I've Lurked here long enough

[Graywolf]

Hello, folks. I'm Gary and I have been lurking around for a while, trying to learn about the Scroll Saw. I have been in woodworking (on the side) all my life. I have built a lot of decks; sheds; and home repair around the Peru, Illinois area. I now have my shop set up in the garage (truck will not fit). I build planter boxes; yard furinture; etc. I have always wanted a Scroll Saw, but never got one. A month or so ago a friend at church said he had a Scroll Saw I could have if I wanted it. HOBoy!! it is a Craftsman (pin in the blades). I found this site and have learned a lot from you folks THANKS! I have been makeing sawdust and firewood in the shop using patterns from this site, THANKS AGAIN. To make matters better, the other day another friend at church said he had a Scroll Saw and a disk sander, that he would not sell or lend me, but I could use them. DOUBLE HOBOY!! It is a Delta model 40-560 (no pins in the blades). The table has some rust, so I have to clean it up. I will be asking questions as I learn. Again Thanks to everyone.

Gary

[Bill P]

Welcome, Gary.  We're a fun-loving bunch and are happy to help you make sawdust and firewood.

Bill

[dgman]

Hey Gary, Welcome from Southern California. We are here to help, so feel free to ask questions. I also have been known to make designer firewood!

[marmoh]

So you finally un-lurked yourself !!!!  I have a Delta 40-540 so guess they should be similar ??  Come in from hiding and have some fun !!  Marion

[CNLNC]

Welcome, you'll find everyone hear friendly and willing to help. So don't be shy, and ask away and someone, most likely alot of someone's, will get you an answer.

[ShadowB6]

Welcome Gary. I think you'll see a lot of the friendly folks on this board have a lot of the same interests as you. I for one have also built a lot of decks in the past, including 4 of them last summer plus many other outdoor projects. Looking forward to hearing about your progress on your scroll saw.

Mike

[BilltheDiver]

Welcome! 

[julief]

Hey Gary.  Welcome from Texas.  Glad you stopped lurking and started posting.  Looking forward to see what you create.  Come on in.

[bluesuede]

Hi Gary, welcome from Nova Scotia. Check the top blade holder of your Craftsman, you may be able to give it a half turn it and use regular flat blades.

Bruce

[cameronj]

Welcome Gary, I'm Jim from London, Ontario.  Glad to have you join us.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.

[Graywolf]

Thanks everyone for the nice welcome.
bluesuede, I checked the top blade holder of the Craftsman and it only holds pins. Thanks.

I have a question. I have been messing with the Delta, it seems to work OK on one inch stock. When I try to cut 2 X 4 stock the blades break. From what I have read on the site this usually happens if the blade tension is too tight. I have adjusted the tension and there is no high piched tone from them now. I broke four blades and still don't have it yet. I have to be able to cut 2 X 4's for plant hangers I make. The blades I have came with the Craftsman (don't know how old they are), are Olson 41101 and 41401. I am hopeing I just need different blades. Thanks for any help.

[mrsn]

to cut a 2x4 I ues a "thick wood" blade. The blade is much bigger then other blades, it has big teeth on it and is thicker.

sometimes 2x4s can be dificult to cut. They tend to have internal stresses so they twist and close the blade kerf. Some times I have to stop and re start the cut because the wood pinches the blade.  Once when ripping a 3/4" piece off a 2x4 the internal stresses made the piece into a corkscrew.

[dgman]

If you are cutting 2X4's you need to use a #7 or higher. In the scroll saw community we don't go by blade part numbers, we go by blade sizes, so I don't know what blades you have. A #7 or #9 skip tooth blade should do you fine.

[Graywolf]

Thanks Mrsn and dgman. I have noticed there are blade numbers. I am looking into different blades now.