Teaching the Scroll Saw

Angles

• People who are new at using a scroll saw should practice with a piece of wood that is about one-foot square. This will allow them to practice the turns necessary to carve out a design. The way that the woodworker positions the wood as she turns it is a major factor in completing an effective project. A one-inch incision should be made in the wood and then the apprentice can practice turning the wood to create a 90-degree angle. She should repeat the motion several times to get used to the tool.

Hollow Block

• Hollowing out a block is another component of cutting with a scroll saw. Once he has mastered cutting complete sections of wood, the apprentice should then learn how to cut through a design that doesn't cut through the entire block. The design is taped to the wood and the carver then cranks the scroll saw so that the block can fit under the blade. The blade is then positioned over the design and the carver can then guide the blade along the design lines by pushing the wood.

Features

• The dial on the top of the scroll saw controls the speed in which the blade moves. The user must trigger this speed with a foot pedal. A fast blade allows the user to turn the wood much faster than a blade with a low speed. When the design is finished, the piece usually doesn't need extra sanding if a high speed is used, because the saw is effective at cutting a smooth surface. The button on top of the blade will turn the scroll saw off.

Safety

• Every new user should be taught about the dangers of using a scroll saw. The blade can cut through a person's fingers or hand. The saw should be turned off whenever it isn't being used. Scroll saws are a common tool for children to learn how to cut, but they need to position their hands on the wood so that they are at least two inches from the blade.