The scroll saw is primarily used for very detailed woodworking projects where the wood needs to be cut very precisely in smaller and tighter pieces. A scroll saw is also very handy when you’re looking for the same precision and power of an electric saw coupled with the accuracy of a fine handheld blade or Exacto knife. But first, we need to know what scroll saws actually are and some scroll saw pattern ideas.
The basic design of a scroll saw consists of two metal bars attached at the end to form the saw’s teeth. The first (and shorter) of these are the throat arm, which holds the blade and determines how much pressure the saw can exert before it wears down. This second metal bar, the bit holder, is called the blade. There are two types of saw blades: the round throat arm blade and the flat throat arm. Each type of blade has its own specific sawing action. In general, the two blade types should be separated by about half an inch.
Another detail you might not think about is the fact that scroll saws usually come with a dust collection tray underneath, designed to catch any particles (such as splinters) that might fall from your blade. Some scroll saws come with integral fences that enable a fence to be attached to the side of the blade, allowing it to follow the contours of the scroll and hold it steady. This results in more accurate cuts, but can be a bit fiddly to install. It does, however, increase the overall length of the instrument which is hardly noticeable when you are working with intricate curves.
How do I choose a scroll saw? First and foremost, you have to know the size of the scroll saw you need. Typically a two inch saw will cut circles in wood, but some models will allow you to cut straight and circular cuts, and some will even cut on a plane. To determine the maximum saw length you’ll need, measure the width of the wood you’re cutting and add one-third of that to the actual length. That gives you the dimension in inches of the scroll saw itself.
How do I choose a scroll saw? Also important is how much you want to cut using the saw. Some scroll saws have a diamond grinding wheel, which is extremely powerful and useful for intricate woodworking, making short cuts all the time. On the other hand, if you need finer precision with your cutting, then you might be better off with a more traditional machine. Some scroll saws make use of dovetail joints, where one side of the blade slips into a hole in the opposite end. Most people choose to not use dovetail joints because they can be difficult to use and cause tiny inaccurate cuts.
How do I choose a scroll saw? Probably the most important aspect of choosing a saw for cutting wood is how comfortable you are with it. Make sure you’re not only comfortable using it, but that it’s also as easy to use as possible. A lot of scroll saws are available in both a traditional two-inch model and a much more compact three-inch model. The three-inch model is generally considered to be the easiest to use, though the two-inch models are certainly available if you prefer to cut using simple lines rather than complex patterns.