Can you cut acrylic with a scroll saw? A scroll saw, sometimes called a zero angle saw, is a versatile small electric or manual saw used to cuts intricate curved shapes in wood, metal or other medium. The smaller size of its blade enables it to cut more intricately than even a power sander and even more conveniently than a hand saw or freehand coping saw. These saws have become very popular in woodworking circles, and for good reason-they offer a level of precision and functionality that a large sander simply can’t match. But if you’re new to the world of woodworking, it’s important to know how to use these saws safely.
Some scroll saws are powered by electrical engines similar to reciprocating saws, but some are powered by steam or water pressure from a water pump. This difference causes a fundamental difference in how they operate. Reciprocating saws have a blade that rotates parallel to the blade shaft in a pattern, which it follows as the wood or material is moved along its length. These saws use a single fixed blade that rotates. On the other hand, scroll saws have a blade that is mounted on a scroll that is itself moved along a path, cutting the material as it goes.
A scroll saw has a number of different blade styles to choose from, depending on the job it will be used for. Most scroll saw blades come in a combination of serrated and smooth styles; the former for thicker materials and the latter for more intricate curves. However, this option isn’t always the best. Serrated saw blades are often useful for making detailed angled cuts; but because they cut so deeply, they can damage delicate and thin materials such as paper or thin boards. Smooth blades work well for detailed cuts, but because of their narrow width, they can be difficult to work with when it comes to intricate curved designs.
The third type of saw that you will need to decide if you can cut acrylic with is the counterbalance blade. These scroll saws utilize counterbalance wheels to counterbalance the blade. They come in both circular and straight versions. The circular ones are easier to use because their teeth tend to spin at a low speed, giving the smooth, intricate cuts that the other two styles offer. But the straight counterbalances are much easier to use than the circular ones because they can lock onto their bearings and keep the blade on a straight path.
If you are looking for something with more precision than your basic scroll saws, you may want to consider purchasing one of the precision models. These scroll saws utilize helical blade systems to create intricate cuts on a very high rate. They have helical blades that spin, which allows them to create precise cutting patterns. These machines are most effective with wood, but some can be used with many different materials depending on the model that you purchase. These are great for cutting anything from metal to plastics.
Don’t worry if you aren’t sure what model or design you would like to purchase. You can find a variety of different designs at any home improvement store or hardware store, and they can be found in both circular and straight styles. If you are looking to save money, you can even purchase a two-stage scroll saw at most hardware stores. Two-stage scroll saws are generally less expensive than their two-stage counterparts and also tend to be easier to use because they eliminate the need for counterbalance weights.