You might not have ever asked yourself, “What is the size of a scroll saw?” but the size of a scroll saw is an important question to answer when using this hand-held tool. A scroll saw (and other scroll saw patterns) use a diamond-tipped blade which is made up of several sharp diamonds or other crystals attached along with a band of metal that causes the blades to spin at very high speeds. The high speed spinning action of the diamonds creates a ‘drilling’ action which grinds the wood or other material to a smooth and even surface. This action allows the scroll saw blade to cut through both soft and hard woods, metal and even ceramics. There are a few different sizes of scroll saw blades.
The first size of scroll saw cut is the shortest, which is the fourteen inch size. These saws are the most commonly owned by woodworkers as they are the easiest to operate and are good for basic wood cutting jobs. However, these saws are limited in their versatility. They are slow, and can only handle small projects. Also, due to the narrow width of the blade it is difficult to obtain a clean cut on a fourteen inch scroll saw cut to the desired angle.
Two other sizes of scroll saw blade are fifteen and sixteen inch widths. These saws are ideal for detailed and intricate wood cutting projects, but are too large for standard home projects. The fifteen inch width scroll saw can also be used in furniture-making projects, and is a popular choice for some woodworkers who do a lot of custom work.
The sixteen inch width scroll saw can be used as a table saw, however, it is not the most comfortable. It has the largest blade of any scroll saw, and that makes it hard to cut precise straight lines or for long straight lines. Because of the size of the blade though, most scroll saws are used in furniture-making applications where accuracy is required. Many woodworkers prefer the fifteen inch scroll saw as it is generally easier to use and is often easier to find in stock at retail stores. A fourteen inch saw can also be purchased new and used by many woodworkers, but it is generally not the best choice for home projects.
How can I tell if a scroll saw is the right tool for my wood working needs? There are a number of ways to determine the size of a scroll saw for your wood working purposes. First, you should always measure the lumber that you will be using with your scroll saw. Most scroll saws come standard with a fourteen inch wood blade, but you can get them larger if your saw is specifically made for larger work pieces. Secondly, you should consider how much extra room you want on either end of the scroll saw so that you can hold and maneuver the saw comfortably.
If you need precise lines and want to make detailed woodworking projects, then a large scroll saw is your best choice. On the other hand, for general home projects that you just want to make and finish in a short amount of time, a smaller saw is more appropriate. There are no real set rules to follow when choosing what size of scroll to use, and you will probably spend some time researching what size saw will best suit your needs before making a final decision. No matter what type of woodworking project you are planning on completing, a scroll saw will most likely be your best option for the job.