Scrollsaw Ergonomics

[Jediscroller]

I have a question for all. I've been having a lot of problems scrolling for much more than a few hours. After that, my neck and back hurt so bad that I have to stop. I'm sure it has to do somewhat with my posture. I sit in front of my saw but I am somewhat bent over while sawing. Any suggestions as to what I can do to alleviate this?

[ncsealeveler]

Have you got the back of your saw raised.Tony

[Ocelot]

I have a really bad back from spinal fractures and I find I have to keep reminding myself about my posture. I do have the saw raised in back.
For me, the most important thing out of necessity is to get up every 20-30 minutes and walk around a bit. Even if it's just for two minutes or so.

Ray

[Gill]

It isn't good to sit in one position for that long, Kevin. Set a timer to alert you after an hour, then get up and do something else for ten minutes. You really need to do something physical that will stretch you; try throwing a ball for a dog to retrieve, take up yoga or see how many times you can climb over the roof of your workshop without a ladder.


















Not all at the same time .

[Scrolling Days]

The only thing I don't like about scrollsawing is that it can be brutal on the neck and upper back. The best thing to do, I think, is elevate the back of the saw, like what was mentioned, if you haven't already. Stretch/loosen up your neck beforehand and take lots of breaks.

If I'm not careful, my neck gets stiff and that ends up sending me into a nasty headache. Usually if I try to avoid leaning over my work too much, and if I take frequent breaks to stretch my neck, and if I keep my sessions short (I usually don't scroll more than 45 min-1 hr straight, if that), then I have no problems.

[JohnB]

I stand at my saw, and probably have it a little higher than normal as I have it set on a standard hight bench.
I find this stops me bending.
But when my back starts to play up a bit, I do a couple of chin ups on one of the truss's in the shed. This tends to straighten everything out and snap it all back in place.
Ever see a monkey with a bad back

[Wood Dog]

Do you use a magnifier? I agree with the others about raising the back of your saw, but if you are bending too far forward, check out your eye sight too. Maybe you need glasses, or a change in your script if you already wear them. I wear glasses, and still use my magnifier with light.

[nzmerlin]

I use to sit, changed to standing because of a large project I was working on meant I couldn't turn the work without taking my middle section out.
I then raised the saw 3 1 /2 inches at the rear and have the scroll saw table top just below nipple height.
Have had that now for about a month and no back, neck or the tingle I was getting in my left forearm.
After about 20 minutes my feet do get a little sore and my legs ache a little, I then stop and walk to the mail box, around the garden do a couple minutes pruning or some such meaning less task and then back into it.
Have on order a nice thick soft rubber mat to stand on.

Merlin

[sawdustus]

I don't have the back raised but I do use a lighted magnifier on the Hawk. The Delta is on its own. However, I do get up and walk around several times an hour and stretch the neck and upper back muscles to keep them from getting stiff. Works for me.

george

[JohnB]

Merlin,
I have rubber mats in front of all my machines and benches, they sure do make a difference.

Also, a good pair of work boots helps heaps.

I've spent the day in the shed with just thongs or Sneakers and ,Boy, the back and feet know I mistreated them