A scroll-saw is the ‘It’ fine-detail tool for hobbyists, woodworkers, and crafters. This is primarily because its thin blade allows the creation of intricate designs in different materials, including wood. Knowing how to use a scroll saw makes a whole difference. If you master the technique as a creative, it sets you apart as you will always create beautiful well-thought crafts.
To build your scroll sawing confidence, you can practice by making stuff for your friends. Basically all you have to do is draw your design on wood or metal or whichever material you intend to use, then put on the right gear and cut out the design using your scroll saw. Once you’ve chosen the right speed, you can carefully guide your project through the saw. Read on for more details on how to set and use a scroll saw.
What is a scroll saw?
A scroll-saw is a stationary power saw used by woodworkers and other crafters to achieve fine details. It is like fine handheld blade that possesses the power and speed of an electric saw. A scroll-saw features a very slender blade that moves in an up-and-down motion and can make about 400 to 1800 strokes within a minute.
You must be wondering whether beginners and kids can use the tool. Nearly everyone imagines a woodcutting tool when they hear of a scroll-saw. It is safe to use and can cut myriad other materials.
The flat table is the part where you place the material for sawing. The hole in the table is where the scroll saw’s blade connects to the motor underneath the table. The throat is located behind the machine and varies in size across different models. The base is at the bottom of the machine, and it consists of the legs and the motor.
What is a scroll saw used for?
Contrary to popular belief, a scroll-saw does not only make intricate cuts in wood. It can do many other different things, including; creating angles, making dovetail joints, cutting curves, and making think cuts.
A scroll-saw can perform all these functions on a couple of materials, including; wood, plastic, ivory, metals, bone cork, and even mother of pearl.
The DEWALT Scroll Saw is one of the most popular scroll-saws out there. It is a variable-speed scroll-saw with a unique double parallel link arm design that incredibly reduces vibration and noise. Essentially, it offers extremely accurate cuts.
Pro Tip; If you intend to use your scroll-saw on metal, choose a very fine blade, a jeweler’s blade, to be precise, as the regular scroll-saw blade wouldn’t work well.
Using a scroll saw
Before you learn how to use your Dremel, Hegner, or Dewalt scroll-saw ensure you know the type of blade it takes. It is likely to use a pin-end or plain-end blade. If it takes both blades, the better. You should also know about the other 7 most common types of blades:
Standard tooth blade– This is the most basic scroll-saw blade. It has its teeth placed equally far apart. It is deemed the noisiest blade scroll-saw blade.
Skip tooth blade-This is a fantastic option for beginners because it cuts very slowly. It lives up to its name as it has every other tooth missing.
Reverse tooth blade– This a famous go-to for most woodworkers because it prevents tear-out. It is pretty similar to a skip tooth blade but has its last 2 teeth facing upwards or downwards.
Double tooth blade– This is as slow as the skip tooth blade. It has a wide gap after 2 sets of teeth.
Precision ground tooth blade– This is the best you can get for cutting straight lines. As a beginner, you ant to stay away from this blade as it is very unforgiving. The blade has smaller teeth, and instead of filing, it is ground down.
Spiral blade– this has teeth on all sides, allowing you to make cuts in all directions. However, it can be challenging to use, and it doesn’t give clean cuts.
Crown tooth blade– This is what you should get for cutting plastic. It has every second tooth pointing in the opposite direction.
Here is how to use a Dremel 16 scroll-saw or any other model of scroll-saw out there:
Step 1
Draw your desired pattern on the wood, metal, plastic, or material of choice. You can use a pencil as long as it is visible on the material. Create bridges on the pattern and ensure you leave positive and negative space for convenience when you make the cut. If you don’t know how to draw a scroll-saw pattern, you can get some online.
Step 2
Gear up. Wear safety goggles, hand gloves, and other safety gear. Also, ensure you are not wearing any jewelry or baggy sleeves that could get in the way.
