Many scroll saw manuals are sold with the machine, but for the most part, you will really need to buy a separate book on how to use it. There are a few different pieces of advice that can help out the veteran woodturner when using their saw more than once a year. A scroll saw manual should have recommendations that range from using the blade to changing the fence and even using the scroll saw itself as a pattern guide. There are other tips that are good for the new user, but what follows will concentrate on the scroll saw itself and some of the more common problems that can be found.
It is important to read through a scroll saw manual before ever using the machine. You need to know the different parts, the different adjustments, and the general ways to use them. Your scroll saw manual should have tips on using the fence, adjusting the depth of the blade, using the scroll saw as a pattern guide, and also mentioning the different steps involved in woodturning scroll patterns.
When you are ready to start using your scroll saw, you should always start at the back of the unit. This is where the motor is located and it will usually be labeled with “back”. Be sure to read the small print on the motor housing before you start. The scroll saw manual may also have suggestions that will help you avoid some of the most common problems associated with this type of machine.
Another thing that a scroll saw manual will mention is the type of wood that you should use to get the best result. Certain woods turn harder and faster than others and there are scroll saw patterns that involve cutting soft woods as well as hard woods. If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you start out with soft woods. This way, you can learn how the scroll action works and you can decide whether or not you want to purchase a more expensive scroll saw as your woodturning skills and abilities increase.
Once you know the type of wood you should use, the next thing that a scroll saw manual will mention is what kind of scroll saw to purchase. The saw you need depends on what type of material you are working with. For example, the scroll saw blades used by furniture makers are generally quite different from those used by do-it-yourself woodturners. If you are purchasing a scroll saw for the first time, you may want to consider purchasing one with a few extra teeth so you can cut decorative boards and such.
If you are going to use a scroll saw for wood turning bowls, you need to make sure that it comes with a fence. A scroll saw with a fence allows you to produce a steeper cut because it has a bottom surface that is slightly higher than the rest of the body of the saw. On the other hand, a fence is also important if you plan on using the scroll saw in order to cut materials such as tiles, granite and marble. A good scroll saw manual should mention all of these options so you can make an informed decision.
One thing many people overlook when purchasing a scroll saw manual is the safety features that each machine should come with. First and most obviously, you need to be able to stop the scroll during operation. You should also be able to adjust the speed at which the scroll spins. In addition, you should be able to switch between different grit settings on a scroll saw. If the scroll saw manual does not mention any of these things, be sure to ask the store from which you purchased the machine if they do.
Another frequently overlooked aspect of a scroll saw manual is the type of fence that is best suited to the scroll saw in question. Most scroll saws require the use of a dust collection unit, which collects all of the debris that is thrown off during operation. For models that do not use dust collection units, there are many scroll saw fences available to mount on the machine itself. The type of fence you select will depend largely on how often you actually use the scroll saw, but it is important to make sure to read through the scroll saw manual in its entirety before making your decision.