Tips for Beginners

Making the Best Pinewood Derby Car

Making the Best Pinewood Derby Car

Want to make an instant Pinewood Derby winner? We can help From the staff of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Three basic principles govern how fast a car will go. Every worthwhile speed tip works to give your car the maximum benefit from each of these three principles. 1) Maximize […]

by January 14, 2019 How To, Projects, Tips for Beginners
For Safety’s Sake

For Safety’s Sake

Here are a few words of wisdom to make your next scrolling adventure or pattern project a safe and enjoyable one!  By Rick Hutcheson Note: This article originally appeared in our Spring 2001 Issue (#2).  We buckle our seat belts. We’re constantly reminding our children or grandchildren to wear their […]

by March 7, 2018 Safety, Tips for Beginners
Sawdust: Patterns

Sawdust: Patterns

This article was originally published in issue 30 of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. Printing Large Patterns (Existing Software) Most spreadsheet programs (like Microsoft Excel) automatically break down documents that are larger than 81/2″x 11″. Cut and paste large patterns into a spreadsheet. When you print it out, the software will […]

by October 23, 2017 Get Started Scrolling, Tips for Beginners
Understanding Wood Movement

Understanding Wood Movement

Take the natural expansion and contraction of wood into account when making joints by Bob Duncan This article was first published in issue 53 of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. Wood is porous, so it absorbs moisture from the air around it. As the amount of moisture in the air changes, […]

by October 18, 2017 Get Started Scrolling, Tips for Beginners
Creating Designs from Reference Material

Creating Designs from Reference Material

Use tracing paper to draft your own patterns without a computer by Toni Burghout Pattern based on design by Ed Sibbett Jr. Cut by Ben Fink This article was first published in issue 34 of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. The simple art of tracing is a valuable skill for many […]

by October 11, 2017 Get Started Scrolling, Tips for Beginners
Respirators and Dust Masks

Respirators and Dust Masks

Wear a mask to prevent illness and disease caused by dust by Bob Duncan This article was first published in issue 53 of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. Cutting and sanding scroll saw projects produces a lot of dust. In addition to posing a fire hazard, dust can cause health problems […]

Blades

Blades

Always pick the right blade for your project   Choosing the Right Teeth Use skip tooth blades when you need a fast cut and are not concerned about splintering on the bottom. Use reverse-tooth blades when you need a relatively fast cut that leaves a smoother surface on the bottom. […]

Quick Reference For Using Technical Drawings

Quick Reference For Using Technical Drawings

How to read plans, lines, views, and more by John A. Nelson   Technical drawing is a simple “graphic language” that has its own special rules and standard practices. Drafters and designers around the world work from this very tight set of rules or drafting standards. The rules are updated […]

by September 18, 2017 Get Started Scrolling, Tips for Beginners
Adapting Patterns

Adapting Patterns

Converting a line drawing to a scroll saw pattern by Sue Walters To transform a line or shaded pattern into a series of planes or shapes suitable for scrolling, it is best to think in terms of distinctive masses within the picture. These can come in two forms: 1) distinct […]

by September 13, 2017 Get Started Scrolling, Tips for Beginners