Q&A for How to Use a Scroll Saw

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Question

How is the center cut out?

Community Answer

A small hole is drilled, then the blade is removed and placed into the hole. Cut around it, then remove the blade once you're done.

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Question

What are some health and safety tips when working with a scroll saw?

Community Answer

Never put your fingers in direct line with the blade. Always hold the wood down tight. Never push the wood into the blade, only gently push the wood.

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Question

How do I choose a blade for a particular job?

Community Answer

It all depends on your project. The thinner the blade, the easier it will be to make tighter and quicker turns, which are good if you need to cut out small things. Thicker blades are the opposite. They make it difficult to make quick and tight turns, but they are good for cutting out thicker pieces of wood.

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Question

Why are my blades breaking so quickly?

Community Answer

You're probably pushing the wood too fast -- doing so puts pressure on the blade. Remember that the thicker the blade, the easier it is to cut through thick wood (though it's harder to turn on a curve). Try using a thicker blade than the one you are using.

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Question

What are the safety rules when using a scroll saw?

Community Answer

Always use PPE (personal protective equipment) and always play it safe. Never go too fast for your pace.

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Question

How long does it take to memorize the steps and functions of the scroll saw?

Kaitlyn Wislang

Community Answer

The length of time that it takes to feel confident with using a scroll saw differs from person to person. However, the more practice that you get with using one, the more quickly you will learn the ropes.

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Question

What are the parts and uses of a scroll saw?

Kaitlyn Wislang

Community Answer

A scroll saw is used to cut out intricate and detailed designs in materials such as wood and metal. Scroll saws have many parts, such as a saw arm, the blade, a light, an electrical connection, and function switches.

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Question

How do I slow down my saw?

Kaitlyn Wislang

Community Answer

You can change the speed of your scroll saw if it is a multi-speed type. Adjust it to a lower speed that you feel comfortable with. However, some types of scroll saws do not have adjustable speeds, so they cannot be slowed down.

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Question

How do I use a blade that cuts in any direction?

Kaitlyn Wislang

Community Answer

A spiral blade allows the machine to cut in any direction. Simply guide your project around the blade, and change the direction of your project as necessary.

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Question

How old do I need to be to use a scroll saw?

Community Answer

There is no age restriction as long as you are educated and have been taught how to use it, but always ask a guardian or someone who uses the machine often to help you out.

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Question

How do you change the blade?

Community Answer

Try to flick over the lever at the back of the saw to take the tension off the blade, this is what I do on mine. My blades have two horizontal 'bars' - one at each end. I push the blade down through the access hole in the saw; the teeth need to face forwards, doh!, and point downwards. The blade fits through a slot on the lower arm 'keeper' and the horizontal bar on the blade hooks on. You need to keep tension upwards on the blade to stop it unhooking. The horizontal bar on the top of the blade hooks on to the upper arm keeper, the arm may need to be pushed down to let the bar slip on to it. Remember to tension the blade again. It can help to look underneath the saw with a torch to see the lower keeper.

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Question

What happens if the blade breaks?

Community Answer

Put a new one in if it breaks - this happens all the time and blades are cheap.

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