Line cutting

[Frank b]

Hi guys, new to scrolling, old at woodworking. Whenjoy cutting out  a pattern do you cut to the line or cut widea and sand to the line?   

[Roberta Moreton]

I cut ON the line (mostly). That is the goal in scrollsawing.  If you straw from the line Slowly Ease back to the line. No jerky moves back to the line. Hope that helps. 

[dgman]

As a scroll saw instructor, I teach my students to try and split the line. Sure, there are exceptions but generally, split the line. If you stray off the line, make a gentle, gradual return to the line. It is less obvious than a sudden return to the line.

[new2woodwrk]

My goal is always to tread the line.

However, usually I'm the only one who can tell if I missed.

So, my suggestion...

Do your best with the line and don't sweat the small stuff.

In the end, it's all small stuff

[kmmcrafts]

Oh boy.. I didn't know I was supposed to try to follow the lines.. 

When I first started cutting I always cut just inside of the line.. and in some cases on really thin bridges or cutting real close to the next cut.. sometimes I'll cut inside as to make more room for that areas to give a bit stronger ridge.. I do this as a gradual move as the others said.. if you get off the line just gradually move back to it.. 

Being supper precise "most times" isn't needed.. but in some types of cutting projects you do need to be right on the line..  a wood gear clock would need to be pretty precise I think.. but just cutting pictures and things of that nature.. not so much.. Being a newbie I'm guessing you aren't attempting to do some crazy gear clock or something of that nature anyway. 

[Scrappile]

Also, remember the scroll saw blade, is about the thickness of a sharpen pencil lead (I know it is not really lead).  The point is, not even you will notice is you stray a little after the pattern is removed.  Don't over worry it.  The only time I intentionally go off the line is for the reasons @kmmcrafts mentions, and if I am cutting slots and tabs that will hold something together.  Then I cut inside the line to give me room to sand or file adjustments for a good fit.

[Bill WIlson]

Look the pattern over carefully, before starting.  If there are places that are very narrow and fragile, you may want to cheat on one side of the line or the other, whichever adds more strength to section that may be prone to breakage.

Also, some patterns require assembly.  Parts have to mate well in order to fit correctly, such as tabs & slots.  Just be sure that whichever side of the line you choose, that it provides the most accurate fit.  Then be consistent.

I try to avoid sanding to a line.  If I need a perfectly straight line to mate up to another piece, I'll always try to make that cut on the table saw or the radial arm saw.  That isn't always possible, but if I will do all I can to avoid sanding to get cuts to match a line.   For general, internal cuts that aren't critical to assembly, I never sand.  Make the cut as smooth as possible and be done.  If you've wandered off the line a bit, once the pattern is removed, no one is likely to notice.

[Sycamore67]

Many are answering this from the perspective of fretwork.  Each style of scroll sawing is a bit different.  With cutting puzzles does not make too much difference and one needs smooth cuts.  I do more Intarsia and I try to cut half the line.  Always cutting on the line will lead to cumulative gaps with fit problems.

[amazingkevin]

These are great questions and answers!!!!

[teachnlearn]

If the lines are for patterns all the info given is great. If there is joining involved, recognize 'kerf'. Since you have years of wood working your background will guide you how to handle kerf. RJF

[planeur]

Thanks everyone for your opinion , very instructing !

Personnaly , I find that cutting on the line is more diificult because  the line and blade are same color, and one at the back of the other. I have a good view and a lamp over my saw!

Probably it's because I am not enought pro in cutting..... but it.s coming!

planeur

[teachnlearn]

3 hours ago, planeur said:

Thanks everyone for your opinion , very instructing !

Personnaly , I find that cutting on the line is more diificult because  the line and blade are same color, and one at the back of the other. I have a good view and a lamp over my saw!

Probably it's because I am not enought pro in cutting..... but it.s coming!

planeur

Some folks print the pattern in a different color. Permanent markers can tint the blade. Lighting, brighter, dimmer, table shine reflection and using a magnifier are some things to consider. Almost all of these are past topics or can be answered. RJF

[planeur]

Merci Rick, good suggestions !

 

Have a good day!

planeur