Scroll Saw 101 - How to Use a Scroll Saw

[@barbaraness4507]

I am new to woodworking, however I’ve been a seamstress for over forty years, and I found some similarities between the two. For example replacing the blade is similar to replacing a sewing machine needle, and the method of having the saw faster while working with thicker materials. My husband has been building things since he was a teen so he’ll be able to help me, but I’d like to learn, and start out with a good knowledge of it.

[@jeffendicott8754]

Just a tip. Cover the wood you want to cut out with blue painter tape, and then glue the pattern to that. Makes it much easier to remove the leftover pattern.

[@CalebsShop]

yes that is a great tip for sure! 👍🏽

[@Kyle-vj1by]

Just a tip?

[@heatherroydiy]

This is a great tip

[@AudraT]

Thank you!

[@ashlaunicaalpari4584]

Awesome straight forward instruction for someone like me, who has no clue how to use this yet.

[@richardcruz3790]

Straight to point video. Used to use school saw to cut out dimensional letters for retail stores. Not wood, but Styrofoam. Then paint the letters and simply glue them onto a plaque. Old school

[@The_Dirt_Merchant]

Great tutorial! I just picked this one up at a yard sale yesterday for $15 bucks! Ready to get back to wood working!

[@CorollaAviles]

Me too I pay $15box , check harbor freight $110

[@OldCowboySongs525]

Based on your recommendation I just went to Home Depot and bought one of these Ryobi Scroll Saws! Thanks for the video

[@RealTuckered]

Sweet, thanks for the info. I am about to go buy the same saw, started woodworking recently and it’s safe to say I’m addicted. Nothing like that smell!

[@KittysLifeAdventures]

I haven’t used a scroll saw since I was in school decades ago. This was so much simpler than back then. Maybe it was just complicated because I was a kid. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thanks for sharing the video!

[@stansigstad9316]

I just spent $200 on a scroll saw today and don't know what to with it yet but your video gave me the basics

[@cambuxton6835]

Only some of the basic information. Please please look up scroll saw usage safety before you try using it.

[@tbarboza433]

Just a Ryobi!? Show some respect! Lol I love me some Ryobi.

[@cilla3636]

awesome channel.lost my husband 6 months ago suddenly we were together 20 years😔 I've been wanting to learn droll saw work

[@CalebsShop]

sorry about your loss. this is a fun hobby I hope you can get into it! 👍🏽

[@jomama5186]

I have been dying to get one of these and make lots of stuff. Thank you for making this so much fun!

[@ajax1736]

What are some things that you are thinking of or planning to make?

[@yejiz_nuts]

thank you for this video! im new to wood working and was worried id new some expensive band saw but a scroll saw would do everything i need!

[@robertnolan6867]

Thanks for this video. I'm having difficulty with the blade, getting it in and out. The bottom especially when trying to find the slot and then with the top. I loosen the know in the very back for tension relief but it seems I'm not able to insert the blade correctly. A friend gave this Ryobi, same as yours, and maybe it's a bit dirty where the grooves are concerned? I also liked, and appreciated the way to make cut outs drilling a hole then proceeding. Happy schooling!

[@CookieEngineering]

Really great video. I love that it is straight to the point.Can’t wait to get started.

[@irishchopper9065]

Thanks so much for this video! I just started and this is beneficial in many ways.

[@nore8141]

Great video and commentary thanks.

[@thomasgoins1874]

Just bought a used one at the flea market thanks for letting me know how to use it.

[@cambuxton6835]

There is more to it than he mentioned. But he covers some important things to know. Just remember to look up basic safety instructions and information on using a scroll saw safely. You will be very glad you did.

[@kimclyburn4543]

This was very helpful. Thanks for sharing

[@napalmnacey]

Noooo, the getting the blade hooked into the bottom notch is what I needed help on, you edited it out! LOLOL. I never used this brand of scroll saw before and it's driving me absolutely batty trying to get the blade back in!!

[@KGNAHDEE-a.k.a.PeanutsnCorn]

THANKS FOR THIS, I JUST BOUGHT THE SAME ONE YOU ARE USING

[@brandinhaskins8106]

Thank you! Last year I was struggling to use one in design and build hopefully I don't have that problem this year

[@joanneshaw3071]

Thanks for the video. I’ve just purchased one of these tools. I had the Dremel version many years ago but it doesn’t seem to be around now so got this one

[@Bilal-f5f7w]

Thanks for sharing any updates as I'm think of buying a scroll saw

[@Jill221]

I got the same machine yesterday! I am so excited

[@CorollaAviles]

Hello very good, thanks,I'm putting a blade just now

[@Anthonyinkz]

Thankyou, great information for all new to scroll saw users

[@ChrisOttoMusic]

If you were cutting really thin pieces of wood, would you adjust the speed differently?

[@AudraT]

You're a life saver!

[@jnrpyatt]

Great video! Thank you for explaining it so simple.

[@CalebsShop]

you are very welcome! thanks for watching! 👍🏽

[@barbaraness4507]

Thanks so much for this video it was very informative, and was easy to follow.

[@mariofriggieri1629]

Thanks for this video.

[@good0179]

Great video. Thanks for making it. Very helpful.

[@petermuteti6485]

Thank you so much. I went to start making the same. What other tools do I need? Peter

[@wickedjesteret]

Great video! I was gifted a new scroll saw after wanting one for years and did not have directions. Couple questions: Is the machine capable of cutting through resin as well as wood? And what is the max thickness of wood/resin that it can cut?

[@rileydaniels188]

Bit late, but yes scroll saws can cut through resins, plastics, and even small gauge non ferrous metals. I think the average maximum is 2 inch thickness but all saws and blades are different. Read up on your particular model

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

Thanks, needed this for my woodwork class guitar project lol

[@CalebsShop]

awesome have fun! 👍🏽

[@ade-woodcrafts]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5e0oJRri86Lqas&feature=share

[@lisa_abc_123]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@yolandagofigure]

Is it a necessity to have the speed control??

[@Awesomewally]

Thank you for this video!

[@sfmele]

Great intro! Thanks!

[@BigEbobbers76]

Does the saw cut better without the foot? Most videos I a have watched don't have them, just curious

[@Mark-yb1sp]

Excellent video.

[@seadahl80]

Do you have to bolt down the saw to the table or is it sturdy enough just sitting on top of the table?

[@cambuxton6835]

Depends on the brand. Some brands it is advisable to bolt them down. Especially lighter weight models of scroll saw. Really large and heavy ones do not always need it due to their weight and size. But with smaller ones and light weight ones it would be better to bolt them down to the workbench or table. If you can not bolt them down, sometimes you can use clamps to hold them down if they vibrate or jump up and down on you. Sometimes an anti vibration mat can help with vibration too a little bit. But if it is lifting up or vibrating or jumping a lot bolting it down or using clamps will help with that a lot.

[@soniapichalsky8185]

You said this is a cheaper version what’s the best kind?

[@milokatrak4148]

Can you cut plywood with this machine? Thanks so much. Great video

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Yes

[@GGates-uk7gk]

Great video. I made a reindeer from a 1x8x6 with my jigsaw. It was hard, so I used gift cards to Home Depot and splurged to buy the Ryobi 16" scroll saw. I was disappointed because it was not any easier to cut through the 3/4" wood. What type of blade should I be using?

[@wendydee3007]

Would a scroll saw work for cutting slices of a small branch to make rustic buttons? Thanks.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

It would work but isn’t really practical. A mitre saw, bandsaw, or even a very sharp handsaw would be superior.

[@pimc172]

@@canadiangemstones7636 putting branches on a mitre saw or a bandsaw is a terrible advice in the hand of someone that has to ask this question. Pieces need to be secure and you need a sharp blade on the mitre saw. On the bandsaw we use sled to clamp it firm.

[@colleenconrade3156]

Thanks for the video… I have this very saw and came to see if I was doing it wrong 🤣 (although there’s literally not much I could do wrong) but I would think you would get a nice smooth pass like when I use my bandsaw but Nooooo the wood jumps up and down on the table and the saw moves/vibrates backwards so I’m chasing it (I guess I can find a way to clamp it down). It it’s SOOO LOUD 😳my word !!! I’ve only used it maybe 3 times - I’ll have to give it a go again. And all I was cutting was an untreated cedar picket

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

If the wood is jumping, you may have the blade in upside down, so the cutting is taking place on the upstroke rather than the downstroke. Try typing "which way is up" in the search bar and it should bring you to a video I did on this. It will show you how to know which way is up with a scroll saw blade

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Actually, get more specific and type in "which way is up with a scroll saw blade" and you should find my video and several others that will explain how to mount the blade in the proper direction.

[@azbowhunter1219]

I have the same one, how do you use the pinnless blades?

[@pablotrinidad8749]

I have a question that saw work small aluminum. 😊

[@brendarunkle8796]

What size blade do you use?

[@JimWatsonTheframingMagician]

Do you have a video on how to make and attach a rip fence to the tool?

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Two clamps and a length of straight scrap wood...

[@bumponlog]

I love learning new ways to remove my fingers

[@Changeisgood2024]

Can you cut acrylic with this saw?

[@zavellart]

Is there any use case for this over a laser cutter? I got one as a gift and I cant think of any reason I wouldn't always use a laser cutter for cutting vector shapes like this. The only thing I can think of is for wood that is particularly hard that the laser doesn't cut through all the way, you could use this to finish the job.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

No ugly burnt edges, and can cut thicker wood. And zero computer programming lol.

[@sreekumarUSA]

051423/0133h PST 🇺🇸 Thank you very much for the Ryobi Variable Speed Scroll Saw usage demonstration. I was going to buy a larger 9” Craftsman twin wheel Band Saw. But, after viewing your demon, I opted out the idea for, either Ryobi or Harbor Freight (Central Machinery), prices being the same for both. Being a hobbyist I will only cut small acrylic pieces and I find your demo educated me to go for your choice. Best wishes.

[@cambuxton6835]

Band saws are great for cutting straight lines. But for curved lines with small pieces of wood, you are better off using a scroll saw.

[@jasonsosnick8669]

Simple to use.

[@jimilee8979]

THANK YOU

[@Suburbanstoneage]

Thanks! This was a good intro video.! Do you think this saw could cut thin metal?

[@CalebsShop]

yes no problem 👍🏽

[@samuelpuckett7954]

My Ryobi is same model as yours. I am curious if anyone offer a round blade with the pin since Ryobi saw uses only pin blades.

[@traceywright5771]

Thank you so much! Great video!!!

[@ewanmiller9487]

Thank you for the video, but isn't it advisable to unplug the machine while changing the blade?

[@cambuxton6835]

Yes. ALWAYS unplug your machine when changing blades or doing maintenance on it. Less chance you will accidentally injure yourself or get electrocuted if you make sure the power is off and it is unplugged.

[@rkooscar6866]

Can you use a 2x4?

[@harrysweeten9417]

The Ryobi saw I have uses pinned and non pinned blades as should this machine. The teeth of your blade need face downward as that's how the blade works, And use packing tape on the project and then use spray adhesive to affix your pattern, the tape peels off easily later.

[@RichyN25]

I see that Ryobi saw, I just got a Wen from Amazon and its literally the same saw, just a different color lol, as in most these parts would be 100% interchangeable

[@ericm9768]

I saw it as well, got a Wen 3921, and except for the tensioner, it is identical.

[@Jenuin]

Great video sir. Thank you.

[@samuelpuckett7954]

I bought a Ryobi 16” scroll saw but cannot find the pin type round blades. Are this type available?

[@DiggityJakobs]

Hey are you the music tech help guy? Same voice lol

[@cabotbluegill]

thank you

[@Bellaluccaminis]

thanks for the tips! by the way, whats's the difference between 18tpi and 15tpi scroll blades?

[@CalebsShop]

teeth per inch... the 18 has more than the 15 👍🏽

[@Bellaluccaminis]

@@CalebsShop thank you

[@browneyedwaitress]

I just got my saw and been watching videos on how to use it. The first time I used it it went great but since then I have broke 3 blades. What am I doing wrong? Do u think my wood is to hard, you make it look so easy

[@CalebsShop]

what kind of wood are you using? also maybe you need thicker blades? I mostly break them when I push too hard to the side... try to always push back and not to the side at all... also take your time 🤷🏽‍♂️👍🏽

[@michaellyons8526]

Tension could be too tight

[@ade-woodcrafts]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5e0oJRri86Lqas&feature=share

[@paulstradley9157]

Is the saw bolted down to the table?

[@nickfatsis9607]

It's essentially a motorised coping saw?

[@dianneshiflett8771]

Can you please tell me if you have used a conversation adapter ? Do you have a video or how do I go about this. I do a lot inside cut and pinless blades work best but hate the change out process on the way you do it from manufactor. Ty

[@CalebsShop]

no I have never used one 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@tarinacockerham3260]

I have bought a Ryobi scroll saw, it says I can use plain end blades also. I have been trying to find a video on this to install the plain ones. Do you have a video or any recommendations?

[@karenmeyer9302]

I'm struggling with the same thing. Did you ever get any info on how to use plain end blades?

[@martjassir]

Hi! Thank you for the video. I do have a question. Is it possible to add a water drip to a machine like this? It doesn’t have to be that specific one but a ring saw is quite expensive for me right now and I was wondering if an adaptation could be made. If you know I would appreciate the input. Thanks in advance.

[@CalebsShop]

I do not know if you would want to run water with this specific machine because it could ruin the motor 👍🏽

[@adminsm6155]

Hi , can we use the scroll to cut MDF board or plywood thats 5mm thick, sorry i'm totally new so sorry if my question is totally stupid..

[@cambuxton6835]

Most scroll saws can, if you go slow, cut up to 2 inch thick soft wood. 3/4 inch hardwood is their limit with hard woods though.

[@ladycrystalhale]

I’m Still having difficulty changing the blade on the pin less one I can’t get it to stay

[@billbrown994]

Can you tell us about a possible finger cut with blade?

[@iamandreja]

It is really difficult to get hurt. It is one of the least dangerous tools/machines you can get. Don't worry and enjoy.

[@rkooscar6866]

What kind of wood did you use

[@LawAbidingCitizen117]

Can it go through 1 inch thick wood?

[@dutchmans]

Hello

[@SilentCrimsonOx]

Wow in wood shop am scared to use it this because it like vibrates the whole board because I don’t know how to hold down the board because am scared my fingers are gonna get caught this kinda built my confidence

[@3four4door59]

Hey, are there smaller blades you can get I've seen someone scrolling cat whiskers. How do you get a blade so small?

[@bryf9552]

thanks

[@fume5671]

what zise od blade ?

[@minniechapa]

First thank you on your video you make this look so easy. Just bought my saw and used it one time. My board kept on jumping up and down what was I doing wrong? I believe I was I was adding enough pressure .

[@CalebsShop]

you are welcome! you need to be pushing down 👇🏽on the wood so it doesn’t jump up 👍🏽

[@BrooklynTabla]

Wow! You made that look so easy. But I don't get why you can only cut to 16" if the machine is only that big. I mean, can't you rotate the blade 90 degrees and cut in the other direction? If so, how the heck do you do that?

[@craash420]

It's 16" from the blade to the neck of the saw, so rotating the blade wouldn't help. That gap is the limiting factor.

[@CalebsShop]

yeah it can only cut about 2-3 inches thick but a 16 inch long piece 👍🏽

[@GizmoGuy620]

I lucked out and got a Harbor Freight one at a Good Will for $45 bucks.

[@ariargi3845]

can you cut any type of wood with this scroll saw?

[@CalebsShop]

yes any type 👍🏽

[@Dwelly70]

and always make sure you say the words " go ahead" because thats what everyone else says in there youtube video's

[@prlifter393]

What velocity you had the blade running for in this examples?

[@CalebsShop]

no idea somewhere in the middle 😂

[@cambuxton6835]

The speed depends upon the model and brand of the machines themselves. But for some projects you need slow speed for others you need a fast speed. If there is a precise speed you need, check out the machine you are using to see if it is fast or slow enough for that specific project. But most patterns or projects you will use will depend upon the type of wood you want to use. Look up what speed you need for the type of wood you are using for scroll saws. And also look into how thick the wood is that you will be cutting. Scroll saws can only typically handle 2 inch thick wood in soft wood and 3/4 inch thick wood in hardwood. You need to go a lot slower with denser woods in particular. And you also need to look at how many teeth you will need on your blade to cut the wood, and what finish you want and what blade style you need and want. I am fond of Skip tooth blades at sizes 5 to 7 for soft wood. Some people prefer reverse blades. But they can lift up your project. That is not a good thing. That is why I prefer skip tooth blades. They do not pick up the project as much. There is a lot to consider with blade choice though. So I suggest you look up how to choose scroll saw blades online.

[@celticstephenhill]

Does anyone know what note your blade should be tuned to? (for optimal tension)

[@krazyinktattoossm]

E flat I believe😁

[@andrewj3177]

Depend on the gauge, Eb might work like a fella above me said, however it depend to the genre, may do that drop D thing

[@JRojas1995YT]

What kind of blade you use for those curved cuts ? Great video!

[@CalebsShop]

you can do curved cuts with any blade

[@cambuxton6835]

The scroll saw naturally will want to make curved cuts. It will wander off sometimes on its own accord. That is why for straight cuts they are not that great. Band saws will do much better than a scroll saw for straight cuts. But if you want curves, scroll saws are exactly what you want.

[@JRojas1995YT]

That did not answer my question "What kind of blade you use for those curved cuts" Like size or kind of blade. I did not ask about "straight cuts!!"@@cambuxton6835

[@MrTosha43]

How do you know which blade to use for which project

[@CalebsShop]

for bigger cuts use a bigger blade and for smaller cuts use a smaller blade...

[@VarsityCheerx3]

Okay but important question... the wood with heart cutout... is that NH on the right?! 😆

[@SilverDragons47]

oregon 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@jenniferhill477]

Why is the blade guard and the piece that holds the wood down missing? Is that just for better viewing on a video?

[@CalebsShop]

it always gets in the way 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@mayrahernandez4980]

What type of wood is that?

[@CalebsShop]

poplar 👍🏽🔥🐉

[@harriskinslow]

lol @ “favorite sandpaper”

[@riyazriya2612]

Can I cut pvc board