Scroll saw

From TheBestCaseScenario

'Scroll Saw'
Information
Uses:	Cutting Intricate shapes in most metals and plastics.
Price:	$100-1500 / £80-300
Brand Names:	Black and Decker, Ryobi, Craftsman, DeWalt
Difficulty:	Normal Difficulty.
Related Tools
Jigsaw, Dremel, Band saw
Related Materials
Plexiglass, Aluminium, Steel

[edit] Scroll Saw

The scroll saw is a tool that makes quick and precise cuts on wood, metal and glass with ease. It uses a small blade at the end of a long arm and reciprocates similar to a jigsaw. Higher end models also have an adjustable-angle cutting table, making hard-angle and strange cuts possible.

Although a scroll saw works on the same principle as a Jigsaw, there are differences. The main difference is that a scroll saw is stationary and allows you to move the material into the blade. This takes much of the vibration, sight, and control problems out of using a jig saw. Another advantage of the scroll saw is that since the blade is being supported by both the top and bottom it can be much thinner, allowing you to make turns and change direction with a turning radius close to zero. They even sell “zero turn” blades with teeth on all sides, specifically designed to give perfect zero turn radius cuts.

[edit] Proper Usage

When using a scroll saw there are several things to be aware of, before a cut is made. First - is the blade tight enough? A blade should be secured in the clamps so it will not move if you press into it with a piece of metal while cutting. Also it should sound like a high pitched guitar string when plucked. Second, is the material secure. Most modern scroll saws have a foot that surrounds the blade to keep the object being cut down in case the blade starts to get stuck. This is immensely important. If a blade moving at 1400 strokes per minute gets caught it can force the material to slip or go flying and completely ruin your cut if you're lucky - or force the object up and cause your hand to slip and get cut by the blade if you're not lucky.

The proper way to use a scroll saw is to keep your hands equally spaced from the blade. This gives you the greatest control when cutting. Slowly push both sides equally into the blade. If you push too fast the blade will be pushed back into the foot or even the base of the scroll saw. If this happens you are placing excessive force on the blade which could cause it to break. The blade may also bend, creating jagged or curved cuts instead of straight. Again, as with a Dremel, take it slow. With every cycle of the blade you are cutting away a very small piece of the material. Be patient and let the blade do its job.

If you are pushing too fast the blade will be moving back, and when you stop pushing the blade will move up and towards you. If you are applying the right amount of pressure, you should not see the blade move back at all. It should stay in one spot while cutting the material.