In my previous article, I discussed how to safely use scroll saw patterns in woodworking projects. This tool is a wonderful alternative to the more hazardous scissors and other woodworking tools. However, as with any power tools, you should be cautious when using them. This is especially true when beginners are working with this kind of equipment. You need to know how to safely use your scroll saw to keep yourself from injury. In this article, I will discuss how to safely cut curves with a scroll saw.
The first thing that you must know about how to cut curves with a scroll saw lies in the different sawing speeds that are available. These saws usually have two speeds; a top speed and a bottom or reverse speed. There is also one saw which has only the top or reverse speed. Regardless of the various options that you have, you should never exceed forty thousand revolutions per minute. Exceeding this speed will cause the scroll to bind in areas that are not straight.
The second thing that you should know about how to cut curves with a scroll saw lies in knowing how to use the scroll saw itself. One feature that is included on many scroll saw patterns is a guide. This feature is designed to give you a precise cutting reference while you are operating the machine. Some scroll saws include a built-in guide but others must be purchased separately. Regardless, of whether the saw that you have included a guide or not, it is important for you to understand how to use it correctly.
One way to use your scroll saw properly is to place the blade at its true center. When you are cutting a straight edge, it is always better to assume that the blade is at the middle of the crosshatch. This allows you to get a much accurate start and will also help you get a clean cut because the saw will be following a straight path.
In addition, you will want to consider how you will be cutting around obstacles when you are using your scroll saw. One of these is the radius of the cut. This is what will determine the distance that the scroll saw will travel when it is in its horizontal position. To determine this, you simply need to look at the distance that the saw travels as it moves along its vertical axis. You can find this number in inches by reading a tape measure.
The third topic that you should be aware of when you want to know how to cut curves with a scroll saw comes from the angle that it is held at. When you are operating the scroll saw at its true center, it is easier to make sure that you are cutting at a precise angle. However, you should remember that the scroll itself is not going to be perfectly centered at all times. There are always factors that will prevent the scroll from being true centered. One of these factors is the amount of slop that is present in the machine. If there is too much slop, you will end up with a bit of crookedness in the cut.
This is something that will have to be factored into your design in order to ensure that the cut is accurate. The other topic that you should be aware of when you want to learn how to cut curves with a scroll saw comes from the amount of tooth that is on the teeth of the saw. The more teeth that are available on the teeth on the saw, the easier the cut will be. However, this is an important point to remember because having too many teeth can actually cause the scroll to slip or bind. This is something that can lead to a lot of wasted time trying to correct the issue and can potentially cost you a lot of money as well.
Overall, knowing how to cut curves with a scroll saw can prove to be quite useful for those that need to complete complicated woodworking projects. When you know how to use these tools, you will have the ability to cut out intricate details that regular power tools are not capable of. Take the time to know how to use a scroll saw and you will soon find that you are one step ahead in most woodworking projects.