baby's 1st Christmas Ornament yet. Here it is.
The Yard Black Cat is almost twelve inches tall and cut from 3/4" thick wood. Paint it black and add the stake to place it in your yard for Halloween.
Why Spend More on a Scroll Saw?
Almost all of the new scroll saw buyers start with an entry-level scroll saw. I remember my first saw. It was a Craftsman that cost under $100. That was in the early 1980s. At the time, I did not know there were better scroll saws. I had a lot of fun with that saw, and while it was awkward to use and only accepted pin-end blades, it got the job done. It lasted for a few years but eventually broke. I did not buy another scroll saw until 2006. I was in a woodcraft store, and they had a DeWalt DW788 scroll saw set up to use as a demonstration.
I sat down and within 5 minutes, I knew I had to buy that saw. Every aspect of using that saw was way better than what I had had before. Little to no vibration. Easy pinless blade change, up-front tensioning of the blade, nice large table. It had a magnifying glass with a light. I did not know those features existed. I don't remember the price, but it was over the $500 mark. I did not care. I walked out of that store with a new scroll saw. I set it up and used it often. One year later I started this blog and the rest just happened.
Spending a little extra on a good scroll saw usually pays off. The higher-end models are built solidly, run smoother, and give you a lot more control over your cuts. You’ll notice right away that they vibrate less, the blade tracks straighter, and the speed control feels more responsive. Those little details make a big difference when you’re working on tight curves or fine fretwork. Plus, features like quick blade changes and easy tension adjustments save a lot of time and hassle during a long cutting session.
The other big advantage is durability and comfort. Cheaper saws might get the job done for a while, but they often vibrate more, make more noise, and can feel like they’re fighting you. A good scroll saw just feels steady and reliable — it lets you focus on the project instead of the machine. Over the years, the better-built saw will last longer, hold its accuracy, and make scrolling a lot more enjoyable. In short, you’re not just paying for a tool — you’re investing in smoother cuts, less frustration, and a better experience every time you turn it on.
I am not saying that new buyers need to jump in headfirst and spend big bucks. If you can come up with $280, Harbor Freight sells a Bauer-branded saw, which is a very good price for a mid-level saw. It has good features and works well.
If that is still above your price range, then look over some of the mid-level scroll saws that you can pick up at many hardware stores and Amazon. Here is a link to one of my videos that I did a few years ago. It is a review of the WEN 3921 scroll saw. I show the differences and what it can do. It is currently priced at $99 on Amazon. In this video, you will see almost everything you need to know about entry-level scroll saws.
VIDEO LINK
Fret Basket Pattern
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