New to woodworking and the scrollsaw

[Michael_D]

Hi, I am from Texas and am very new to woodworking and the scrollsaw. I recently purchased a 16" variable speed scroll saw from Delta..It's the inexpensive Delta SM600. I figured I would try it out and see if I could get the hang of things before I got a better model..In November of 2005 I was medically retired due to a degenerative back condition and just recently decided I would take up woodworking..I hope that I can learn alot from all of you and plan to visit this site as much as possible so look forward to talking to all of you...
Now for my first dumb question...
I havent purchased a pattern as of yet and am not sure about something... I have seen some patterns that have some black backgrounds within the cut lines and some that dont. What is the difference? Are the black just backgrounds attached to the scroll work after it is cut or does it signify something else?

Thanks for your help .... just learning so please excuse my question

[MikeDingas]

If I understand you correctly, patterns with black or not are simply different to show the areas to be cut out. The black method (some use grey to save toner) makes the 'waste' areas stand out. Patterns with only lines sometimes makes it a bit harder to locate the waste areas. Personally, I've begun making the waste area grey while retaining the black lines.

By the way, as many have said, the only dumb question is the one that is not asked. This group's expertise varies from "never scrolled" to down-right "how did you do that". Take advantage of that and ask away!

[Minnesota scroller]

Hi Mike. You have a good name so you should do just fine. Welcome aboard. I did the same as you, purchased a low end saw to start with and once I became addicted, upgraded to a better saw. We Mikes are so wise.

Here are a few sites where you can get free patterns. It's a good way to start without investing money. As time goes on you'll probably want to buy more professional ones, but there are some good patterns at these sites. There are also some pretty bad ones. These are all MSN sites that you have to join to be able to take advantage of the site. It's kind of a pain but quite painless. Once your application is approved, you're set.

http://groups.msn.com/FreeScrollsawPatterns/

http://groups.msn.com/scrollsawportraits/freepatterns.msnw

http://groups.msn.com/AbsolutelyFreeScrollsawPatterns/index.msnw

Good luck and enjoy.

[Steviegwood]

Welcome to the family Michael D, I will add that if it is a scrolled photo that you are looking at the differant colored backgrounds then the answer is yes a lot of us do attach a backer to our projects in all differant colors. Not to mention somebody other than a Mike had to comment here. HA! HA! Hi Guys, Steve

[Neal Moore]

Patterns

Mike....there are several types of patterns used in scrolling. Generally, the ones with black or shaded areas are for fretwork or pierced portraits and indicate the waste areas to be removed as was stated earlier. There are also intarsia, segmentation and compound cut patterns that, usually, consist of lines only. There are several good books out that will help you a lot in getting started. I've heard a lot of good comments on John Nelson's book. I think it's called "Scrollsaw Workbook" but I'm not real sure on that. I'm sure others here can recommend books that will be of great help. Welcome to the forum and happy scrolling!!!

[Mackem]

welcome to the forum mike

[PuzzledMoose]

Hi Mike and welcome - apart from the very useful MSN groups that Minnesota Mike posted there are these ones too which are interesting if not as busy ...

http://groups.msn.com/TheScrollersCafe

http://groups.msn.com/scrollsawcrafters

[Dragon]

Welcome to the scrolling family.
Diane

[chrispuzzle]

Hi Mike, welcome to the group. Nicest online group I ever did find.

Chris

[Michael_D]

Thanks Mike

If I understand you correctly, patterns with black or not are simply different to show the areas to be cut out. The black method (some use grey to save toner) makes the 'waste' areas stand out. Patterns with only lines sometimes makes it a bit harder to locate the waste areas. Personally, I've begun making the waste area grey while retaining the black lines.

By the way, as many have said, the only dumb question is the one that is not asked. This group's expertise varies from "never scrolled" to down-right "how did you do that". Take advantage of that and ask away!

Thanks Mike..I sort of thought that was what the dark areas were but just wanted to make sure. I look forward to all the valuble information I can receive from the forum... thanks again..

[Michael_D]

Thanks to everyone

Thank you to everyone who so generously welcomed me to the forum and thanks for the advice. I look forward to learning as much as I can about scroll work and also look forward to all the new people I can meet on the forum.....

[Jediscroller]

Welcome aboard Mike.

This comment below struck my funny bone. Many of the folks posting patterns on AFSP also have patterns in Scroller LTD and WTB.

Here are a few sites where you can get free patterns. It's a good way to start without investing money. As time goes on you'll probably want to buy more professional ones, but there are some good patterns at these sites. There are also some pretty bad ones. These are all MSN sites that you have to join to be able to take advantage of the site. It's kind of a pain but quite painless. Once your application is approved, you're set.

[PuzzledMoose]

Welcome aboard Mike.
Many of the folks posting patterns on AFSP also have patterns in Scroller LTD and WTB.

What's WTB??

[Jediscroller]

What's WTB??

The Wooden Teddy Bear, my first choice for purchasing supplies from.

[PuzzledMoose]

Thanks Kevin - it just clicked with me after I posted that but you answered before I could delete the post - I don't think my brain is in gear today