A scroll saw is used to cut intricate curves in wood, metal, and other materials. The scroll saw's name derives from its traditional use in making sculptural ornaments that prominently featured scroll-head designs. The fineness of its blade allows it to cut more delicately than a handheld power jigsaw, and more easily than a hand coping saw. While somewhat similar to a band saw, a scroll saw uses a reciprocating blade rather than a continuous loop. Like a hand coping saw, the scroll saw's blade can be removed and placed through a pre-drilled starting hole, allowing interior cutouts to be made without an entry slot.
The scroll saw's pivoting tables lets you make angled cuts precisely and easily. Variable-speed support provides even finer control over cuts when working with delicate materials or when making intricate cuts. The fineness in both width and tooth count of a scroll's blade permits significantly more intricate curves than even the narrowest gauge band saw blade.
In this brief evening class, learn all about how a scroll saw works and its range of use from woodworker Bill Sterling, who will demonstrate its properties and applications.