I Scroll Sawed for the First Time YIKES!! | Lessons Learned

[@NewtonMakes]

Well, I scroll sawed for the first time and well....I think I did okay...I think. This video is a bit talky, but that's because I'm explaining the lessons learned from my first time ever using a scroll saw. I hope it helps those who are thinking about jumping into the hobby!

[@KSFWG]

Use blue painter's tape on the wood first, then your pattern, and then packing tape. Packing tape lubes the blade. You can get sanding blades to sand any edges/areas that need it. Great first time project! You did very well!

[@NewtonMakes]

Smart move with the tape. There are sanding blades?! Alright I'll look into those too.

[@CharlesDearingScroller]

I watched until the end. It was fun to see someone trying scrolling for the first time. Great communication as well. Scroll sawing is my passion in life. It's all my channel is. I'd love to have a discussion with you if we can somehow connect.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks for the kind words. I hope to learn a lot about it and have a lot of projects ahead of me.

[@kevinmeachem2138]

Adding the “What I Learned” section is amazingly useful to us DIYers and very inspiring to try something new.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks! I thought it might help others. At least I hoped it would. 😂

[@tjhummer7368]

Many scroll saw blades have the kerf all on one side of the blade. Keep the kerf on the scrap side of the cut for much less sanding.

[@peterclifton7069]

I think you did brilliantly for a first attempt. I am almost 18 months into it now and still struggling. Getting a little faster and more confident each time but still unsure. I do my corners like you, nibble at them...lol.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks! Yeah corners are taking a bit of time to get used to, but after some practice this week I think I'm getting better.

[@monikasturm2575]

Just got my first scroll saw and I'm so excited to get to using it. Used one back when I was 18 and fell in love. Now that my kids are all over 21 I treated myself.

[@bender49ers]

Awesome are you gonna be posting your work? I am in the same boat it's hobby time for me. I'm more of a metal art worker but just scored a garage full of wood tools.

[@kylemunley]

This is a great video. I also recently came into possession of a "new to me" scroll saw and I've been excited to jump into a project. Your willingness to post a video of your first project is reassuring and I picked up a bunch of tips from your experience. Thanks for that!

[@paulmcdermott689]

What I use for my templates is sticky label paper. Sticks to the wood really well and peels off easily. Great video and an awesome first project.

[@NewtonMakes]

That's a nice tip right there! 👍

[@mrapache10]

Also lay painters tape on the wood then stick pattern to that. Then add packing tape to the top before you drill your holes. They say the glue in the packing tape lubricates the blade.

[@jacklacaze2604]

Take a blade wrap it in sandpaper & use the back side of the blade. Basically put the blade in backwards. Hope this helps with that fine sanding. Awesome job!!!

[@NewtonMakes]

Awesome tip thanks!!

[@MMWoodworking]

Nice work. I have an 80's or 90's pin-blade Craftsman that basically shakes the entire room when it is on. I only ever use it for finishing tight bandsaw cuts. I only use it once in a blue moon, but when I need it, I need it. For sanding, I just CA very small strips of sandpaper to very thin, strips of wood. I use hard maple, so that I can get the strip of wood very small, but then it has some stiffness. I also sand the edge of the strip to a point, so that the sandpaper then forms into a point, but has backing.

[@pteddie6965]

I think that the project looks good. I suspect that you are going to be good at scroll sawing like you are at everything else. Thanks for sharing this one with us.

[@NewtonMakes]

Too kind! I feel like I'm getting better with each project.

[@TheJoeyboots]

Pretty amazing for a first time user. Scroll saw has a learning curve.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thank you. I really enjoy it and feel like I'm getting better and better.

[@AnthonyFrancisJones]

Thanks for this - great thoughts. BTW I bought a second hand scroll saw with a blade fitted already and mad keen to try it out I nearly injured myself as the workpiece jumped all over the place! On inspection and checking the blade was perpendicular to the worktable I noticed it had been fitted upside down thus lifting the workpiece on every stroke! Something to look out for and not many videos for beginners mention correct fitting of directional toothed blades!

[@adhdadventures6495]

You can buy a sandpaper piece that is 1/4 wide and connects to your saw like a blade. Mine's on the way. I have lots of tiny spaces in my work. I am a beginner too!

[@nateswoodcraft6715]

Turned out awesome. Don't be afraid to adjust the speed of the saw. I use blue tape under the picture, because it comes off easier. A small cheap set of files works great for inside touch ups. Take your time and keep practicing 👍

[@NewtonMakes]

Adjusting the speed is something I have to get used to. I played with it a bit but not much. It's rare that any other tool has that feature so it's not something I naturally consider. I definitely need to pick up some tiny files!

[@Mineboy24157]

You did a hell of a lot better then I did the first time! Great video.

[@sandiekelley8513]

Painter's tape is also Great for placing between the pattern and the wood. With the double sided tape between tape and pattern, it is easier to take off when you are done and no sticky stuff left behind.

[@NewtonMakes]

Agreed. Though, now I use contact paper. It works great!

[@keithpfrang2114]

I bought a Craftsman scroll saw several years ago fir a single project. Our church was disposing of a plethora of old books. My wife had seen a book cut into a single letter. She decided this would make a good gift. She picked a couple of books relevant to the recipients and I cut them into the first letter of their last name. Others saw them and I ended up cutting about 30 books into letters. I think I’ve only used the saw a couple of times since. I might dust it off and try it out again now. Thanks.

[@partygirl178]

Nice work and video. I really liked the "lessons learned" at the end.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks! Hopefully they save some people a bit of time and frustration.

[@sylviashandmade6429]

Hello from Germany and happy new year. Here is a tip to prevent burning marks. Use clear tape on the top, this will hold the subject in place and prevent burning marks. I do it the same way and have not yet had any burn marks. I stick paper tape under the motif beforehand so that no traces of glue remain on the wood. I hope these tips help you a little further.

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

The project turned out great. I've been on the fence about scroll saws but now I really want to give it a try. Of course I won't be buying an Excalibur but I've seen a few quality brand names at pawn shops recently. I had no idea about blade selection either... No idea there were that many options but I didn't know there were that many options for band saws or table saws... Now I do! Excellent video and I really do appreciate how you're not afraid to show or talk about your mistakes. It's super relatable and honest. Love you man. Keep up the incredible, excellent work... You don't get amazing until you do Spider-Man... LOL! Just FYI

[@pg763]

Really a good video, need videos like these from time to time, U explain and show it in a good and clear way. Which helps people. Keep up the good work.. waiting for the next videos and more in depth info.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thank you for the kind words! Hopefully you'll like some of the stuff soon to come out.

[@bradalden6520]

Great video. I don't have a scroll saw and haven't watched a video on this technique before. This was interesting and I like the silhouette project... I look forward to see what you do next.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks for watching. Hopefully it helps so you don't make all of my mistakes. I thought a silhouette would be a fun, not as hard project to start off. I wanted a balance between cool, challenging, but not overwhelming.

[@peggyraun-linde6336]

Wow great first artwork! I have a brand new dewalt scroll saw ready for use in my shop. Think I’ll get a variety pack of saw blades given what you shared. Super impressed! Bravo 👏🏼

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks, that's awesome to hear that you're getting into it as well. That Dewalt saw has a lot of great reviews. I picked up some #2, #5, #7, #9 blades. But I mainly used a #5. I found a cool cheat sheet on blades that I'll try to post on my community tab.

[@peggyraun-linde6336]

@@NewtonMakes cool. Thanks for the details

[@kellyjean4981]

Very helpful. I appreciate you sharing your first attempt at scroll sawing.

[@tiffanysmith2255]

I know this is a old video. I actually bought my scroll saw two years ago and after watching your video, I have the confidence to go out there and try something! :-) Thank you so much for putting this out. It really helped me out a whole lot :-) look forward to checking out your channel new subscriber here… :-)

[@NewtonMakes]

I have a second channel called Newton Makes Art that is dedicated to scroll sawing. You might like some of the videos. kzbin.info

[@jameswinter9246]

Great job Newton, You got the attention of two of the masters, Steve Good and Charles Dearing.! I agree doing is the best way to learn, but you will want to watch both of their channels as Steve will refine the art of the straight blade and there is none better at the spiral blade than Charles. If you want to break a few blades while learning, try the spirals.

[@NewtonMakes]

Awesome to hear that there so a few folks out there who know their way around a saw. I picked up some spiral blades recently. We'll see how they go.

[@gerry3999]

You did fantastic. A suggestion, wrap your sandpaper around a chopstick. It is fine enough for most corners, if it needs to be smaller, use a toothpick.

[@andypire6278]

I’m surprised that you didn’t break any blades with relatively thick maple for your first time. Packing tape will come up with the top layer of paper, people even have issues with vinyl. I think I have heard good luck if you follow the lines on your paper with CA glue, but that’s more sanding and possible staining or stain blocking in the wood

[@NewtonMakes]

Yeah me too but I also didn't think this maple was thick until I started cutting it. In everything else that I do, this board would have been super thin. That was a big lesson learned for me.

[@steveneugene339]

Awesome job . Great attitude .Keep on scrolling .

[@justinbyers1441]

Looking good brother, once you get in the groove you'll be hooked, i think i did the FFA logo in one day... 298 cuts, took 10 hours 🥵

[@NewtonMakes]

That's exactly what I'm thinking too. I'm already working on my second project and it's taken me 20hrs. I didn't film it. I didn't want any pressure. I'm totally hooked at this point!

[@steveneugene339]

5 is a great go to blade . Spiral blades are hard to get use to. let the machine do the work . Cucttttttt from the middle out . And yes tape it also lubricates your blade. Burning will dissipate with tape and maple will burn . Awesome job and than some .

[@cmjudco]

Thanks a lot for sharing your lessons learned! That will be really helpful for others who are beginners as well!

[@NewtonMakes]

That was definitely the point. I didn't just want to show me screwing up. I wanted to show what would have helped.

[@georgestgeorge5110]

Thick packing tape does help. It will still lift a little, but won't break off and blow away. Feels like it lubricates the blade as well. Not sure.. A set of needle files really helps with sanding small areas.

[@NewtonMakes]

I'll have to look into lubricant for it. Needle files are a good idea, thanks!

[@cabman86]

I got my start with a harbor freight scroll saw over 20 years ago. It still runs like new too!

[@NewtonMakes]

You can find some real gems at HF.

[@TheJdstout]

thanks for the tips! biggest tip i got was the packing tape on the design it helped a ton !!! my first time using a scrolll saw and a did san juan capistrano mission !! turned out great thanks again cheers!

[@karengreene1999]

Great video. Haven’t got my machine yet but this is going to be helpful to me.

[@JB-tb1rq]

Awesome video and well done! I loved the “lessons learned” section. I personally have never used a scroll saw, but you made it look easy! What would you say is the maximum thickness of a board you could use with one? Will you be making any projects that have different contours/depths to the pieces like the wings of the eagle you showed?

[@NewtonMakes]

You can go up to a few inches thick. I don't have a desire to do that, at least not yet. I like thinner pieces like 1/8 - 1/4" and want to make art that's layered. But who knows in the future? They make blades that are designed to remove the waste when cutting out thicker boards.

[@styopazharkov7807]

This is actually very helpful. Thank you!

[@woodyoulove-reynaldguibone6890]

For me, when it comes to pattern, I like to fill with grey the area I want to cut out and black for outlines. Because if it's all white and what only separates it is the outline, it will confuse me and sometimes cutting out what's need to be retain.

[@NewtonMakes]

That's completely understandable. We have to figure out exactly what works best for us.

[@gerque9]

Thank you for showing the whole cut!

[@paulroussell]

Glad you started on an easy one 😉

[@krichmar]

I'm about to use a scroll saw for the very first time and found this to helpful. Thanks Newton. Have you considered epoxying that piece? Could make for a cool video - trying to get some of that galaxy pattern with epoxy and some spray paint perhaps? Just a thought! Wonderful work. Thanks for sharing.

[@garyfairbrother5532]

Good advice and from my experience I can vouch for your conclusions. Right now I’m transitioning from being a novice at scrolling with old style pinned blades to the new style plain end ones. I can’t seem to get the hang of changing blades in the speedy non-figgity way I see more experienced users do. I’m gonna check that out on KZbin next! Like RIGHT now. Any suggestions???

[@johnduffy6546]

For a first attempt, I'd have to give you a "9" outta 10. Some good quality needle files might help you out sanding tight areas. Best of luck to you on your new adventure, I have a feeling you are going to do very well. Steve Good is a very helpful resource.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks, yes it seems that I need to look into some various files. I've been meaning to do that anyway so this is yet another excuse. 🤣

[@johnbeach4447]

Blade quality is important. I use precision ground blades for precise cuts. Leaves almost a polished edge. Also, scroll saw choice is also important. I was less than satisfied with the dewalt saw. I had problems with blade tracking, and longevity. I now only use Hegner scroll saws (I have 3) and will last you your lifetime.

[@NewtonMakes]

Hegner is a heck of a scroll saw. That's awesome!

[@anitakerry3032]

I must say for soneone that has never used one you seem to have no trouble going around corners and bends. I stilll trying to get my head around going around bends myself you make it look so easy and its really not in my opinion . Ill keep trying haven't given up yet.

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Thanks for sharing your learning !

[@davidwebb9752]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. No lathe in my shop so I’m looking for plans for 3D chess pieces to cut on my scroll saw. Seen any good ideas?

[@FrankPugliese-p5f]

Whenever I tried to use my scroll saw the blades bends and I can’t cut the curves. Do you have any tips for me? Thank you

[@namethem00]

@@FrankPugliese-p5f same here!!

[@jameymikels1886]

1973....... 8 years old my dad got me a scroll saw..... my first power tool...... I never thought about the learning curve for adults using one...... I guess I always assumed people did this first for any woodworking!

[@NewtonMakes]

We have to start somewhere. When I was 8 was lighting stuff on fire with a wood burner. I'm sure there are adults who have never used one.

[@PouriaBuilds]

thank you , very very helpful video .

[@Bilal-f5f7w]

I'm looking for a scroll saw.. u did well m8. If its out a nuts knacker its OK I think u would really know but looks good m8

[@garysullivan8203]

Been scrolling for 4 years now. Retired but I’m not scrolling for hours and hours. When I feel like it. I have yet to brake a blade. Common sense goes a long way. I scroll with 3/4 cherry and maple exclusively

[@bkm6175]

Had a Excalibur for 8 years best move ever made

[@ellonysman]

Lol...I have one as of today....hope I learn something here!! Hmmm...still not sure bout this lol😮

[@NewtonMakes]

I have a second channel kzbin.info that is all scroll sawing. It may help.

[@Blah-blah-sure]

Old video, but just came across it. I’m not buying it, that it’s your 1st time. But it looks great. I also am considering buying a scroll saw. But I’ll bet, that eve,n as I make my 1st box. That it won’t turn out very good.

[@hangingoutwithronwalters4505]

A reverse blade will help with the sanding. packing tape will actually lubricate the blade.

[@NewtonMakes]

I used a reverse blade. I use packing tape all the time now. It helps in a lot of ways.

[@newlife1123]

I m planning to buy makita sj401.. any review about it will be helpful 🥺 as in india we dont have many brand options to buy scroll saw

[@nemo227]

I'm left with just one question. Well, maybe it's a two-part question. Did you beat up Superman to get that shirt or did you just get him drunk and roll him? Either way, much respect.😯

[@SkyeWelse]

Thanks for the great video. I'm thinking of purchasing a Ryobi scroll saw soon to help a lot more with interior cuts in some of my planned projects. I never knew how intricate you could get with these and wanted to thank you for sharing your lessons learned. I design and cut things all the time with my Cricut Maker, but it just doesn't cut wood very well even when the wood is very thin and balsa and I don't really have the budget for a Glowforge or other laser cutting type of tool. One question I do have, can other materials be used with a scroll saw besides wood? Would this work well for cutting intricate shapes out of say, acrylic? I'd like to make a Neon-style sign that I saw on a different KZbin video and they way they did it was that they fed a flex-led tubing through a precut channel within a acrylic outline. Of course in that one, they used a Glowforge to simplify that process...

[@NewtonMakes]

I have a glowforge and understand how expensive it is. I've seen people cut other things with a scroll saw, but I recommend looking up scroll saw blades to see if they make them for different materials you want to use. If they do then you should be good.

[@SkyeWelse]

@@NewtonMakes Thanks! Solid advice and had not thought about the blades themselves having special types that would be more versatile for various surfaces, just kind of thought it was for wood projects only. It makes sense, you have different blades for jigsaws depending on what is being cut. Thanks!

[@uniquegirls1599]

One way to sand the tiny bits is clamp some Sand paper to your blade actually held by the clamp together with the blade, and set ya saw going, kinda wrap it in a tube around ya blade 🤙😉

[@NewtonMakes]

Nice scroll tip 👍

[@nemo227]

Or have your apprentice do it.

[@thatdude8247]

@@nemo227 great now I got to hire an apprentice to sand something stupid I decided to make in the garage at 2am cause I'm an insomniac

[@nemo227]

@@thatdude8247 Well, sure; all great artists make sacrifices. Leonardo had to hire an apprentice to sand the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel before he could paint his great works on the same ceiling. I have it on good authority; my cousin Luigi said his great grandfather told him. True story.😇

[@Blah-blah-sure]

Hey, I'm watching this video again. How's the Excalibur holding up

[@NewtonMakes]

Fantastic tool

[@wolfsbaneslayer4043]

Can I use the scroll saw on copper for jewelry

[@PureBloodWNC]

Do you happen to have a list of tilting head scroll saws?

[@stancochran702]

Look at the SEYCO scroll saw.

[@clivemilner]

As a newbie woodworker, you have done very well.

[@alangeorgebarstow]

If you buy some superb Pégas Modified Geometry blades, you will find they do everything you ask of them. [I have not yet heard anyone, on KZbin, pronounce Pégas properly yet. It is "Pay-Gar", not "Peg-Ass".🤣]

[@CraftyCrafty]

I use red lines as black on white i lose the line staring at it for so long.

[@NewtonMakes]

That's a clever idea 👍

[@jericochavez209]

Works just fine.

[@agungatlet22channel]

Yesss I Like It 👍👍👍

[@toditodomundo3438]

Lindo trabalho qual lamina você usa

[@artvisionman]

Hi Is there any tool to hold the tiny piece to protect your hand ?

[@NewtonMakes]

I'm not entirely sure. You could clamp the work piece onto a larger one and then cut it out. That could help. I'm still learning myself.

[@MichaelKloepfer68]

Wish my first attempts were with a 1,000 dollar tool and not 65$ harbor freight

[@lisa_abc_123]

You got a good deal, I got mine yesterday for $90 and that’s with the 10% off lol

[@lloyd770]

You did great. I have a $150.00 WEN Scroll Saw and look forward to my first Excalibur Scroll Saw.

[@zachr7708]

The WEN is surprisingly good for the price.

[@MikeyDonna]

How do you expect anyone to give you any advice when you show it in fast motion ?

[@markduggan3451]

Rather than black and white try gray and white.

[@gone2thedogs265]

Best to slow the saw way down and go slow its not a race. It looks like you had the saw set at full speed.

[@guitardzan5641]

I am deeply suspecious of anyone who would actually use the word, "Yikes."

[@nemo227]

Yikes is a very good word, especially when used in place of actual swear words around children. I remember getting soap in my mouth for using swear words I had just learned back around 1942 or 1943. Yeah, some "lessons" stick with us a loooooonnngg time.

[@guitardzan5641]

@@nemo227 Take the soap out and spit. Life is fvckin good!

[@nemo227]

@@guitardzan5641 Now you tell me. Where was your advice in 1943? 😪

[@guitardzan5641]

@@nemo227 Assuming it was your mother who administered the soap, I am forced to reconsider my comment. If your mom told you to use "Yikes" in place of profanity, you obviously had no choice. Moms have the power. Every real man knows that! Yikes! I was wrong!

[@nemo227]

@@guitardzan5641 My mom was probably a saint. I can't recall ever hearing her use a profanity of any kind. She likely has cause to use profanity: a widow with 3 boys and 2 girls. Yeah, she was a saint.

[@yaowsers77]

all the blades...oi

[@A_Stereotypical_Heretic]

Scroll saws are soooo slow ☹️

[@dougberg7746]

You are not a first time scrollsawer. But I appreciate your attempt at showing a newbie what to look forward to. Good instructional video but don’t insult my intelligence by saying you have never scrollsawed before.

[@stevel8980]

Too much talking! But still good 👍

[@james8583]

Way to much work. If you want a hobby this isn't for anyone. First, today it is power tools. These guys are moving the wood not the tool. How many power tools did Michelangelo or DiVinici use? When you want a hobby we want to put the tool together and press a button or two and ready to go. Also, getting patterns cost money and you now need a printer and glues and basically I am working and using a 500 dollar tool to cut a 2 dollar piece of wood. This man had thousands of dollars of tools. Lastly, he is on KZbin and obviously didn't research on KZbin, thus, if he has issues imagine a person that has the mind set that says this isn't for me. Also, what do you do with all these little things you make that sits on a shelf and collects dust? Maybe I'm a little cynical but he does this for a living. When I was a G.C. yeah I was getting paid for the day, just had to worry about time and there was no such thing as learning on certain jobs. Other jobs we took guys with potential and trail and error for them, but we are getting paid, putting no money out (so to speak) without getting money up front. A hobby is ok, well I will do this for an hour before I go and to that or meet my son for lunch. A hobby isn't supposed to be unpaid work and if you "love" or then you should have been a carpenter, a true blue carpenter or an apprentice and get your hands roughed up a bit working. God Bless brothers and sisters. P.S. sorry so long but I think for most these videos do a disservice because unless you have hands on experience your experience isn't ever (or rarely) be like the guys in the video. P.S.S. again thousand dollars for tools for a hobby, really!

[@marineman2298]

james, you aren't cynical you are a jerk. Geez, lighten up. Good video. Doesn't matter what you think and your analogy regarding Michelangelo and DiVinci is stupid and flawed. Do you think they would have foregone using power tools if they had them back in the day? Wrong. PS- Used Excalibur scroll saws can easily be found for a couple hundred dollars.

[@garyfairbrother5532]

I stopped reading your reply when you wrote “Maybe I’m cynical”…really…maybe??? REALLY?

[@olliecrow3547]

@@marineman2298 well said!

[@olliecrow3547]

​@@garyfairbrother5532and so did I

[@clivemilner]

As a newbie woodworker, you have done very well.

[@clivemilner]

As a newbie woodworker, you have done very well.