Top products from r/Scrollsaw

You're doing it right (there are, as you see, a lot of opinions on how to set your patterns). But like someone else mentioned is wiping the wood down, I even give it a light sanding sometimes. Also the brand of blue painters tape can play a role (I have no clue what I use but I know one roll sticks better than another). That said I'd say that sometimes with the best pattern prep what your describing just happens. Also my first saw was a cheaper Porter Cable that vibrated quit bad at certain speeds and the pattern seemed to peel up more often. Since switching to a Dewalt I have had way less issue (because really the saw shouldn't be vibrating a ton).

Like I mentioned everyone's got a method, so a few other things to try (and I switch between some of these depending on the project):

• Trace the pattern on (using a projector or graphite paper)
  
  
• Use scroll saw tape - I like this stuff for simpler projects or when I really don't want to mess with spray adhesive. I'm pretty happy with it but it can get pricey so that's why I don't use it more.
  
  
• Try contact paper instead of blue painters tape (contact paper, then spray adhesive, then pattern)
  
  
• And some folks just spray adhesive the pattern straight to the wood but I think that's a nightmare to get it back off.

Thanks for the compliment!

I live in West Michigan and we get relatively cold winters; to keep things comfortable in the winter months, I added a spray booth to my shop. This helps keep me warm while painting and spraying lacquer. Anyway, u/wetbung is spot on, you can use an airbrush for any type of painting...it might just take a while if you're tackling larger projects. As u/wetbung also mentioned, you'll need to make sure the paint is thinned enough to flow easily through the airbrush; most people suggest you thin the paint to about the consistency of milk (kind of trial and error until you find what works, its better to go too thin than too thick since that can gum up your airbrush). As u/urbanek2525 pointed out (good eyes btw), I use standard acrylic paints; I dilute the paint using this and then apply the paint in multiple, thin, coats. While painting, make sure to spray slowly and evenly to avoid pooling. If you are trying to paint tiny pieces (like the top of the "H" and "K" for your Hulk piece), I suggest using duct tape to hold your material in place (Sticky side up so the work piece is just lightly held in place while resting on the tape. for example). Never rush a paint job, that is an easy way to screw up a lot of hard work.

I'm a little late in responding to this but congrats! I love my DeWalt.

The one accessory I bought is a lifter arm. It locks the scroll saw arm in the up position between cuts which makes it much easier to transition during fretwork. Not at all a necessity, but if you're ever wanting a small improvement, it might be worth looking into. Cheers!

I got a message back from the guy. He said it's his dad's, who used it on some of his woodworking projects. It hasn't been used in 10 years, though.

I'm concerned that it might be too old to find replacement parts if it breaks down or otherwise needs support. I was looking into cheaper saws on Amazon, but I don't know the brands well enough. I found a Rockwell scroll saw for $150, and my dad has had a Rockwell drill press in his shop for probably longer than I've been alive. Don't know if they've maintained their standards, though.

Looks neat, something I'd really be interested in. The one review on amazon is kind of poor though, have any comment on the accuracy/fragility as noted in the review? I know it's only $4, but it'd be nice if I didn't have to buy a new one every six months. ;-)

http://www.amazon.com/Helix-Angle-Circle-Maker-36002/dp/B0044S5CZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342221109&sr=8-1&keywords=HELIX%C2%AE+Angle+and+Circle+Maker

Try this:

http://www.amazon.ca/Orange-A-Peel-Cleaner-473mL-Brand/dp/B0002DU26W

Place it in a spray bottle. Clean up is great with this. It disolves the adhesive.

I've been using my scrollsaw to make some automata(will be finishing up a couple soon that I can post!) and I have been following this guys blog who makes them. Every once in a while he posts miniature powertools meant for more smaller projects. here is the scrollsaw http://www.amazon.com/Proxxon-37088-Scroll-Colors-Vary/dp/B0017NUBMQ

Although I agree with daves, would make most sense to buy second hand to see if you want to invest the extra.

I personally have not used that brand though. I already had a saw when I found out about them.

What about a delta 16" similar to this one for $100? http://www.amazon.com/DELTA-40-540-16-Inch-Variable-Scroll/dp/B00002238V

Is that better than the skil or about the same

I put this on my tables. Though, the only reason I put it on my scroll saw is so the wood slides better. The table on my Hawk is aluminum.

I got it from here page 95.

You might consider a Deadman Switch if you don’t already have one.

$90 General International BT8007 16" 1.2A Variable Scroll Saw, Red, Black & Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015R40F6W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EP8wDb51XX1VB

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UW2IRJ2

I got a set of these. There is really just one in the set I used regularly. Flat on one side and curved on the other, coming to a small point at the end.

http://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-Piece-Hobby-Carded-Length/dp/B00002N5JT/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407434449&sr=8-2&keywords=small+files

Try some BLUE loctite on the set screw. It will hold it in place but can be removed still. If you use red loctite it usually requires heat to remove the screw.

https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Heavy-Duty-Threadlocker-Single/dp/B000I1RSNS/ref=asc_df_B000I1RSNS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198054161189&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15853359351861568847&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9025389&hvtargid=pla-350863460111&psc=1

I actually bought this book

http://www.amazon.com/Making-Wooden-Chess-Sets-Kind/dp/156523457X

The pattern came from this. I picked what I thought would be one of the raiser patterns. I was wrong it was hard.

Yes after they were all cut there many hours of fine sanding with some files and a little sanding strip thing I found at rocker.

I'm by no means am expert, but 3/4" material sounds way too thick for a scroll saw.

Edit: A five second Google search not only proves me wrong, but revealed these:

Scroll Saw Blades for Thick Wood, 12-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G9POE6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_nUqzwbANHWVNT