Scroll Saw Village

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Outdoor Scrolling

by Travis Cook

Now that its May, dreams of playing outside and enjoying the warm weather is becoming a reality. Thoughts of BBQs, picnicks, camping are swimming in my head. But one other thing that I often think of is scrolling. One of my favorite things is having my scroll saw on the patio with an ice cold beverage, making sawdust, and listening to the birds chirp. A scroll saw is a pretty small tool and can easily be transported from the garage to the patio with little effort. I just set it on an old table, plug it in and go at it. I always have good light, and with a gentle breeze, you have an natural dust blower.

If carrying your scroll saw to the patio seems too cumbersome, concider building a simple scroll saw stand on wheels. The stand can be constructed easily from 2×4 with a MDF or plywood top. Add a shelf to hold your project, scroll saw blades, and tools for added convenience. Now you can simply roll the scroll saw to wherever you need it. This is especially helpful when chasing after shaded areas.

When you’re ready to scroll, it is very conveniant to have everything you need with you so you don’t have to run back and forth to the shop. For this, I use an inexpensive tool tote. In the cleaning aisle of many stores, you can find a cleaning tote. Its nothing more than a plastic carrier, usually with a well on each side of the handle. This is used to carry cleaners, but it also makes a great tote for your most commonly used tools. Fill it up with spray adhesive, acrylic spray finish, blue masking tape, clear packing tape, scroll saw blades, scissors, a hobby knife, and a cordless drill with small bit. When you’re ready to scroll, simply bring the tote with you and you’re ready to go.

I encourage you to try scrolling outside this summer. Its such a simple pleasure will enrich both your scrolling hobby, and your outdoor living.

Handy Tips

Sometimes we get carried away with the spray adhesive and leave a nasty residue behind when we remove our pattern.  Don’t throw away your project just yet.  Use some mineral spirits to loosen up the adhesive and wipe as much as you can away with a paper towel.  Do this several times until it looks clean.  Then resand the surface.  You should be as good as new.

Project of the Month

The Levenworth

by JeffRay42

Pattern of the Month

Potted Pup

by Messman

Wiki Watch

Fonts - Finding the right font for your design can be tough.  Here’s a list of font websites.  Many of them are free to use.  Are we missing a great resource?  Edit the page and add it.

Great Threads

• Holy Grail Project
• Recycled Materials
• A Question About Thin Cuts
• Other Than Scrolling…
• Where Are You?