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Hi Ya'll! Just a quick question for some of you that have been scrolling a while...and some that are new too! lol I've never worked on a scrollsaw before. I have a CO2 laser that I can cut on but only up to 1/2 inch. So I thought about getting a scrollsaw for the thicker stuff and the guy at the hardware store had a cheap one (probably made in China), and he sold it to me for $40. I figured that would be good enough to learn on before I tried to invest in a DeWalt or something. But is there anything that I should know about the thing before I get started? I mean, of course I know safety rules, and I see the pilot holes to drill on things to begin the sawing process. But if you guys have any pointers that would be helpful, I would greatly appreciate the help! Thanks so much in advance! Elizabeth

I'm new here!! Go ahead...all together now.... ------> DUH !! Sometimes I get a little ahead of myself, but the good thing about computers...is you can always go back and erase what you don't want anyone to read. Erase, Erase!" Now that I did and I no longer look like a nut case....What?! That didn't work?! Okay, Okay. I'll try to be serious now. I don't want to get on anyone's bad side my first day. I'm Elizabeth. I don't own a scroll saw or any other shop tools. Well, I have a circular saw that sits in the cabinet a lot...and that straight cutting kind...the one that goes slow...and a drill...a couple hammers...a few screws....loose ones... So, why am I here you ask? I just bought myself a new toy. It's a CO2 laser cutter, engraver. I actually began with the thought of being able to use it for sugar items. No health safety concerns like other craft cutters, because nothing actually touches the sugar, only a light beam, and I could cut my own designs. (you know...unlike the kind of crafting machines you spend $300 on, and then another $40,000 on the cartridges to make it work. ) Well, I can't get the settings low enough to not burn the sugar while still cutting it. So, I started getting some plexiglass scraps from my local glass shop, and walahhh...a new craft is born in my house! It does the same cuts as a scroll saw, but...embarassingly, I don't have to have the talent you all have. I just have to know how to program it with the picture I want to cut...and that's been something I've done all my life!....graphics!! However, the graphics I've done, have to be manipulated so the pieces that are important to the picture, don't just fall out when the laser starts taking over. But I'm learning! And between school and clinicals right now....I'm learning slowly. lol Well, that's about it. I'm a nut, I like to play, I have a new toy...oh, and two dogs. And I'm glad to be among people who know what they are doing, so I can learn more!