Safety Rules for a Scroll Saw
The ability to create intricate designs in wood has been around for centuries. More recently, scroll sawing has grown into an increasingly popular arts and crafts hobby. Scroll saws have evolved from primitive, hand-held coping saws to precision power tools, allowing even novice woodworkers to create incredible works of art. Scroll saws are actually one of the safest power tools available, but keep a few safety precautions in mind as you cut.
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Check the Manual
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Always take time to read through your scroll saw owner's manual before putting your saw into operation. Using a power tool improperly is one of the easiest ways to invite injury. Note the manufacturer's safety recommendations, especially concerning blade tension and electrical considerations. Remember to unplug your saw when not in use to prevent accidentally pressing the power switch.
Watch Those Fingers
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A scroll saw probably won't take a finger off, but at high speeds they can produce a nasty cut. Be mindful of your hand placement as you are feeding the wood into the cutting blade. When working with smaller projects, try using the eraser end of a pencil as a push stick to avoid getting too close to the blade. Remove all bracelets or rings, and tuck in shirt sleeves that could potentially catch in the blade.
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Use Protective Equipment
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An often overlooked hazard is a dusty environment. A scroll saw produces lots of fine sawdust that could cause respiratory problems. Wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling the tiny dust particles. Eye protection will also help keep sawdust out of your eyes, as well as guard against any possible wood debris. Most scroll saws aren't very loud, but it's always a good idea to wear protective hearing when working with power tools. Prolonged exposure to noise may result in gradual hearing loss.
Shed Some Light
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Scroll saw blades are extremely thin and become almost invisible when operating at high speeds. It is important to have adequate lighting to observe the blade's cutting path. Point a lamp directly at the cutting surface to illuminate the blade area and dramatically increase accuracy when following pattern lines.
Concentration
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Accurate and safe cutting requires good concentration. Keep your mind focused on the work. If you find yourself distracted or tired, put it away for a while. Come back to your project when your mind is clear and fresh. It's not worth an injury to finish a scrolling project one day earlier.
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