Positive space is where the wood is still intact and negative space is where the wood has been removed. The bridges are the positive spaces on the wood that connect the different parts. Stick to a simple design if you are just beginning to use a scroll saw. For example, practice making a leaf or a flower first, with only a few areas of negative space. [2] X Research source There are many scroll saw patterns for beginners available online.
Tie back your hair if it is long before you use the scroll saw. You can also wear a dust mask if you prefer. Make sure that you aren’t wearing baggy sleeves or long jewelry that could get caught in the blade. [3] X Research source
Smaller blades tend to cut through the wood more slowly. This also means that you have more control when you are using the scroll saw. Intricate designs are more accurately cut with smaller blades.
If you are going to be cutting more than 1 piece of wood, consider how thick the overall stack will be. Although the individual pieces of wood might be thin, you will need to use a larger blade.
The right tension of the blade is about finding the balance between having the blade tight enough so that it doesn’t cave and is accurate, but not so tight that it snaps. [6] X Research source You can also check the tension of the blade by plucking it like a guitar string. A blade that has the right tension will make a sharp ping noise. Generally, the larger the blade the higher the tension it can withstand.
Some scroll saws don’t come with a light source. If this is the case, get a bright lamp and position it so that you can see the saw and your work fully. You can also purchase specialty lights that can be mounted directly onto a scroll saw. If your machine has a dust blower, switch this on too. This will remove the dust from your work as you use the scroll saw so that you can see your design clearly.
Practicing on a piece of scrap wood first will also let you make sure that the lighting is sufficient.
Stick to a slower speed if you are just beginning to use a scroll saw, as this will give you better control as you learn. [9] X Research source
Keep an eye on your fingers and the blade at all times to make sure that the blade doesn’t get too close to your hands. [11] X Research source Keep both hands on the wood at all times. Otherwise this might cause the scroll saw to jump and to make a jagged cut. Stick to the speed of the machine. Never rush the wood through the machine faster than the speed that the blade is cutting, otherwise your fingers could slip or your design could be crooked.
You don’t need to worry about removing the wood and turning it if you are using a spiral blade. These can cut in all directions, so you simply just need to turn your project as necessary. [12] X Research source
If you aren’t going to be using the scroll saw again soon, detach it from the workbench and store it away.
