new scroller need help

[peter22lr]

i am 16 got my phone taken away and i was really board so one day i picked up a board and i started cutting i found out i love it it is so much fun but see i don't know the tricks i dont know what boards i should get i don't know what to cut i don't know how to make the small holes i need some simple projects that will help me i am using aspin because thats what was cheep but i don't know what to use please help me

[wood-n-things]

Peter,
Welcome A Board!! You will be hard pressed to find a friendlier or more knowledgeable group on the net re: woodworking. Share your knowledge and do not hesitate to ask questions.

You may find the stickies at the top of this forum to be very helpful.

Message Board FAQ, Suggestions and Feedback - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board.

Take a few minutes to read through them. They are chock full of great information.

Be sure and share pics of your projects. We thrive on pictures.

The only dumb question is the one that remains unasked.

Whatever reason brought you to our forum we are pleased you found us.

Since you have some time on your hands. Start reading. Every possible question you could have has an answer in one of the forums. If after you take a couple of hours to look through some of the threads you still have questions, give a holler.

To begin with your Aspen will work fine for most projects. You did not say how thick it is.

2nd look in the pattern vault there are some really good beginner patterns to start with. Unless a pattern says otherwise remove the black.
Free Scroll Saw Pattern Vault - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

[PatteM]

Hi Peter! I'm really pleased to see parents that care enough about you -- even if you don't think so at the moment! Good on ya for picking up a hobby, too!

First, if it was me, I would select cheap wood (like poplar, or any scraps you can find at a lumber yard, etc) at a thickness between about 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch. Anything thinner would, I think, jump around too much for you to begin with.

You'll need some type of drill and a very small drill bit for the blade-entry holes. You could, with effort, do it with a hand-drill if you had to. I personally use a Dremel rotary tool which is attached into a Dremel stand which converts it to sort of a drill press -- that way you drill straight into the wood, and not at an angle.

Patterns are pretty easily available online here and through google ("scroll saw patterns") and in magazines like Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts which you should be able to pick up at a hardware store. While getting used to the saw, pick something that has large, curved cuts, and very few small holes with sharp angles. I found a nice little wall shelf pattern. But before that, just find some scrap wood and draw yourself all kinds of lines on it, and cut those, just to get the feel of the wood and the saw.

Most of all - read MANY of the threads on this board - they are VERY helpful! have fun!

[journeyman]

Welcome Peter, so glad to see a young person like yourself with an interest in scrolling. You will find it to be a fascinating hobby and it will give you great satisfaction. You have already been given some great advice from Mike and Patte. If there is anything specific you need to know, just ask. Get lots of practice and look at some of the tutorials on here and you will be surprised how quickly you will get the hang of it. Welcome again, now go make some saw dust.
Mick

[Mary1953]

Hi Peter! Iam so glad you decided to give this a try. Like you said, "it is fun." I am a new member, also, started in Jan.. You won't regret taking up such a rewarding hobby. You will be glad you had your phone taken away. I bet you'll even have friends and classmates that will want to join you. I knew I wanted to do woodworking since my early 20's. So, don't waste time and let the years go by without reaching out for advice. That's what I did. What a mistake! I've learned what I have missed out on.

Like Patte said, get some scraps of wood to practice with and first make shapes, straight lines, curves, circles, triangles, etc.. Have fun!

Mary

[Dan A]

Peter,

Another spot to look at is Steve Goods site. It's called the scrollsaw workshop. It has some nice patterns and tutorials in it. But you can't beat this bunch for help and answers. They've been very helpful to me in the year or so that I've been scrolling.

Dan

[ubgoofy2003]

Pete, it is nice to have you here. Like everyone has said, be sure to read as many things as you can about scrollsawing. What kind of saw will you be using? I would make a suggestion about saw blades. They are an unusual type of blade, being so small, so only use a good quality blade. I order mine from mikesworkshop.com. They are Flying Dutchman blades. You will be able to control your cuts better. Just take your time while cutting & enjoy the hobby. I'm curious too, about your talent, are you by chance an Artist to any degree? If so, it always helps, but, not necessary, to enjoy scrolling. Wish you all the best & enjoy scrolling.

[woodsman]

Since you are 16, stick with scrolling. Stay in and keep out of trouble.
This can be your addiction rather than drugs or alcohol.
Seriously, stick with us, we are the best gang to hang out with.

[frieke]

Hello Peter, and welcome to the forum! Glad you found us, can't wait to see some of your works!

[Paladin]

A little mentoring from an experienced scroller would go a long way towards getting you started in this great hobby. If there is anyone in your area, I'm sure they would love to help a young scroller get started.