How to Set Up a Scroll Saw

Setting up a scroll saw or, more specifically, a bench top scroll saw is a snap. Using one, though, takes a little practice but can be mastered if you have patience. The biggest obstacle in scroll sawing is correctly feeding and pushing the woodwork piece through the moving thin blade while creating your design. The tendency to push the wood through too fast can cause the blades to jump from the holder or break.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bench-type scroll saw Blades Small flashlight Practice piece of wood (1/4" thick or less)

1. Set the scroll saw on a firm workbench at a comfortable height. Have plenty of lighting as the thin blades can be a little difficult to install on the lower blade holder. The use of a small flashlight may help for the first few times to slide the blade into the lower slot.

2. 
    
   Clamping to Bench

   Install a clamp on one side of the scroll saw base and lock it down to the workbench surface. This will keep the saw stationary as the action of the scroll arm may move the base around on the workbench.

3. Install one of the thin blades. On top of the scroll arm, you will find a locking lever. Lift the lever to the up or unlock position. Slide the lower end of the blade into the lower blade holder. The blade has a small pin that runs perpendicular to the blade. This pin will fit under the top and lower blade holders. Each blade can be installed for either a cut on the up or down stroke. This depends on the wood material and the orientation of the teeth on the blade.

4. Lock the installed blade into the upper holder by pressing the lever down. This will stretch the blade into position and hold tension on the saw blade. Some models come with a small air blower to remove sawdust from the cut lines. Position the tip near the blade by the surface of the table.

5. Lower the blade guard into position but leave enough room to slide the wood piece under the clear plastic guard.

6. 
    
   Cutting

   Start the saw and gently feed the scrap piece into the blade. Get a feel for the cutting action and how the blade works into the material.

Tips & Warnings

• Use thin but heavy dark lines for the scroll pattern on the work pieces. The thinner the lines, the cleaner the cuts can be for the finished work piece.
• Always unplug the saw whenever you are changing blades as the switches on all saws may be easily tripped to the on position.