The document provides an introduction to using a scroll saw. It discusses workshop safety, the main parts of a scroll saw including the blade holders and table. It describes how scroll saw blades come in different tooth configurations for various materials and how to apply patterns to wood. Basic techniques are outlined, such as cut outs, fretwork, compound and stack cutting. The document notes the scroll saw can be used to make wall art, chess pieces, clocks and other small wooden objects.

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE SCROLL SAW
Brought to you from Deb’s Workshop
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2. Topics: Introduction to the Scroll
Saw
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 Workshop Safety
 Scroll Saw and its main parts
 Blades
 Basic Operation
 Materials
 Techniques
 Pattern Application
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3. Workshop Safety
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4. Safety Tips
 Protective Eyewear
 Always wear protective eyewear as there is a very fine
dust that is thrown by the scroll saw blade and this could
cause serious injury if it penetrates the eye.
 Mask over mouth and nose
 The scroll saw makes very fine saw dust that should not be
inhaled. Especially if working with exotic woods.
 No jewelry or loose clothing
 Nothing should be worn that could be caught by the saw
blade.
 Hearing protection
 Ear plugs or ear protection of some kind should be worn
any time you are working with loud power tools.
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5. Introduction to the Scroll Saw
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6. The Scroll Saw
Essential parts to a scroll saw
 On/Off Switch
 Variable Speed Control
 Blade holders
 Tensioner
 Adjustable Table
 Safety foot
 Dust collection
 Air for dust dispersion
 Depth – 16” for example
 Drawer to hold blades
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7. Key Parts of a Scroll Saw
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8. Basic Function of a Scroll Saw
 The blade moves vertically up and down,
cutting on the downward stroke
 The teeth on the blade always point down
 The blade is held by a clamping device top
and bottom
 The top can be released to thread the blade
through pre drilled holes for internal cuts
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9. Scroll Saw Blades
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10. Scroll Saw Blades
 Made to cut various materials such as:
 Wood
 Metal
 Corian
 Horn
 Plastics
 Teeth are measured in TPI – Teeth Per Inch
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11. Examples of Some Scroll Saw
Blades
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12. Scroll Saw Blades
 Skip Tooth Blade
 Every second tooth is missing which provides
more space between the teeth (gullet) which
keeps the blade cooler
 Reverse Skip Tooth Blade – For use with
Plywood
 The same as the skip tooth blade except the last
few bottom teeth point upward. This prevents tear
out or splintering on the bottom of the cut.
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13. Scroll Saw Blades
 Precision Ground Blades
 These are skip tooth blades with small teeth that have
been ground to shape. They are sharper, cut straight
and leave a very smooth surface. These blades are
very aggressive and not recommended for the
beginner.
 Spiral Blades
 This is a group of blades that have been twisted
together so that there are teeth all the way around.
You can cut in any direction with this blade. The
blades are to be used for specialized applications only
as they are very hard to control and do not leave a
smooth finish.
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14. Applying a Pattern to Wood
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15. Applying a Pattern to Wood
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 Trace with carbon paper
 Use spray on adhesive to stick pattern to wood
 If removed as soon as the piece is completely cut
out, the pattern usually peels right off. Any
residue can be removed by sanding.
 For stack cutting or compound cutting on two
sides, apply the patterns to the wood and
adhere with clear packing tape. The blade cuts
through the tape effortlessly.
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16. Scroll Saw Techniques
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17. Scroll Saw Techniques
 Cut Out
 Fretwork
 Compound Cutting
 Stack Cutting
 Intarsia
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18. Cut Out
Scroll saw is
used to cut
out a shape
by cutting an
outline all in
one piece.
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19. Fretwork
Scroll saw
used to cut
out basic
shape and
internal cuts
that add
depth and
detail to the
piece.
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20. Compound Cutting
Scroll saw is
used to cut 3
dimensional
shapes by
cutting top to
bottom and
side to side
of the piece
prior to
removing
any waste
wood.
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21. Stack Cutting
Scroll saw is
using a
Fretwork
technique
applied to
stacked
pieces of
wood cut with
the table set
at about a
10% tilt.
Certain
sections can
be removed
and replaced
in the
opposite
piece to
provide
contrast. www.woodworkingtipsforwomen.com
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22. Intarsia (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
Sroll saw
used to cut
individual
pieces of
wood of
different
kinds and
thicknesses.
The pieces
are then
rounded off
and
assembled
against a
backing as
you would a
jigsaw
puzzle. www.woodworkingtipsforwomen.com
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23. Things You Can Make with a Scroll
Saw
 Art you can hang on the wall
 Chess Pieces
 Clocks
 Letter Openers
 Plaques and ornaments
 Key holders
 Bowls
 Boxes
 You name it, you can make it on a scroll saw!
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24. Thank You
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For more information, please come
visit me at
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