New Member

[dmeephd]

Hello out there!

I just joined this forum after doing some web searching looking for tips on how to use my new scroll saw. I received the Craftsman 16" as a gift last holiday season and have yet to use it.

I'm a model railroader, and I perceive using it during kit-bashing and scratch-builds of buildings and bridges for its ability to cut curves and holes. My primary medium will be plastics; i.e., acrylics, styrene, and ABS.

So I'm looking for tips from those of you more learned than I regarding techniques, blade types, speed, etc. I'm also curious as to how relatively short (3/8" - 1-1/2") straight cuts can be made for windows (hole cuts I would think). Are there are fences or guides available out there?

regards,

David Martin, Ph.D.

[minowevie]

Hi there David, welcome to the forum. your a model railroader. I think Alan can help hear. but as for your questions. like relatively short (3/8"- 1-1/2 ") straight cuts can be made. for windows. that is just all practice in cutting. the saw doesn't cut it for you. and there is no fences or guids, to do the cuts. it is all up to you. to cut straight. as far as I have ever seen. BUT, it is relatively easy, when you put some time on the saw. not much time, just practice.you can do most anything you wish to do. on a scrollsaw. making the small things you wish to do. but you have to put in the effort. to get your lines going where you wish. hole cuts. not sure what you mean there. but hope you stick around . there is lots of folks hear to help in you journey. and we just love are members. always willing to help. and learn. I am Evie, in Calif. usa. your new friend

[greatdane2]

Hi David, welcome to the crew. I ripped my layout apart when I thought we were moving, and as yet have not started another one. But when I do the scroll saw will be used a lot. As Evie said its all down to you holding the wood. If you are just cutting out windows etc. you can get away with a larger blade. So its practice time and learning what blades work for you.

Alan.

[dmeephd]

Thanks Evie and Alan for your quick reply.

Yes indeed, practices makes perfect. Pardon my possible misuse of the terminology; I thought that I had read somewhere today that a hole cut was where one threaded the blade through a drilled hole in order to make a cut from inside rather than from the outside perimeter. (Like cutting out the 'oh' in "O".)

I'm used to working with tables saws, band saws, and cut-off saws; all of which reply heavily on guides, clamps, rip fences, etc. When working almost exclusively with striaght line cutting tools, precision is of utmost concern. Although I understand that scroll saws are designed for a more 'free-hand' cutting style, I was curious of there were such attachments available.

How about blade selection for plastics?

David, in New Jersey (in the pharmaceutical industry) but retiring to Colorado one day.

[greatdane2]

There are a lot of post on the thuings you are asking. The search button above should make it easy for you to find your answers. A lot of the choices are down to personal choice, the blade I like is not what the next guy likes.

Alan.

[KathyRo]

Hi David, welcome from me too! Looking forward to seeing some of the props you create for you model railroad hobby.
KathyR

[lucky788scroller]

For good blades to try on plastics and such, I suggest you try the Flying Dutchman Polar blades. You can make some pretty fancy looking things for that train layout once you get used to the saw and get a little practice on it.

[Sandy Oaks]

Hi David,

Welcome to the site. Dale's suggestion about Polar Blades is very good. Practise creates good hand-eye coordination. You will be surprised what you can create.

Denny