Hold down

[Samfire]

I am getting cracking now with my scroll saw and having observed a lot of videos on you tube I have noticed that most don't use the hold down facility. In fact, a lot of them seem to have removed it all together.

Do you seasoned experts on here use the hold down and does anybody know of any injuries caused by not using it?

 

[Chippygeoff]

Take it off and throw it away, or put it in a drawer. You just don't need it. Gentle pressure will hold the wood to the table. A tip for you. When cutting gently push with one hand and steer with the other, especially on curves.

 

[ChrisR]

I have never used a scroll saw work hold down, and don’t own one, my impression, it would just get in the way when doing intricate work. I could be wrong of course, but I have been scroll sawing for many years.

Just put in an order today, for ten gross of blades. :wink:

Take care.

Chris R.

 

[Samfire]

Thank you both for your replies and your tips. I've been pushing a steering with both hands so I will give your suggestion a go Chippygeoff. I was stunned when you told me how many blades you have just ordered Chris, you must do one hell of a lot of sawing.

 

[ChrisR]

Thank you both for your replies and your tips. I've been pushing a steering with both hands so I will give your suggestion a go Chippygeoff. I was stunned when you told me how many blades you have just ordered Chris, you must do one hell of a lot of sawing.

Yes, I do a lot of scroll saw work, and I like to have at least half a gross of any of the sizes and type of blade that I use at the ready.

Just received that blade order today, that will keep be going for a few months, I get very few breakages, as I do not try to get the last stroke of cut possible, but change blades regularly, as soon as cutting resistance is felt, you will soon be able to feel this cutting resistance. Also you will find that if you are doing fine work, you are more lightly to get an over cut when trying to push a blunt blade, than you are with a free cutting sharp blade.

Take care and happy scrolling.

Chris R.

 

[Samfire]

Thanks for the information Chris you obviously know a lot about blades. Which make do you use. I used the blades of no name that came with the saw and a few pegus that also came with it. I am now trying Olsen but to be honest I haven't been able to notice any differences.

 

[ChrisR]

Thanks for the information Chris you obviously know a lot about blades. Which make do you use. I used the blades of no name that came with the saw and a few pegus that also came with it. I am now trying Olsen but to be honest I haven't been able to notice any differences.

For general work I use standard (Pebeco).

For better more intricate work, with harder woods, (Niqua) reverse tooth or double tooth.

All purchased from (Hegner UK), which is now owned by (Technology Supplies Ltd).

I have tried (Pegus), found it to be a very good blade, but not good enough to command more than twice the price of (Niqua). Just my opinion.

You will find that most scroll saw users will have their favourite brand/type of blade, and will swear by that blade, as you are just starting out, I would give all the brands/types or as many as you can a try to see which suits you/your type of work best.

Sorry not a very definitive answer.


Take care.

Chris R.