Scroll saw classes? - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

virginia.adrian · 08-16-2009, 12:55 AM

Hi. I've used a band saw for years, and I received a scroll saw for Christmas. Does anyone know of available classes to teach beginners how to properly use the scroll saw? I live about 60 miles west of Chicago, IL. Thank you very much. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Sandy Oaks · 08-16-2009, 01:08 AM

Hi and welcome to the board. I know that many Woodcraft stores have classes. There should be one in your area. With that said, I began scrolling about a year ago and no classes. I purchased several books, the best for beginners is 'Scroll Saw Workbook' by John A Nelson (my opinion). The best information comes from this site. Read lots of posts and practice, practice, practice. LOL Have fun and post pictures of your projects.

ddockstader · 08-16-2009, 03:11 AM

I live in Aurora, so I'm not that far from you. I also belong to the Fox Valley Woodworkers Club. We have about 150 members, many of whom do scroll sawing besides me. Like most woodworkers, these folks are very generous with their time and knowledge to help you learn. We meet the first Tuesday in Batavia, if you would like like to visit. Check our website at FVWWC Home. I also agree with Sandy that you really don't need much instruction. There are some great web sites that can give you some inspiration (this one included) and a couple of books is about all you need. If you can't find them at your local library, I'm also the librarian for the club and we have several books you could check out if you joined. Send me a PM and I'll help any way I can.

Cyrano · 08-17-2009, 04:07 PM

Welcome to the board. I, too, leaned on my own, so I agree with what has already been offered. When I started scrolling, I bought a couple of books and a very rudimentary saw that used only pin blades. Within a few years I upgraded to an RBI and have been going strong and learning every since. It takes practice and patience. There are some great books out there for those just starting out. SSW always has nice projects as well.

If I may offer one word of advice: be inspired and encouraged by the work of others, but set your own learning curve. Don’t rush it. My dad retired a few years ago, and he wanted to get into scrolling to make some extra cash (another can of worms altogether), so he bought a nice middle-of-the-road saw. I gave him a few of my books to help him get started, but he wanted to start with some of the more intricate patterns that he had seem me do. I strongly suggested that he start easy and enjoy the learning process. Nothing doing. He wanted to go straight to the hard stuff. I told him it has taken me years and tons of mistakes to get to where I am, and that I still leaning new things myself. He wouldn’t budge. So I gave him one of the pattern he asked for, a pack of spirals and decided to let him find out for himself. His saw has been sitting untouched UNDER his workbench for about four years now.

Have fun, ask lots of questions, and enjoy the learning process. And by all means, please post some pics and share your progress.

Rikk

08-16-2009, 12:55 AM	#1
virginia.adrian Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1	Scroll saw classes? Hi. I've used a band saw for years, and I received a scroll saw for Christmas. Does anyone know of available classes to teach beginners how to properly use the scroll saw? I live about 60 miles west of Chicago, IL. Thank you very much. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

08-16-2009, 01:08 AM	#2
Sandy Oaks Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,248	Hi and welcome to the board. I know that many Woodcraft stores have classes. There should be one in your area. With that said, I began scrolling about a year ago and no classes. I purchased several books, the best for beginners is 'Scroll Saw Workbook' by John A Nelson (my opinion). The best information comes from this site. Read lots of posts and practice, practice, practice. LOL Have fun and post pictures of your projects. __________________ Denny www.sandyoaksonline.com

08-16-2009, 03:11 AM	#3
ddockstader Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 3	Lots of Help I live in Aurora, so I'm not that far from you. I also belong to the Fox Valley Woodworkers Club. We have about 150 members, many of whom do scroll sawing besides me. Like most woodworkers, these folks are very generous with their time and knowledge to help you learn. We meet the first Tuesday in Batavia, if you would like like to visit. Check our website at FVWWC Home. I also agree with Sandy that you really don't need much instruction. There are some great web sites that can give you some inspiration (this one included) and a couple of books is about all you need. If you can't find them at your local library, I'm also the librarian for the club and we have several books you could check out if you joined. Send me a PM and I'll help any way I can.

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08-17-2009, 04:07 PM	#4
Cyrano Vagabond Poet Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Park Forest, IL Posts: 44	Welcome to the board. I, too, leaned on my own, so I agree with what has already been offered. When I started scrolling, I bought a couple of books and a very rudimentary saw that used only pin blades. Within a few years I upgraded to an RBI and have been going strong and learning every since. It takes practice and patience. There are some great books out there for those just starting out. SSW always has nice projects as well. If I may offer one word of advice: be inspired and encouraged by the work of others, but set your own learning curve. Don’t rush it. My dad retired a few years ago, and he wanted to get into scrolling to make some extra cash (another can of worms altogether), so he bought a nice middle-of-the-road saw. I gave him a few of my books to help him get started, but he wanted to start with some of the more intricate patterns that he had seem me do. I strongly suggested that he start easy and enjoy the learning process. Nothing doing. He wanted to go straight to the hard stuff. I told him it has taken me years and tons of mistakes to get to where I am, and that I still leaning new things myself. He wouldn’t budge. So I gave him one of the pattern he asked for, a pack of spirals and decided to let him find out for himself. His saw has been sitting untouched UNDER his workbench for about four years now. Have fun, ask lots of questions, and enjoy the learning process. And by all means, please post some pics and share your progress. Rikk