The scroll saw is an excellent tool for crafting detailed woodworking cuts. It can cut several different angles and is especially useful for crosscutting. However, a scroll saw is so versatile that it is sometimes possible to use it in ways you may not have originally thought of. In this article I will introduce you to four different scroll saw patterns you can use in your woodworking projects.
The flat cut is probably the most widely used scroll saw pattern. This saw has a straight blade and a cutter that are both attached to the blade at an angle. This angle makes it possible to perform multiple cuts perpendicular to the direction of the cut, which is ideal for detailed woodworking.
This scroll saw pattern is typically performed with a band saw. The band saw is often made of steel or a heavy-duty alloy and has teeth that are set at an angle. The band has teeth that angle down as the scroll progresses, but are otherwise identical to each other. Because the teeth are at an angle, the angle provides a greater degree of control during cutting. The depth of the cut is also greater because the teeth are closer together. A combination of this high degree of control with a shallow depth of cut is ideal for making detailed cuts on materials such as thin board.
Another scroll saw pattern used in woodworking projects is the compound miter saw. Unlike the flat cut, the compound miter has two pieces of wood that are both milled to the same thickness. These pieces are joined together to create a finer cut than if the milled pieces were separate. This results in more intricate patterns and can be used for detailed woodworking projects where a finer cut is required.
One of the most uncommon scroll saw patterns is the compound bevel. These are used more frequently in professional woodworking machines because they require a level of precision that ordinary scroll saw patterns can’t offer. The miter and bevel turn both clockwise and counterclockwise to move the scroll vertically on the work. This feature provides users with a sharp, clean edge whenever the need arises.
A woodworking project may call for a scroll saw that is either a miter or beveled scroll. If you’re looking for a scroll saw pattern that is commonly used in professional woodworking shops, the compound miter is what you’ll want to choose. Compound miter saws generally come with three blades: one blade for the face of the saw, a second blade that can be locked onto the work, and a third blade that step up and down when pressed. A miter saw with all three blades will rotate at the same speed, allowing the operator to regulate the depth of cut. Compound scroll saws are typically used for cutting rabbets, decorative pieces, shingles and some types of hardwood. They also provide an excellent cut quality when compared to the sharpened counterpart.
If you’re looking for a saw with a bit longer tooth allowance, the compound scroll saw is the right choice. In fact, the saw with a larger tooth allowance is sometimes called a “fine scroll” saw because it produces finer cuts. Because it is with all three teeth at the same time, compound scroll saws tend to be faster than the saw with just one blade, but they tend to produce less steady cuts. Some models of saws with this feature include a center mount facility that allows them to be mounted directly to the table. Other models are handheld units that require the use of a stand while the blade is attached to a stand with an adaptor.
Another option available to you when it comes to choosing the right saw is the portable scroll saw. The scroll saw is designed to be used in the workshop or other small spaces. Portable scroll saws generally have either a tabletop or work surface with a scroll or cross cut pattern on it. These saws tend to be less expensive than their stationary counterparts, and can be used for a wide variety of cutting tasks, although the scroll saw is not the best choice for detailed woodworking or large pieces of furniture.