Best Bet Scroll Saw Patterns

by: Rob Carlton

Scroll saw patterns take the guess work out of where to saw. It allows the saw operator to focus on guiding the wood instead of the larger, overall pattern. There are many free sources and excellent books for designing your own patterns or using someone else’s in your woodworking project. The how-to part of using a skill saw is a lesson all its own, but when and where to put the patterns is your first order of the day.

What Scroll Saw Pattern to Use

Looking around the room you may be surprised at how many wood objects may have been created using a scroll saw. Is there a decorative wood frame with cut out hearts surround the picture of a loved one? Or perhaps the chair you are sitting in has fine carving throughout its back and legs. A scroll saw cut pattern may even appear on the edge of your desktop or in the mouldings surrounding your entryway. There are so many applications for scroll saw patterns. Here are a few that could be great first time projects to get you comfortable with your saw and using wood working patterns in general.

- Carved top to a wooden jewellery box
- Cut out initials to hang on the wall
- A set of carved baby blocks
- A cut out napkin/paper towel holder
- A welcome sign for your home

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Scroll Saw

Scroll saw fans are constantly learning from one another. There are online blogs and message boards for posting questions and giving your best tips. In addition, the technology behind the saw keeps improving. For example, one manufacturer has a scroll saw where the blade instead of the table surface angles and adjusts. There are other models where foot pedals are included so that both hands are free to guide the wood. This makes curvy scrollsaw patterns much easier to follow.

Using the right blade for the type of wood and level of detail in the pattern is also important in getting a profession finished image and having greater control in the process. Making cuts that are straight up and down will allow any blade to move freely and again add control to the process. If you find that your cuts are “jumping” it may be that you are trying to push the wood around the pattern too quickly or that you are using too thin or small a blade. The best way to guide the wood through is to let the saw do the driving forward, while you simply adjust from left to right as the pattern dictates.

When using a template or different woodworking patterns, make sure that the cut is taking the pencil mark off with it. After you have traced the pattern, it should look exactly as you want the finished cut out to appear. If you align your blade to the pencil mark and it is cut away as you go, you are sure to get the look you intended.

With experience and the right tools you’ll be creating filigree designs like the pros in no time. It just takes the right tools, a little practice, and a good scroll saw pattern.