Can scroll saws make inside cuts? This is a question that has puzzled woodworkers for decades. The answer, as usual, is “it depends.” Of course it depends on the material being cut and the size of the cut. In other words, there are various factors to consider when asking can scroll saws make inside cuts.
The most important factor in determining whether scroll saws can make inside cuts is the material to be cut. The material would include such things as; pine, maple, oak and birch. Each one of these wood types has different properties that can alter the way a scroll saw cuts the material.
If the woodworking project involves cutting heavy pieces of hard wood, it is always a good idea to use scroll saws that utilize diamond blade action. Diamond blade saws are powerful saws that utilize laser technology. The laser cuts the wood by converting light into heat. This makes it possible for the saw to create multiple parallel cuts without overheating. Many scroll saws are now equipped with this technology, so if you are seriously considering purchasing a saw, make sure that it also uses this method of operation.
Another factor to consider when thinking about whether or not scroll saws can make inside cuts is the size of the piece to be cut. The larger the piece, the more likely that the scroll saw will need to be bench mounted. Bench mounted scroll saws are basically stationary units that are not dependent upon an external source of power. They are usually controlled through mechanical means, such as a wheel and pulley system. While this type of unit is generally more expensive than portable units, it can make a world of difference when trying to cut delicate or large pieces.
The mechanism that allows scroll saws to make inside cuts has a couple of differences from other types of woodworking machines. First of all, the scroll saw motor must have an extremely high RPM (rotation rate) in order to provide even airflow along the scroll and its cutting surfaces. Because air can be very messy, it is often difficult to have a smooth cutting surface when using a scroll. Secondly, the wood that is used in making scroll cases must be extremely soft in order to avoid ripping when the saw is being used. While this can present some challenges to woodturners, it is necessary in order to cut denser woods and to prevent the wood from snapping when it is pressed down by the scroll.
Can scroll saws make inside cuts? Yes, but only with certain types of wood. Hard woods like oak and maple are typically too dense to use a scroll saw without ripping the wood. Soft woods, on the other hand, like pine or cedar are very manageable. The wood will bend somewhat while it is being cut by a scroll saw, but it will not rip and the resulting product will be almost entirely of wood.
Another question that people ask is, “Can scroll saws make inside cuts while the wood is lying flat on a table?” This is a difficult one to answer. Although it would be possible to see the wood without damaging the wood as it is lying flat, the potential problem of warping is a much more serious concern. If the wood is not allowed to dry completely before making the cuts, warping will occur. This will significantly reduce the usefulness of the tool and may even require the complete replacement of the piece.
One final issue that has been raised is whether or not it is possible to use a scroll saw to make inside cuts when the material is in an upright position. Unfortunately, while it may be possible to do this with some scroll saws, it is nearly impossible to do so with all models. The best option for making inside cuts while the material is in an upright position is to place the material on a bench top while the scroll sits atop the table. The only real issue with this solution is that the bench top may become damaged if the scroll bit slips.