The scroll saw is a very versatile machine
to include in your workshop kit. The range of tasks it can handle is limited
only by your imagination, whether your interest is in art, craft, toymaking,
intarsia or other aspects of woodworking.There are many publications available
to guide you through the variety of craft and hobby projects that may
be of interest. Carba-Tec stock a wide range of instruction and
pattern books for those just starting out as well as experienced scrollers.
Some newsagencies and internet sites also stock magazines and patterns
that you can buy or download.
Just as there are a wide variety of tasks that can be handled by scroll
saws, there are also a great variety of models and prices to consider.
Your first step should be to identify the sort of work you will be doing,
then you'll be able to select the machine that covers your needs and fits your budget. Entry level machines primarily allow external cutting with pinned blades.
These are fine for basic projects, and prices for these machines start around $140. However,
if you intend to do finer detail work with internal cutting you will need
to look for a machine that uses pinless blades, preferably a machine that
allows easy fitting and quick release of the blades.
I have used a wide variety of machines over the past eight years with
mixed levels of success and frustration. Without a doubt, when you are
working on projects with multiple fine internal cuts, blade release from
the bottom clamp and the ability to raise the upper arm and blade out
of each cut makes scrolling a much more enjoyable hobby. The Excalibur
scroll saw has this feature and many more that make it, in my opinion,
the best machine available on the market.
Other features
include:
- Quick blade changes with finger operated blade clamps, no tools required.
- Head tilts 45° left and right, tilting the blade, not the table, keeping
the workpiece level for better control, more accurate cuts and safer usage.
- Easy access speed and tension controls.
- Organised blade storage on base.
- Onboard dust blower.
- Positive stops at common angles.
I had the pleasure of demonstrating the Excalibur at last November's
"Hands On" exhibition in Brisbane. The aim was to focus on getting new
users to try the machine. We had a series of basic jigsaw patterns copied
onto 19mm radiata pine board pieces. After a brief introduction to safety and operating procedures, a number of volunteers tested the machine
and were impressed with the ease of operation. Most kept their completed
project as a souvenir of their experience.
The Excalibur scroll saw is an easy machine to use and to gain confidence
with. There is no vibration or blade wobble as occurs with some of the
lighter machines. The oblong, heavy-duty steel table surface supports your
workpiece, making it easy to manipulate the most complex of cuts and designs - whether you are using a standard profile blade or a spiral profile cutting
blade.
Other points to consider when you start your scrolling include blade selection
to suit the task at hand, speed range to suit the material being cut,
blade tension to maintain cut direction control and also feed rate of
the material into the cutting blade. These issues are covered in many
of the scrolling publications and also become apparent with continued
practice and projects.
Blade selection is made easier with the extensive range of Olson® scroll saw blades that Carba-Tec stocks. Each blade pack has the manufacturer's recommendation for specified
use of the blade profile, in particular its suitability for use with timber, MDF, brass or
aluminium sheet, etc.
Excalibur scroll saws come in two different sizes - a 21" and a
30" model. I encourage you to enter the wonderful world of scrolling,
and highly recommend the Excalibur as the machine to give you the most
satisfaction and success. |
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