How to use a Scroll Saw | Tutorial for Beginners

Use this link to download/print my practice patterns. riblady.com/sc...
Use this section to advance to the info you need.
0:24 What wood to use for the scroll saw?
1:10 How to select a scroll saw pattern for beginners.
2:09 How to select the right blade on a scroll saw.
2:45 How to keep the wood from bouncing on the scroll saw.
3:36 Where should my hands be when I'm using the scroll saw?
4:29 How hard should I push and how fast should the blade be going?
5:30 The easiest scroll saw technique for cutting.
7:17 Higher level techniques to use on the scroll saw.
Music from bensounds.com

[@seheabol]

I have an OLD scroll saw dad gave me. Cannot wait to try it out! Gonna make a decorative front for my birdhouse.

[@dondale68]

Careful!! As you progress to more and more intricate and difficult pieces, the more you'll get addicted!!!

[@stephenwilliams4118]

I found this so interesting. I've had a scroll saw for a number of years but NEVER used it and now am looking for some help getting started. I want to go slow and will be watching your other videos, thank you

[@james8583]

Straight up, I watched a few videos and they are either been doing it for 40 plus years or have thousands of dollars worth of tools to cut a 3 dollar piece of wood. I used to be a GC and knew a guy that rarely used a power tool, all hand work. But you used a miter saw, quick and inexpensive and then a inexpensive scroll saw and said what all beginners face and that is the bouncing of the wood. You made it look more like a hobby not a job. My money goes to my children not a tool made in China. Thanks for making it look like a hobby and not a job, which we don't get paid for. God Bless brothers and sisters.

[@andrewgoodall2183]

Better vid than the last one I watched, cheers

[@billmeyer2297]

Very helpful to new scroll saw user

[@pauldattilo7050]

What kind of safety glasses do you wear, are they prescription ? like the video, thanks for sharing.

[@dondale68]

Been cutting a while now! To apply my patterns to the wood I like using 2'' masking tape on the wood then use temp spray adhesive on the back of the pattern and stick that on the masking tape! The masking tape comes off the wood easier and cleaner! After you've scrolled out the details of an eagle's feathers you don't want to risk breaking a piece while removing the pattern,,, Patience!!

[@stevecaballero6431]

Thank you for the video it’s great I do woodwork I’ve taught myself so far I have the exact same saw you do I have not used it yet but I will soon because I’m always making things my wife bought it for me so now it’s time for me to learn and get busy with it I look forward to seeing all your videos I’m excited now to start

[@Craftedinsteel]

thanks!! definitely helped lol just got one given to me and was not going to use it until i watched this video now ive got my saw dialed in and it runs great!!!

[@DianneElliott-f2e]

Excellent video, plain and simple language. Thanks :>)

[@Blah-blah-sure]

Even though this video is 2 years old. I appreciate it. As I might be interested in a scroll saw. The story is that I have a bench top band saw. And I’m figuring that a scroll saw will allow me a much better turning radius. Btw when you were cutting the square; depending on the blade kerf. Wouldn’t it make somewhat of a small circle at the squares edges. Hopefully I’m describing it as best as possible.

[@blandry021]

Great video, I’m new to the scroll saw an was looking for a place to start. Bonus for supplying the practice templates.

[@Blah-blah-sure]

You’re not kidding. Other videos seem to be too detailed in terms & patterns. This was great for a newbie like myself

[@Rebel9668]

In a shop that big a truck might be a better option than a car. I have a fairly old Craftsman variable speed scrollsaw, but I seldom use it anymore as my cuts aren't all that intricate and I can usually get the results I'm aiming for on my bandsaw. I've also found it difficult to find a nice straight piece of lumber at the big box stores and so usually just go to my local lumber yard, that way I can also pick what specie of board I want, whereas for the most part Lowe's, etc, all have that fir whitewood or pine and occasionally red oak, but that's about all.

[@Rebel9668]

I love rubber cement, but I hate how quickly the stuff dries out inside the bottle after the first use. Seems like every time I go back later to use it again the stuff in the bottle has all turned gummy.

[@JanineMKartist]

I just bought a Ryobi scroll saw today. I’m thinking getting a foot switch will be easier . Do you think it makes it easier ? Actually the first piece I need to do has no inner detail cuts because I’ll be gluing a laser cut piece on top but it will have curves . I’ll have to use a rectangular piece of wood to fit the shape. The thickness I’ll want to do is 1/2 inch . What speed to you suggest for 1/2 inch? I’m thinking of getting small size craft wood from Home Depot.

[@daringetae5136]

Please tell me how it's this different from a bandsaw where I can attach a really thin saw to cut anything I need. I have to understand where the advantages and disadvantages are here. Thank you.

[@tommc49]

the main difference as I see it is you can drill a hole in the wood and then insert the scroll saw blade and cut out pieces in the interior without cutting through from the outside. This is not possible with the bandsaw. Also, the bandsaw cuts in one direction, down, and the scroll cuts both up and down.

[@kathymoser9750]

Recommendation on what brand of Scroll Saw to buy?

[@artsylady3187]

i don't use the thing to stop the wood from bouncing...I would call it a pressure foot but i am not sure what it is called on the saw...but I hate it and took it off mine.....do you think that is a bad idea ??? it is always blocking my view ...I couldn't stand it.....but i have to be very careful to hold my wood down while cutting.....any tips ???

[@royroberts5054]

How to change blade

[@BloodSweatandGears]

I use clear, removable shelf paper on the board, then sray adhesive on the back of my template paper, and then stick it onto the shelf paper. This allows for a smooth template that sticks, easy removal and there is no residue.

[@artsylady3187]

i am using a sticky label ....my projects are usually very small items....i get peel and stick labels from dollar tree etc...the shelf paper is a good idea too...I will try it

[@bickleberry15]

Great video mate. I have a mac allister scroll saw. Do you know how to upgrade it to pinless blades?

[@SoRealSoReal23]

I have this exact scroll saw. How do you deal with the flex in the plastic center plate when your wood piece is small?

[@dgperforms1]

Make a zero clearance plate

[@nskmda]

3:18 does Google require u 2 only blur 'promotion info' like the URL printed on the paper only 1/vid? :) It's totally [censored] practice 2 make authors blur it (unless authors verbally promote it as well).

[@tracysmith365]

You are an amazing instructor with the scroll saw.... and if I had to guess, a professional educator...if not, you should be: teaching and encouraging is your gift!

[@ribladyspecialtyshopformak5279]

Ahhh shucks... thanks Tracy Smith!

[@David-uy6ch]

Awesome

[@BloodSweatandGears]

I am back scroll sawing a month ago, after 35+ years. I am still trying to get my technique down. When I do turns (red oak and poplar) I find the blade is bending. I try to back up a little letting the blade work, but still have the issue. Any further advise? BTW, I have the same WEN scrollsaw, I added a small vacuum hose with brush near the blade so it takes all the top sawdust away. I find the little "puffer" does not work, so I have the keyboard vacuum brush attachment there. Much cleaner and the lines do not get hidden by sawdust.

[@كثيرالطيب]

ما شاء الله خبرة 👍

[@davidahart2476]

Hi, I'm just beginning to tinker in woodworking, I have a 16" craftsman scroll saw that was my dads. The saw uses the pin style blades, I don't see myself ever cutting anything that is thicker than 1" what blade(s) or brand would you recommend?

[@pennypontillo3051]

What blades are you using (brand). Mine (Olson) are too thin

[@josecarlosramirez9936]

Gracias !

[@brotherernest5993]

What about curves and sharp turns?

[@blackcobraretard8368]

You are the best

[@ribladyspecialtyshopformak5279]

You are too :)

[@banjoesnongbet8303]

Hey Bro how about a home made scroll saw? Is that possible for wood working as good as regular scroll saw, please suggest.

[@sheilaosborne3660]

I know your question is two years old but I have watched a few videos on KZbin where ppl turn jigsaws into scroll saws pretty cool

[@watchit5476]

how tight or loose do you keep your blade

[@ribladyspecialtyshopformak5279]

I like a pretty tight blade with a small amount of deflection. It's something I adjust by feel; so I just push on the side of the blade until it feels "right". It's something you will need to experiment with. If you notice when you cut, that you are getting a cut that looks like it has a taper to it; tighten your blade. If the blade pops out of the saw excessively or you are breaking a lot of blades, loosen the tension. Hope this helps... Tim

[@doonz1000]

What brand blades do you recommend?

[@ribladyspecialtyshopformak5279]

We use Olson blades.

[@apnachenal8655]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@petemagnusson2109]

Y😊

[@supportteam6808]

9:16...watch at slowest speed to see how close it came and you will see the physical evidence of why 90% of all lost fingers come from experienced tool users...that one careless...thoughtless action that they do because of their comfort with the tool. I'm so glad he didn't chop the tip of his finger off...came close...

[@nperson]

Really hard to chop the tip of a finger off with a scroll saw. One of the safest woodworking tools.

[@nskmda]

9:16 r u also teaching how to have our fingers cut off? :)

[@davidfarmer2049]

You look like you scrolled-sawed your arms.