Question....Laser Cutting.... ????

[Danny]

This is a late post, but at my Craft Show a few weeks ago I had TWO men ask me if my crafts were cut using a laser....Different times....  I have NOT ever thought about this.  (?)  Both were really nice.  After I told them NO I cut them with a Scroll saw they both responded with Nice Compliments and One of them told me I should invest in this way of cutting wood. 

My Question is this....  Is THIS "LASER" thing going to be the downfall of our Scrolling in a matter of time?

Hey any and ALL responses will be really Good...  Looking forward to this....
                                                   Danny  :+}

[dgman]

No, not at all. Laser cutters have been around for many years, and they are very expensive. Plus you have to have a dedicated computer and program. So I don't see it competing with us any time soon. The way you can tell if it is laser cut is the edges are burned.  If you smell it, it will smell burned. I get that asked all the time because the average Joe doesn't know what a scroll saw is, but they have heard of lasers.
The least expensive laser cutter runs about $9500.

[Dan26]

I enjoy scroll sawing. I don't think I'd get the same therapy from using a laser. I think the scroll saw will still be here. I know you can buy a cheap portable electric planer for less than a good old-fashioned hand plane, but I still see lots of hand planes around and in use. The point is that technology is great, but it just doesn't replace everything.

[navymancdf]

I dont think it will over take scroll sawing. In the long i think people like somthign that is hand made there is something awsome about it.  and i have to agree that scroll sawing is therapy i jut got my scroll saw yesterday and i am planning out all these projects with my scrap wood. it is nice to see a finished product and knwo it was dont by hand and not a computer.

[daliclimbs]

I agree, items that are handmade carry an element of magic. Technology can never replace that..

[GrayBeard]

People who appreciate true arts and crafts will appreciate our works.

People who appreciate 'laser cut' mass produced stuff will always quibble over price!

We do what we do because we love the process and the creativity, not to mention the smell of the wood and finishes....

~~~GB~~~

[SheGold]

Well for me my scrolling will stop when they pry my cold dead hands off my scroll saw.. A few months ago I was offered a lazer cutter when the man that owned it went out of business.. Need I say more? I did get some good deals on sanders and such... Sheila

[joey65746]

i have had people ask me that and i tell them i done it with a scroll saw they have looked at me like i am nuts win  i tell them how it is done and every hole has to have the blade fed threw a lil hole they realy start likeing it and tell me that i am selling to cheap  i tell them i am not trying to get rich  i just need more wood and blades

[Judy Hunter]

At our shows we show a picture of my son Ross at the scroll saw and we attach one of the blades we use.  People are amazed and tend to really appreciate the work more.

[tux_linux]

That's a great idea Judy!

I had that question today 4 times at least.
My answer: "This is not a James Bond movie!"
People laugh on that joke and I get to tell them how I'm doing it.
And I tell them how to find out if it's laser cut: The sides of the wood are all burned and mostly the simplest 1/8" poplar ply is used.
Also is a lot of stuff done by a CNC-cutter today. For example the Schwiebogen from the Erzgebirge. They are often cut by a computer.

[heiko rettberg]

yesterday i was on an Christmasmarket and look arroud the Market. What must i see a booth where they can cut ornaments with Laser. 3 pieces for 7,50?. What should i say. Terible. Today i was on an Chrismas baazar, the people look and look and say it was expensive. And i sold it one piece for 2,50? how much are 3?
And i was expensive??? i Will show you some picture in the next days.

[Fab4]

Laser cutting will never replace a scrollsaw

As GrayBeard put it:
"We do what we do because we love the process and the creativity,"
All I know is when I am in my garage, it's a totally different world and I love it
Fab4

[Marcellarius]

we were on a Christmas market last Saturday and saw some great work.
then my daughters (12 and 18Y) looked and said....

that's not real, that's laser cut because of the burned sides!

and that's how i raise my kids

[yyyyyguy]

I can barely operate my "tracphone", laser cutter...I'll leave that to my grandson,

Pete

[tux_linux]

give it a try: Self build Laser cutter @ instructables.com

But you will always see the difference.