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  • Travis
    Travis

    Setting Table Tilt On Your Scroll Saw

     

    Saw's Bevel Gauge

    post-1-0-21447300-1391210258.jpgMost saws have a basic bevel gauge built in. Often times this is below the saw along the rocker. A simple needle points to the gauge marked on the rocker to indicate the angle. My scroll saw has a gauge built into the table, which makes it easy to see. This is a good way to get in the general ballpark, but not very accurate nor repeatable. Use this gauge if you don't need repeatable angles, or if accurate angle isn't necessary.

     

     

    Protractor

    post-1-0-12698600-1391210260.jpgA simple protractor is an easy way to get an accurate reading. You can pick one up for a couple of dollars at an office supply store. Make sure you buy a small enough one where you can lay the protractor against the blade. Line up the bottom of the protractor to the center mark, then adjust your table to the appropriate angle.

     

     

    Paper Protractor

    post-1-0-33427700-1391210261.jpgI like using a paper protractor. Download this paper template here. Use spray adhesive to attach it to some 1/4" plywood, then cut it out with your scroll saw. The nice thing about paper protractors is you can write on them. Use a red pen and draw a straight line from center point to the appropriate angle. Then simply adjust the table and line up the red line with your blade. You can also write notes on the protractor for each project (IE Bowl. 20 degrees for 3/4" stock.)

     

     

    Digital Angle Gauge

    post-1-0-06467400-1391210263.jpgI use a digital angle gauge. I picked mine up for about $30 on Amazon. This is super accurate, getting within 1/10th of a degree. You turn it on, place it on the bed of your scroll saw, then push the "Zero" button to zero out the gauge. Then you can start tilting your saw until you get your exact angle. This is my favorite method. I also love being able to use the gauge on other tools where I need an accurate angle. The magnetic bottom will attach to a table saw blade as you tilt the blade.

     

     

    Smart Phone

    post-1-0-23496600-1391210264.jpgPhones now days are amazing. They even have a built in angle gauge. I usually have mine within easy reach and it's very convenient. I use the iPhone, and the gauge is listed under the "compass" app, which is pre-loaded on your phone. Swipe to the left to get off the compass and onto the angle gauge (level). Place the phone on it's edge, then tilt your bed. Be careful to keep a hold of your phone. You don't want it to slide off onto the concrete floor (I won't tell you how I know this). This is super convenient. The only draw backs is your table has to be level with the floor to begin with (no zeroing option) and it only measures to the degree, not a fraction of a degree. I'm sure there are other free apps that address these issues, but the built in app works well enough.

     

     

    TCF002_Protractors.pdf

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    Sheila Landry has several " self framing" projects http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com/category/self-framing-plaques. It uses the same principle as an inlay but you increase the angle so the the inset goes part of the way thru. 

    The attached image is one that I cut in 3/4 pine at different angles as a reference.  Note that I have the blade number and brand marked on it. Left side down is the table.the arrow is cut direction.

    Always remember to return your table to 0 when finished or it will bite you in the butt on your next project.

    Note: the pattern for this test piece was in the Fall 2009 SSWWC magazine in an article by James Colins. Thanks Melinda!

    post-29702-0-37530700-1470662758_thumb.jpg

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    Sheila Landry has several " self framing" projects http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com/category/self-framing-plaques. It uses the same principle as an inlay but you increase the angle so the the inset goes part of the way thru. 

    The attached image is one that I cut in 3/4 pine at different angles as a reference.  Note that I have the blade number and brand marked on it. Left side down is the table.the arrow is cut direction.

    Always remember to return your table to 0 when finished or it will bite you in the butt on your next project.

     

    Funny - I was looking through one of the few older Scrollsaw Woodworking & Crafts magazines I have - its from Fall, 2009 - has an article in it by James Collins on using inlay to make personalized sports plaques.  It also has an "inset" article on that one references creating a relief-cutting gauge like this one Rolf shared above.  I thought I would share the link to that information here for those who might like to make their own like Rolf did. I will get there and do one once I am willing to risk taking my table out of square and tilting it! LOL  :oops:  :lol:

     

    http://scrollsawer.com/2009/09/01/homemade-relief-cutting-gauge/

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    Thanks Melinda for that link, I had gotten permission from Fox Chapel to use some of the insets from that article in an inlay presentation that I did. I could not remember which issue. I will add that to my post.

    there is lots of good stuff in that article by James.

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    Welcome Rolf.  Actually - the reason I went looking was I thought I had that article from you in one of the magazines I had that gave that information. I would have sworn I had seen something by you recently on Inlays. I thought you were just being modest about sharing a link to an article you did. ;) Then I could only find the one article I referenced so thought I had imagined it! :oops: Glad to hear I hadn't.  I will see if I can find where I saw your article too.

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