Help me get started please

[ajay]

As a first class newbie, I think I need some help getting started. I have a new saw on order, I've ordered some blades from Mike and I have a workbench, and an articulated flourescent light with magnifier. As well I have a drill press and some odds and ends tools, orbital sander and the like. What does one need and, more importantly, do I have enough to get started? I know I need to get some scrap wood, probably pine, to mess with, but that's the easy part.

Am I missing anything obvious. I'm getting antsy waiting for the saw to arrive and I'd like to be ready for it when it's delivered. Please feel free to tell me what I may be missing.

ajay

[Mike Crosa]

Ajay, it looks to me like you have everything you need except the saw. There is a book by John Nelson, the name escapes me but it is an introduction to scroll sawing and it takes you from the basics to the advanced. I'm sure someone else will chime in with the name. It is a good book and if you don't have it, get it.

[Mick Walker]

ajay, if you are going to cut a pattern you will need some spray adhesive to apply to the back of the pattern. Don't apply the adhesive to the wood, just the pattern. 1/8" or 1/4" plywood is good to practice with. Enjoy your new saw.

[ajay]

Mike, I think you may be referring to the Scroll Saw Workbook, by John Nelson. If that's the book you're referring to, I just bought it. Thanks.

Mick, good thinking about the spray adhesive. 3M, spray 77 or something like that. I'll look around.

It's amazing how much I've picked up by reading some of the posts on this great web site. An amazing (and informed) group of people are available here.

After a period of picking people's minds about all things related to scroll sawing, I hope to contribute in kind. And maybe along the way I'll get an opportunity to meet some of you.

Thanks,

[Wood Dog]

Welcome ajay.....check out your local library for books on scrolling. Browse the local book stores, and get a subscription of Scrollsaw Woodworking and Crafts. You could find the magazine at the book stores also. Just enjoy the hobby, you may want to get some dust masks, and look into dust removal systems of various types.

[Forester21]

Wood and a pattern. You should also get a dust mask of some kind (paper one is OK) and safety glasses.
oh - and a digital camera so you can take pictures and show us your work!
T

[Carter-Johnson]

ajay, you've received some good advice. Mine is a bit different. Be sure to practice cutting thing without a pattern. Practice freehand cutting of a giraffe, an arrow, a teddy bear, an elephant, whatever, to get a feel for the saw and to keep from getting so psychologically dependent on patterns that you have difficulty improvising. It's a skill that will be necessary down the road. And have phun.......Carter

[cj1]

One thing you will need if you are married or have a girl friend. Find a place to hide your scrollsawed stuff, Everytime I scrollsaw something new , my wife has already picked out a place for it in the house, even if I tell her it,s for sale. She says she has to have the prototype......Happy scrolling...

[minowevie]

Ajay, I agree with all, except the addhisive. I use 3m77, but don't like it as much as the 3m 45.seems to be more cummiy, and doesn't stick as well or fast. and it is cheaper. just my 2 cts. your friend Evie

[ajay]

Thanks everyone. I've asked for and have received some very good advice.