Can you use a jigsaw to make scroll saw patterns? You may have seen a pattern in a woodworking magazine or books and may want to try it for yourself. But how do you know which jigsaw puzzle will work best? Here are some tips.
Most scroll saws are powered by two speeds; the speed of the cutting wheel and the rotation speed of the stationary table. The faster the rotating wheel (either clockwise or counterclockwise), the harder it is to pull the wood back into the saw; but this type of saw is very useful in ripping long, wide pieces of wood. It is also useful when crosscutting long panels of solid lumber. Jigsaw-style saws are also good for making “pocket” cuts in solid lumber for fast construction. They tend to make these cuts very cleanly and often without breaking the grain of the wood. They are also good for making cuts parallel to the grain of the wood; however, their blade will need to be closer to the panel to obtain a clean, sharp cut.
Some saws come with interchangeable blades, which can make it easier to create new designs. While this is a great feature for some woodworkers, other saws are not compatible with this feature. This means that you may need to purchase a new blade if you want to create a new pattern. Some older jigsaw puzzles have only a fixed blade; if you are working on an antique specimen, this may be a limitation.
While there are different saws designed for different types of wood, most of the jigsaws have a blade that is about one to one and a half inches in length. Some models may also be available with longer blades. The teeth of a scroll saw are much smaller than those found on the scroll saw. Because of this, it is harder to cut curves and shapes that are wider than the width of the saw’s blade. However, this feature makes it very useful for creating intricate patterns on hardwood panels.
Because of their small size, scroll saws can be difficult to transport to different woodworking shops. This makes them less popular than their larger cousins such as the band saw. A good alternative would be to buy a portable scroll saw. These are usually made from heavy duty aluminum and can fit easily into a briefcase or purse. The blade of these portable machines can also be made from the same materials as the larger variety of jigsaws; therefore, they can be as sharp as the bigger machines yet are more compact.
Although the answer to the question can you use a jigsaw as a scroll saw can depend on the material being cut, a jigsaw is most often used when making intricate cuts. Regardless of the material being cut, a jigsaw is by far one of the easiest and most efficient woodworking tools to own. Even the smaller models of jigsaws are extremely powerful for cutting through even the toughest woods. So whether you’re starting your woodworking experience or looking to enhance what you’ve already accomplished, a jigsaw is the woodworking tool for the job.