Travis

That sure turned out nice. I really like the lines the pine makes.

I'm curious how many toy makers we have here. Do you make toys on a regular basis? Are they for your kids, grandkids, kids in the neighborhood, charity, or for sale? What's your favorite type of toys to make? Are you making anything for Easter? Post a pic of some of your toys (to post pics from your User Gallery, click "My Media" in the formatting bar then click the "Gallery Images" tab and select your pics to embed in this post.)

I looked on Amazon and couldn't find what kind of blade it uses. If it uses proprietary blades, or pin ended blades, certainly not worth it. If you really want to impress passer-bys, you should get this: I've been wanting one of these for awhile, but never got one. I think it would be fun to try scrolling the way it was hundreds of years ago. Plus it would be fun to take on camping trips.

It looks pretty neat. From what I can see, it has variable speed, so that's good. It looks like maybe a 12" throat capacity or so? I never tried it, but I think this would work pretty well for shows. I just wonder how much noise it makes.

Here's a quick video on how to turn a photo into a puzzle. He recommends a #2 blade, but I'd use the puzzle blades sold by Mike's Workshop. Much thinner kerf and works really well for puzzles. http://video.wwgoa.com/videos/001473_make-a-picture-into-a-puzzle/

Here's a great tutorial on how to use flocking. Flocking is that velvety stuff you find inside of jewelry boxes. It really completes a small box, especially for jewelry boxes. You probably have to buy it online, unless you're lucky enough to be close to a Woodcraft store.

I ran across this video today and thought it was a clever idea. Especially since we often work in the same area as we finish in. This works especially well for us scrollers, since we tend to work on smaller projects.

You probably don't need convincing, but here's a neat video that introduces you to what the scroll saw can do. Show this to someone who's on the fence about adding a scroll saw to their shop. Who knows, you might add a new scroll sawer to our ranks.

I'm working on a couple things. My main priority is a couple of wall lamps. That's mostly regular woodworking without any scrolling. But my livingroom needs extra light. For scrolling, I'm making some napkin rings for Easter and a couple bunny cutouts from some reclaimed wood fence boards.

You'd have to check with your plan provider. I know my provider will send me text messages if I get close to going over.

I'd just keep an eye on your data usage. Many cell phone plans have a cap on data transfers and they'll really take you to the cleaners if you go over. You'd be surprised how quickly your data usage gets used up. If you're lucky enough to have unlimited data, by all means surf away.

I'm curious what that is too.

I'm wondering if you could modify a pencil sharpener. Grind off a little in the back so it doesn't come to a point. But I suppose it depends on how small the sticks are. I would think you could do it with a knife, too.

If you're really used to using spirals, it'll take time to learn flat blades. It certainly is a different approach. But, once you learn, you'll love it. Then you'll have options when approaching a project. You can choose the technique based on what you want to accomplish. Keep with it. The rewards will outweigh the frustrations.

I did a tray puzzle for my son a few years back. It actually held up pretty well. You can check out my tutorial here: http://www.scrollsawvillage.com/topic/929-thomas-tray-puzzle/ It might give you some ideas.

What are you trying to put tenons on? Is it something you can handcut with knives or chisels?

Valentine's is just 10 days away. Are you making something for your better half? If so, what are you making?

I don't sell on Etsy, but I plan on trying it this year. Here's a few things I've picked up along the way while reading about it. You have to list items often. If you have a bunch of stuff to list, do it over a week or so. The way their search engines work is they look for the most recent listing. So if you list consistently, you'll get better results. Etsy is HUGE, so you really have to network. Joining Etsy teams, participating in the forums, adding artists to your circles and doing treasuries will get you exposure. It's almost better to think of Etsy as a social network. If you don't participate, you'll be lost in the cracks. You'll have to do a lot of your own promotion too. Create a Facebook page, create a blog, do videos. Pretty much anything to get you exposure outside of Etsy. That will drive more traffic to your store. Link where you can (without spamming) to your etsy store. On SSV, you're allowed to add a link to your website/etsy store in your signature. Do some research as to what sells. Just browse other people who do similar work. On the side of their storefront, you'll see how many sales they've had. Click on that link to see what they sold. Don't copy them, but it should give you an idea of what Etsy buyers like (Etsy buyers have their own aesthetic, and often follow trends). Also, read their Blog. Etsy wants you to succeed. The more money you make, the more money they make. Their blog has a lot of great articles, inspiration, and business advice. You should also check out their Seller's Handbook. Check out this blog on the business side of crafting: Designing An MBA. Lots of great business advice. Also check out other blogs and websites for advice. There are also a number of books on Amazon that cover selling crafts online. I hope this gets you on your way. Perhaps some Etsy sellers here can add their experiences.

For the oil, I'd get a disposable baking pan and fill it a bit with oil and dunk it like Kardar2 suggested. Then I let it dry on either cardboard or on a bed of nails or painter's pyramids (like these). That's the easiest way to oil your projects. Then I usually use a spray can of spray acrylic to topcoat it (after the oil has dried).

Great Find. I love American Woodshop. I don't get PBS anymore, so it was fun to go through all the videos. Thanks for the link!

Nope. Nothing is needed except perhaps a PayPal account. They don't ask for anything. I think if you set up an official business, then you'll need one for your taxes. But for Etsy, nothing is required.

H'bout we start this Thursday at 7pm MST. It would be fun to talk to fellow scrollers in real time. Grampa used to host the UK chat once a week. If someone from the UK wants to organize one, that would be awesome. I know we have a number of members on the other side of the pond.