choosing projects

[lucky788scroller]

Ok, when you choose a project, I'm sure you base a good portion of your decision on the tools you have readily available to you. For instance, someone without much sanding equipment might not choose an intarsia project.What tools do you have, and would be comfortable using on a scrolling project without having the project seem to overwhelming or to 'involved" to interest you into building?
The reason I ask, is because a majority of the things I try to draw up usually involve the use of tools other then just the scroll saw. For instance, the use of a tablesaw and/or mitersaw to dimension, cut bevels, miters, dados, ect. Some require the use of a router, generally a table mounted router, ect. Do projects like this tend to be less desireable to build, and if so, is it because the time involved, or to intimidating, or because lack of equiptment, or something else? Or is it solely based on personal taste? Thanks, Dale

[CanadianScroller]

I have a fairly well equipped shop but I have not done intarsia, I need to set up some dust collection system.

I have to admit I have not attempted the geared clock due to it being somewhat overwhelming to me. I have done very intricate projects in the past but now I seem to like ones I can do in a day or two.
I have an advantage of having a thickness planer and thickness sander but I do not re saw boards so I still choose projects that use fairly standard dimensional wood.

I have been drawn to fretwork pieces in the past but now I look more towards utilitarian projects, boxes shelves gadgets etc.
I like projects that can be done with few tools. I would love to see projects that are done with just scroll saw and drillpress, keeping in mind that the drillpress can be used to sand and shape wood too.

There are millions of people scrolling all with different tastes so I am not sure what kind of responses you will get here. Varied to say the least

[Rolf]

I choose my projects strictly by what appeals to me. If I don't like it I won't cut it. If I do get into a project that requires special tooling I either buy the tool or adapt something to do the job for me.
I try to use every tool in my inventory whenever I do a project
Actually there are many tools that you don't need but that will make a project much easier. An example is if I need some 1/8 wood I don't need a bandsaw and planer because I can order the wood from Sloans but it is real nice just to slice a piece and plane it to meet my needs.
I don't need my Sand flee, but with the sanding mop on one end of it, and a couple of different grits on the drum it makes my intarsia work quicker and easier. It is also great for sanding my finished fretwork.
Bottom line I love tools and will buy whatever tweaks my interest.
I have found that most of them really save me time and effort. No white elephants yet.

[Jediscroller]

I choose projects based on primarily saleability. Almost as important is can I do it quickly or make multiples in a short time either by doing it in a production line environment or stack cutting. As I have a fully equipped shop, tools required typically do not enter into my decision making process.

[CJoZ]

Pretty soon I am going to have to pick my projects based on wallspace. . .I cut what appeals to me or my wife/kids. I have the tools necessary to do what I need also, but it took a few years to get there. I usually plane every piece unless I use plywood, but I rarely do. I tend to use hardwood even if I plane it down to 1/8 or less. I use the router on things a lot also. Sometimes I don't do things because I don't want to put the time into it. Unlike Kevin I don't sell things, so I don't have to worry about that.

[woodenfish]

I also have a fairly well equiped shop. I tend to make pieces that I like. I also make pieces to fill the wishes of family and friends. When I was selling my work I concentrated on children's toys. After becoming tired of doing craft shows I switched to making functional items: shelves, pieces of furniture, outdoor stuff. Now my main interest is in scrolling. In this area I most enjoy making fret music boxes: the more details and parts the better. As an aside, this past weekend I started my 6 year old grandson using the scroll saw. I don't know who had the bigger smile on his face, him or me.

[workin for wood]

I choose what ever I feel like doing. I have plenty of tools, and plenty of the tools that you describe in your list can be substituted. Just a table saw can do the same work as a miter saw and can substitute for many router jobs. Sometimes you might not have the right tool, but that just means you have to get creative.

[hamonrye]

Luckily I don't do woodworking for a living so I can do whatever I'm in the mood for.

[guitarman]

I cut mainly what appeals to me. I cut things at times for other people that I don't perticularly like so much but when they're paying I can cut almost anything. David

[Kevin12]

Seems like there's some agreement here. I, too, cut what appeals to me, or in some cases will cut more of something if someone (i.e., family member) wants to buy some to give as gifts. Sometimes the appeal is to stretch myself and try something new; right now that's intarsia.

I, however, do NOT have what I'd call a well-equipped shop. For example, I'd love to have an oscillating spindle sander for the intarsia. And some tools I could use (belt/disc sander, old drill press) are in the garage; my scroll saw's in the basement. But to me, a part of the fun is to invent how to do what I want with what I have. A while back in the Intarsia secton was a thread, "Minimum tools needed for intarsia." A lot of nice-to-have's were mentoned, but I believe it was Jeff who simply said that all you NEED is a saw and some sandpaper.

And it's good to always have something on the wish-list.