Another New One Bites the Dust - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

tonyh · 03-31-2008, 02:37 AM

After many years of working day in and day out, I finally decided to call it quits a little over a year ago. Since I like to work with my hands and get a lot of enjoyment when something I've put together works, I thought I might like to learn how to become a Professional Sawdust Creator.

My precious, sweet wife agreed and gave me a scroll saw for Christmas so now I have to earn my keep. Haven't even taken it out of the box and set it up yet, and she expects me to keep her well provided for with lot's of spending money with it.

Thought this might be a good place to pickup a lot of advice, knowledge and those little tricks that "old" timers have locked away in the vast recesses of their memories.

That being said, I now travel on to explore the vast reaches of this sight and fill my semi-filled brain with more knowledge. Thank ya'll in advance for any and all help and all criticism, just be kind.

MikeDingas · 03-31-2008, 02:55 AM

Welcome, Tony. My first suggestion is "Get that saw out of the box!" Make sure you set it up properly. By that I mean squaring the blade to the saw table. Next learn how to properly tension the blade. Get some cheap 1/8" or 1/4" plywood and start practicing. You would do well to acquire some books on scrollsawing. Look for Patrick Spielman's books. Lots of good advice as well as patterns.

You've joined one of the best boards on the net. Helpful members of every caliber.

Plaquerd · 03-31-2008, 02:59 AM

Tonyh
Welcome to the group! You have come to the right place to get information. You need not worry about kindness in this group, ask all the questions you want and you will find nothing but good answers and kind words. Now get the saw set up and start making dust. You will soon be addicted to a most enjoyable art/craft.

sawdustus · 03-31-2008, 12:39 PM

Welcome to the group Tonyh. Lots of good info here and lots of good people. Scroll for fun for a while. Make things you like and you will get better at it. Most of what I make I give away. Hand made makes for appreciated gifts. Most of all...enjoy retirement. You will find that you had more free time when you worked.

Rolf · 03-31-2008, 12:54 PM

Welcome, the saws don't cut very well while still in the box, so listen to Mike.
What kind of saw did you get?

Wood Dog · 03-31-2008, 02:02 PM

Welcome tonyh...I agree with the others get that saw out of the box. If you enjoyed making things with your hands you certainly will enjoy the scroll saw.
Set it up.......make something, and be sure to keep your first project, so you can compare how better you are getting at it in a few weeks, months, years.
Post some pictures of your projects.....cause we love pictures....gives food for thought.

tonyh · 03-31-2008, 02:41 PM

Thanks for the welcome from all. Looking forward to getting started with saw. have been cleaning out building in preparation for setting up shop. thought it would be finished by this weekend but since I will be traveling to the big city of Knoxville this weekend for class on Intro to scroll sawing at local Woodcraft store, setup may not be till next weekend.

Getting so close to time to play in shop. Can't hardly wait. Saw is Hitachi CW40. Was on sale at local Lowes store. Figured it would be good enough to get started on. By the time I figure out how to use it, I will know if I want to step up to something better or not. Time will tell. Also, sweet wife, if she doesn't have enough money to spend. Gotta keep her happy

GeraldNC · 03-31-2008, 02:51 PM

Welcome Tony. I'm a newb as well. At least I've got my saw out of the box (wasn't in one to begin with lol), and on my work bench, though I've not bolted her down yet, nor have I cut my first piece of wood either. I've just not had the time, and then when I have, haven't had the warm weather. It was in the 70's, and I got my yard work done, then what do you know, rain and cold weather return!

I too, bought the CW-40. I read the few reviews on here (do a search for it) and saw that it wasn't disliked lol. I got mine for $120...it was a display model, and the $25 gift card/rebate

I feel good about that considering I was prepared to pay the $179 price shown on the Lowe's website.

I did buy me some 1/4" pine and one 1/4" piece of oak to play with. Also bought me the assortment pack of blades from Mikesworkshop.com Definitely go there and get ya some blades ordered! 5 dozen for $14 man, you're not going to beat that imo! (highly recommended here as well).

Good luck!...and get it out of the box at least

Mike Crosa · 03-31-2008, 04:58 PM

Welcome to the group. You are going to have a fun time.

mrcutit · 04-02-2008, 08:10 AM

Hey, Yep first step get that saw out the box. I started off with a little garage sale RYOBI, and recently purchased a Hitachi with money Ive made from selling a few of my creations. Im no Pro by any sence of the word, but the best advice I can give is start slow " Litterally" dont crank that saw all the way up and try and run through things quickly. Also I like to use spiral blades, they make for a rough cut on the under side, but I find that a bottle torch works great for removing the strings from the under side. Just be carefull not to burn through fine cuts, I keep a cup of water close by to put out those glowing embers that remain