With the advancement of technology, there are a lot more ways to cut wood than there used to be. One of these is with a scroll saw. These saws were not common on the market until the 1950’s, but they are now used by many woodworkers. Many of the best scroll saw patterns are located online, and learning how to use them can be one of the most rewarding woodworking projects you may ever complete.
A scroll saw is one of those modern conveniences that we take for granted. These saws come in two basic varieties, the horizontal and vertical versions. They both operate in the same way, with the blade sliding across the board as it cuts. The main difference is in the teeth, which are dug in all the way to the edge or the center. This creates a very unique cutting motion that is difficult to reproduce with other types of saws. There are a number of scroll saw patterns available, but one of the best is a combination of a horizontal and vertical scroll saw.
Most scroll saw patterns consist of three main pieces, the blade, the table, and the motor. Each of these pieces can be purchased separately but most people will purchase the blade, motor, and table in one kit. The blade is the main component and can usually be purchased with just the table. If you are only purchasing the motor separately, you can expect to pay a little more. Although, it is worth it to have everything in one unit to prevent having to make several separate purchases for the various pieces.
When using scroll saws, the teeth are made out of steel instead of plastic, which makes them much more durable and less prone to chipping. The design of a scroll saw allows the wood to cut smoothly and evenly across the teeth of the saw. They also have guides on the inside of the blade so that the cuts are smooth as well. Having guides on the inside of the blade allows for straight, even cuts instead of curving.
Another benefit to using a scroll saw patterns, as opposed to cutting wood is the dust factor. Since there is no plastic or glass involved, there is far less to collect. The motor is also sealed inside a plastic casing so there is no dust collecting inside the motor, and dust collection is a problem with most scroll saws. This means the motor will last longer and function better, which can mean the difference between using the scroll saw for a few months until it breaks and needing a new one.
One of the things people do not consider when they are looking for cheap scroll saws is the type of scroll saw that they purchase. The scroll saws on the market today are made out of heavy duty aluminum and are nearly indestructible. They have thick metal scroll wheels that are very durable. The larger sizes have the ability to cut very deep into wood, but the smaller ones tend to be very maneuverable.
The last thing you need to consider when looking at cheap scroll saws is the cost. The cheap scroll saws are not going to give you the performance you are looking for. Instead, you are better off spending a little bit more money to get a better quality scroll saw. Sure, you could pay a few dollars extra and get a good motor, but chances are you will not use it that much, if at all. You should also look at getting a scroll saw cover. There are many different types of covers that are available on the market today that will protect your investment from the elements as well.
If you really want to save some money on your scroll saw purchase you should look into the possibility of purchasing used. The quality is still not as good as when new, but there are scroll saw patterns that are used on a cheaper, secondhand machine. This can be a great way to get a quality machine for a good price. Of course, like any machine that is used you have to make sure that the scroll saw itself is in good working condition. If you take the time to look through the scroll saw patterns before purchasing your new machine, you can find a great bargain.