Thread: some general questions

Originally Posted by Buzza

You really do need the proper dedicated scroll saw table. Most work by way of a reciprocating arm, (Think steam train piston rod) which means they sort of run off balance. I was lucky enough to have a mate who fabricated one for me, and he fitted rubber feet to the legs. Do some online shopping, and see how much one will set you back. Do not however, give up. Once you get the saw running smooth, you will have hours of fun, makings things of joy for others. I love to see the little kids faces when I give them something I have made.

Buzza, you haven't been following the "my shed is so small..." thread in the Woodturning forum, have you?




I've had to give up almost everything for the moment - the sun is on my work area almost all day! Looking forward to winter.

From your picture, it looks like you're using a pretty aggressive blade. Purchase a smaller blade, perhaps a size 5 or 7 with 7 to 10 tpi with reversing teeth. If your saw has speed control, slow it down. After some experience you'll probably prefer to saw without the "foot" anyway.

Have you tensioned the blade correctly?

I disagree about the table unless you have plenty of $. I am using a home made table and have no problems. I can't see why the saw can't be fixed to any good solid table.

But that is only my opinion

Red Gum

I always use reverse teeth and I do have a fair bit vibration but not to the point I'll give up scrolling.
Something doens't sound quit right to me.

All I have is a cheap ( we're talking $12 new) workbench, Ken screwed to the bottom of the saw that has a 2X4 screwed to the middle... so when I put the saw on the workbench I can tighten the bench.... in theory.... what I usually do is throw a rubbermat over it and sit the saw on that.. makes it tight enough for most work.

The reverse teeth aren't a problem.. usually.... once you're used to holding the work down..... no worries about cutting your fingers... I have had my 6 year old on that saw... just keep them to the left or right of the blade and you'll be fine.
The wood you use seems to be fairly thin, so yes... I agree with the guys.... better to use a finer blade... Harris Traders have now a #3 modified geometry I have used a few times and am very happy with. I only mention this because it seems to be a ladie's thing - all the women in our club love the modified blades and the guys hate it... soooo... give it a try!
An added bonus is that it's pretty forgiving if you push a bit hard in the beginning.
If you still have bouncing problems..... slow down a bit.... and if the wood is really thin it might be an idea to just tape two together and cut them in one go... I find that much easier then trying to cut a really thin, fine board by itself.

If you decide to keep the hold down.... it should not move!!!!!!!!!

Juvy

Originally Posted by ElizaLeahy

Dratted thing!!!

I'm sorry I bought it.

Once you have made a few adjustments you will be retracting the words you said above.

When I first got mine I was having the same sort of problems and if you follow the suggestions that others have posted you should be right.

You have your saw on a dining table so I'd say that you don't want to bolt it down, maybe rubber matting or a piece of carpet will be of some help to stop or ease the vibrations.

I wont repeat what others have said but have a look some of the videos on you tube, have a look at Steve Goods site and some scrollsaw sites, you'll learn heaps from them.

Try some finer blades and don't push to hard against the blade with your work let the blades do the cutting and that may help with the chattering of the timber.

good luck and don't give up
Brendan

One more question.. if your saw is on the dining table... what kind of chair do you sit on? Your chair should be high enough so you elbows are about even with the saw table.. kind of the same position you should have when you type on the computer.

It's also helpful to riase the back of the saw, tilting it towards yourself... that makes it much easier to see what you're doing and you get less or no neck strain! If you're comfortable you're going to enjoy scrolling much more ... and longer

Juvy

Just another thought on your saw vibrating. It might be worth checking if the table brackets are tight. That is where the saw table pivots. If they are loose it will alow the table to jump around. they don't need to be so tight thatn you can't adjust the table angle. While you are at it all the other bits and pieces should be checked that they are not loose.

Red Gum