Scroll Saw General Information
The scroll saw is used for cutting curved or irregular shapes. Its
primary advantage over other saws is that the blade can be inserted
through an opening in the work to make inside cuts. This allows for
inside cuts to be made without cutting through the work. Narrow
blades can also be installed to do very intricate work. These two
applications make the scroll (jig) saw very useful for small, detailed
work.
How It Works
The scroll saw uses a reciprocating
(back-and-forth) cutting motion. The
figure at the right shows how the motor
is connected to the driving mechanism
by a belt and pulley system. The drive
mechanism contains a crankshaft that
turns the rotary motion into a
reciprocating motion.
Safety Guidelines
General Procedures
1.
Eye protection meeting current
ANSI safety standards must be
worn at all times while anyone is
working in the lab.
2. Never make any
adjustments to a
machine while it is running.
3. Never walk away while a
machine is still in motion. For
example, when you turn the band
saw off, the blade continues to
move unless the break is
applied.
4. Disconnect electrical power when changing blades, bits, etc. or anytime an injury could
occur if the machine is accidentally turned on. Generally this requires that the machine be
unplugged or the circuit breaker turned to the off position.
Scroll Saw Fundamentals:
1. Install the blade with the teeth facing down. This will hold the work down against the
table.
2. Adjust and check the blade tension according to the machine manufacturer's guidelines.
3. The hold-down should be secure against the stock.
Safety Quiz
1. What is the main use of a scroll saw? What makes it so good?
2. Which way is the blade put on the saw?
3. How should you have the hold-down set when using the scroll saw?
4. How does the scroll saw turn rotary motion into reciprocating motion?