Kevin it's 240-250v over here and the lathe and did you forget this picture of the scrollsaw http://www.scrollsawvillage.com/uploads/gallery/album_201/gallery_2228_201_6484.jpg
Well good question I use hot melt all the time and you right they are a pain but I just put up with it and pull them off when cool. I only have one setting hot. Roly
Ray you can use old orange boxes and old pallets I think you can clean up most wood unless it's soaked in oil and as for practice it makes perfect as they say but I've been at it 40 plus years and I'M STILL NOT PERFECT. .Roly