Disabled scrollsawing

[hawkinob]

Our small scrollsaw group has been asked if we can guide (help) a disabled person to scrollsaw. Would anyone have any ideas that can help a person with the use of only one arm to use a scrollsaw?

Any thoughts, suggestions, would be welcome.

Thank you,
Bob H.

[echnidna]

Does this person have use of their legs?

[Gra]

I have no previous knowledge of this, but would have thought just convert the poweer operation to a pedal like a sewing machine. that way the good arm can be used to guide the timber and the power and speed can be controlled by the foot (Though this may be tireing on the ankle to long term use)

Just a thought I am sure someone here would have done it before though

[Iain]

I saw an article years ago in an American Mag where a stroke victim had modified a saw so he could use it one armed.
The rear tensioner knob was replaced with a gear wheel and a similar wheel was placed at the front of the saw with a chain joining the two so the tension could be adjusted without having reach across, the power was applied via a foot switch and a hold down was used to stop the workpiece bouncing up and down.
Most saws come with a hold down but most of us don't use them.
The power switch could be applied any number of way, even via a low voltage switch with a nose/chin/forehead operated joystick (as seen on electric wheelchairs).
The degree of the disability would need to be assessed before offering too many options, but, nothing is impossible and it is amazing how quickly people adapt.

[echnidna]

Everyone with a disability is different so solutions differ.
One foot can control speed and power etc.
Another foot could control a workpiece hold down.
If only the lower arm is a problem and the upper arm has sound movement it could be used.

[hawkinob]

He is able to stand for short periods but otherwise uses a powered wheelchair. The main problem might be the blade threading and changing.
Thanks for your interest and input, any further thoughts appreciated as we would like to help him.

Bob H.

[Iain]

May need to construct a table that the chair can fit under while still offering the ability to reach comfortably.
I work with disabled people now and everyones needs are different, as Bob said, the more info offered the more input/solutions we can provide.

[Red Gum]

There is agroup called Technical Support for the Disabled who are Aust wide. They are made up of mostly retired people such as Engeneers etc. They might be able to help. It is free service

Contact Perth 08 93793733 or E Mail
[email protected]

John H

[AlexS]

Talk to an Occupational Therapist at the person's hospital. They are experts at this sort of thing.
When my daughter was training, she actually did a prac. at a place that had a wood workshop.