Scroll saws – the perfect hobby tool

A scroll saw is a fun, easy to use tool that is a great way to introduce anyone, young or old, to the joys of woodworking. It's not necessary to buy an expensive model to enjoy and accomplish the countless design projects available to you. It's the perfect tool for both intricate and simple cuts and requires only a small space to operate in.

Although it's one of the safest power tools to operate, all the safety rules for power tool use still apply when using a scroll saw including wearing safety glasses and ensuring good ventilation and proper lighting.

Features to look for in a scroll saw include variable speed capability, which allows you to adjust the blade speed for better control of your cut. Models with a blower mounted near the blade keeps saw dust away from your sight line. A work light feature shines a light beam directly on your pattern.

The Christmas decorations shown here are ideal projects for the first timer. They use 1/4 and 1/2 inch stock, ideal for the beginner. Carl Pleli of Weeks of Waterdown Home Hardware in Waterdown, Ontario supplied us with these patterns. Carl started simple scroll sawing a few years back and now often creates extremely intricate inlaid pieces. He also gets a great deal of pleasure doing simpler projects for in-store celebrations and various charities in the community.

Sunflower Birdhouse

There are many outdoor ideas suitable for scroll saw projects. We have chosen a summer theme which is not difficult to construct. It will add colour and interest to your yard or garden.

1. Cut the roof and the front and back pieces for the birdhouse from 1" pine, and the sides and floor from 1/4" plywood. Use the diagrams provided.
2. Use the pattern to create the sunflower design on 1/4" plywood. The flower is constructed from two identical cut-outs, with one rotated slightly to give a three dimensional effect. Use a scroll saw to cut out the flower shapes. Cut the centre "seed" area of the flower from 1/4" plywood as well.
3. Assemble the birdhouse using 2" and 1" finishing nails, or a brad nailer. Keep the sides, roof pieces and floor flush with the front of the birdhouse, allowing the roof to overhang at the back. Use two brass screws to secure the floor, pre-drilling with a 1/8" wood bit. This will allow for seasonal clean-out.
4. Sand if necessary, and paint the birdhouse a green exterior gloss paint, or colour of your choice.
5. Place the two flower cutouts and centre circle on a flat surface, and paint using exterior high gloss yellow and black.
6. When the house and flower parts are completely dry, use 1" finishing nails or a brad nailer to fasten the flower pieces to the front of the birdhouse.
7. Locate the entrance hole using the diagram, and drill a 1" hole with a spade bit through the centre of the flower and into the house cavity. The 1" diameter is ideal for wrens, but you can alter the size of the hole (and house) for other species of birds found in your area. Drill a 1/4" hole below the entrance as shown, and insert a 3" piece of 1/4" dowel for the perch.
8. Mount the finished birdhouse on a post or pole or suspend it using two brass screw eyes at either end of the roof ridge.

What You'll Need

Materials

• 1/4" plywood 12" x 36"
• 1" x 8" pine 2 feet
• brass screws, round head, #8, 1" 2 2181-579
• 1-1/2" galvanized finishing nails 2134-826
• 1/4" dowel 6" 2624-443
• Beauti-Tone exterior paint, gloss - yellow, green, black 1832-351

Tools

• mitre saw 1347-584 (TMT)
• bench saw 1346-634
• measuring tape 1048-985
• hammer 1030-566
• drill 1239-210 (TMT)
• 1/8" drill bit 1242-088 1/4" drill bit 1242-168 1" spade bit 1214-763
• scroll saw 1345-039; 1345-057
• screw driver 1057-528
• palm sander 1262-369
• nail set1039-389