An 18-inch scroll saw is one of the more popular types of scroll saws on the market. It’s also fairly easy to use and can cut a variety of materials. But there are several things you should know about scroll saw patterns before purchasing one. This article discusses these things in detail, so that you can have a better understanding of the product and what it can do for you.
First, you need to understand a few things about scroll saw patterns. One thing that you will quickly learn is that most scroll saw patterns are used for cutting circular cuts. However, there are a number of other shapes that can be cut as scroll saw patterns as well. If the saw is set up properly, you can cut out a heart, a square, or just about any other shape that you want. The main thing to keep in mind is that the size of the material that you are cutting will be determined by the size of your scroll saw teeth. So it’s important that you know how to take care of your saw so that it can last for years to come.
Second, it’s important to understand the different kinds of scroll saw teeth. There are a number of different saw teeth available on scroll saws including ribbed, diamond plate, and crossbite. Ribbed saw teeth are the closest to traditional scroll saw teeth in appearance and are usually found on cheaper scroll saws. Diamond plate teeth are a bit more expensive but are more difficult to repair, which is why they are usually found on better quality products. Crossbite teeth are typically found on more expensive models and are designed for cutting curves and shapes as opposed to straight lines.
Now that you understand a little more about scroll saw patterns, you should know what the best ones are. There are a few manufacturers that produce excellent scroll saw patterns. One of the most popular is Bosch, who makes both manual and automatic scroll saws. Another great manufacturer is Festool, who also produces a variety of scroll saw patterns for both manual and automatic scroll saws. With these two manufacturers, you have the option of purchasing the teeth yourself or having them professionally cut them for you.
The teeth on your scroll saw need to be properly maintained in order to ensure that your saw continues to operate correctly. The first step to proper maintenance is to make sure the saw is always loaded down with dust when it isn’t in use. Also, you should check the feed tube frequently for build-up, as this can lead to poor cutting quality and performance.
Another good way to maintain the teeth on your scroll saw is to use an anti-rust compound. This is often found on the teeth themselves. The anti-rust compound will keep your saw free from corrosion, which can affect the way your saw cuts. Many scroll saws come with built-in anti-rust compounds, but you can also purchase them separately. When purchasing the compound, be sure to check the label, as some contain aluminum oxide, which can actually scratch the machine.
Many scroll saw blades will become dull over time. A dull blade will perform less well and will make it more difficult to cut wood effectively. You may want to consider purchasing a new blade. However, if you’re only replacing your saw’s teeth, you should note that blade life is generally limited. You should also think about changing your saw’s speed settings, which can help extend the amount of time your scroll saw is able to run while cutting. Some scroll saw patterns may need to be manually speed increased or decreased, so keep this in mind when changing your saw’s settings.
One of the final ways you can lengthen the life of your scroll saw is to inspect and replace the belt often. Loose belts can wear down quickly, reducing the effectiveness of your scroll saw. If you notice a crackling or “lifting” noise when the belt is being operated, you should replace the belt immediately. By regularly testing and changing the belt, you’ll ensure your scroll saw continues to work properly for many years.