Messages

1

Brag Forum / My first project

« on: July 02, 2019, 01:15:26 pm »

Just a passive amplifier from the free download section but I like it.  We use it for our weekly phone calls with the kids (all grown up and gone).  Now I'm looking for my next project.  This hobby is great in that there are tons of small projects for personal use, gifts, and it's not really too expensive once the saw is purchased.  I have a HF scroll saw with a mod kit allowing pinless blade changes.  Thanks to all for your advice and support.  I cannot get the pictures to display correctly.  The pictures are right-side-up on my computer but upload differently.  sorry about that.  Mark in Colorado.

2

General Scroll Saw Talk / Took the plunge and bought a scroll saw

« on: January 01, 2019, 11:31:51 am »

I'm new to scrolling and after much research I purchased an entry level scroll saw.  I'm on a budget, so I need to be careful with a new hobby.
 It's a harbor freight that was on sale - $75.76 out the door (with coupon).  I then purchased the Pozgai designs modification to allow tool less blade changes for $37.  Then purchased an Olson variety pack of pin less blades for $9.  Total, $121.76.   I saved the money by skipping lunches at work and saving the money (adds up after a while).  After much research I must say how pleased I am with its performance.  No vibration issues (it's bolted down), air pump works fine, the blade modification works great, and I'm making my first project with no issues (a simple cross with internal cuts).  I'm on the hunt for some wood to start a custom Intarsia project.  Soon I'll be downloading Inkscape (freeware) and making my own design of a communications satellite.  I have a few ideas and I am motivated to start it.  Thanks to all who provided advice.  This isn't the best setup but it's a good start for me.  I'll be posting pictures soon when I start the satellite project.  Wish me luck!  Mark in Colorado.

3

Introduce Yourself. / Re: hello from Colorado

« on: October 29, 2018, 07:26:59 pm »

Thanks again Busco.   I also have a 'finance minister', aka CINCWIFE (commander-in-chief Wife) who is flabbergasted at my latest hobby.  I also do leather working and industrial sewing.  I have yet to convince her that all these hobbies are related and complimentary    I would like to make $$ with this hobby.  Just enough to pay for itself.  I have a grand daughter (my first) and now I see all kinds of things I want to make for her; blocks, gears, piggy bank, her name, etc.  Scrolling gives so much in terms of lasting items that will be treasured.  Intarsia looks very interesting as well.  I wanted to save up for a nice scroll saw but I feel I might cave in and start with the WEN 3920 until I prove myself to CINCWIFE.  Thanks for your advice.  Keep in touch.  Mark in Colorado.   

4

Introduce Yourself. / Re: hello from Colorado

« on: October 27, 2018, 10:39:44 am »

Thanks Tony.  Great advice and resources.  I signed up for the free Ocooch catalog.  I've decided to save up and purchase the Seyco scroll saw.  I volunteered for extra hours at work and should have the $$ by early next year.  Meanwhile, I'll be purchasing quality blades and build up a supply of wood and plans to start projects.  Thanks to everyone for the advice.  Mark in Colorado.

5

Introduce Yourself. / Re: hello from Colorado

« on: October 23, 2018, 06:31:44 pm »

Thanks Busco.  Longmont is a ways up I-25 but not too far.  What is your advice for a first scroll saw?  I was leaning towards the DeWalt 788 but see a lot of bearing problems develop in them after the warranty expires.  Then I see the inexpensive WEN 3920 as a good first saw, but it seems too cheap.  Then I see the Seyco ST-21 and my mouth drools, but my pocket book isn't that thick.  I want to get on my own machine and make things.  You mentioned you have been scrolling for just a few years, what's your experience?  Thanks for your time and advice.  If you're ever in Colorado Springs, give me a call.  Cheers, Mark

6

General Scroll Saw Talk / DeWalt 788 question

« on: October 21, 2018, 10:10:35 am »

Newbie here.  Researching which scroll saw to purchase.  I was leaning towards the DeWalt 788 and looked at one in the store yesterday.  Online research indicates that the needle bearings are not lubricated well and the bearings fail just after the warranty period is over.  There's several youtube videos on this topic.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjgSKrlt7LE&t=4454s    Are there other scroll saws that are made to be lubricated without major effort?  Also looking at the Seyco ST-21 saw - very nice, but now I'm wondering if that too will have bearing issues after the warranty period is over.  Thanks for your advice.  Mark in Colorado.

7

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Cutting Plexiglass

« on: October 20, 2018, 10:08:40 am »

Thanks for the expert advice.  I will study more about blades and be very careful. 

8

General Scroll Saw Talk / Cutting Plexiglass

« on: October 19, 2018, 07:28:39 pm »

Looking for tips on cutting plexiglass with the scroll saw.  Or even should I try it?  I'm a newbie (as you can probably tell).  Thanks for your advice.  Mark in Colorado.

9

Introduce Yourself. / Re: hello from Colorado

« on: October 13, 2018, 01:50:43 pm »

I know Palmer, Alaska.  I was stationed at Elmendorf a long time ago.  Love the state.  We still have friends who live in Eagle River.  Thanks for writing and your advice. 

10

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Your opinion for bass wood

« on: October 13, 2018, 01:46:18 pm »

Thanks.  I like all the properties you mentioned.  It will be a good wood for me to start with.  Thank you.

11

Intarsia / Sundials

« on: October 13, 2018, 08:59:14 am »

Hello.  One of the purposes that got me here was to create Sundials.  I learned about them recently and have become interested in making my own and perhaps making some for sale in the future, after I develop the needed skills.  The Intarsia technique looks like it would be a great method for making interesting sundials.  Do any of you have experience making sundials or do you think this would be a good technique to use?  Your advice is much appreciated.  Mark in Colorado.

12

General Scroll Saw Talk / Your opinion for bass wood

« on: October 13, 2018, 08:54:44 am »

Newbie here.  I'm new to it all, so I am wondering if bass wood would be a good "beginners" wood to start with.  It's soft and no doubt would yield to the blade easily.  I'm also about to order the WEN scroll saw from Amazon.  It's under a $100 bucks and gets fantastic reviews from many sources (YouTubers, Amazon customers, etc).  The opinions from this group matter most.  Thanks for your advice.  Mark in Colorado.

13

Introduce Yourself. / hello from Colorado

« on: October 12, 2018, 07:25:59 pm »

My thanks to Steve Good and his YouTube channel that led me to this forum.  I'm new to scrolling and am looking to build my tool inventory.  I'd like recommendations on tools, blades, accessories, etc.  I'm planning on retiring in a few years and would like to devote more time to making items for the family and for a little extra income at craft fairs, etc.  It's amazing how many useful and interesting items can be made and that's what draws me to this area of wood working.  I'm a retired USAF Master Sergeant living in Colorado Springs and thanks for letting me post to the group.  Sincerely, Mark in Colorado.