What is the best scroll saw for cutting letters? This is a question many people ponder when they want to start cutting wood. In fact, it’s probably one of the first things you’ll ask if you visit a home improvement store. In fact, a lot of people think that a scroll saw is exactly the same as a jigsaw. However, this is not true.
What makes a scroll saw different than a jigsaw? Obviously, both machines make detailed intricate cuts. The main difference lies in the speed and accuracy of each machine. If you need a general cutter which you could use for all but the most complex woodworking projects, you’d get a jigsaw with a lower price and better quality. If you want to use your scroll saw for more intricate cuts, however, a jigsaw is what you should get.
A scroll saw is the best choice for detailed woodworking projects because it has both a depth and a width. You can use the depth control for precise cuts while still keeping your wood boards steady. On the other hand, if you need to cut a board by changing the angle on the blade, the width will help you achieve that as well. Of course, you still have to have the right next power switch in order to use your scroll saw effectively. The following are the power requirements of each machine:
o Blade tension – The more tension your blade has, the more accurately you’ll be able to cut. The less tension you have, the more you’ll be relying on your accuracy and the ability of the scroll saw motor to keep your material stable during the cut. On the contrary, if your blade has a low degree of tension, the wood board may twist or move rapidly during the cut, making the process more difficult. The more tightly wound scroll saws have a higher threshold for change in speed; they may go as slow as one inch per second when they’re running at full speed. Choose the tension that’s right for your project.
o Intrinsic size and precision – While your Intrinsic size is important for cutting small letters, it is also important to consider the fine-tuning capabilities of this machine. Each component of your letter piece can vary drastically, from the size of the letters, to their colors, to their finishes. The best scroll saw for intricate projects will have a diamond-tipped sharpening wheel and a durable and lightweight diamond blade; the Intrinsic size will play an integral part in how good these machines are for intricate cuts.
o Dust Collection – scroll saws typically have dust collection ports on the blade and in the headstock above the scroll saw blade. This is to collect the scroll saw dust that may collect on the metal as it moved along the blade during your cut. If the port is not installed or covered completely, the dust may find its way into your clothes, causing your shirt’s color to fade prematurely. Choose a saw with ports that are easily cleaned and that do not collect dust. These will reduce the amount of allergens in your work space.
o scroll saws in multi-speed mode – Many scroll saws operate in multi-speed mode. These machines are usually used on small projects such as letters or logos that require you to make several passes over a piece of stock. When speed is increased, the blade begins to rotate faster, requiring more pressure on the scroll saw blades. This can cause tiny hairline scratches to appear in your finished project. Be sure to select a saw that operates in multi-speed mode if this is a common scenario in your particular shop.
o Two wheel drive motors – Some scroll saws are powered by two-wheel drive motors that are located in the machine itself. Two wheel drive scroll saws are more stable and easier to control, however they require more physical labor to use and they can be less portable. Two wheel drive scroll saws are great for shops with large areas to cut and areas that require more physical maintenance. The motor will also need to be serviced occasionally in order to ensure optimal performance and to keep your machines comfortable.