Scroll Saw Treasures

My name is Michael and I have been interested in woodworking for many years. I have always been interested in woodworking and carpentry and thought if there was a way to make a living working with my hands and wood I would love to try and make that happen.

It all started when I was in kindergarten my family decided to build a new home on our own. I really enjoyed all of the aspects of the build. This was a great way for me to learn about hard work and all of the necessary tools that are needed to make a home. Later I was involved in 4-H for many years doing very well in the woodworking category. With the guidance of my grandpa and dad I was able to learn many different aspects of woodworking. I had many different projects displayed at the state fair during my 4-H years. I think this is where I started to get my love of woodworking. I got interested in scroll saw woodworking when I received a pattern book in the mail from a pattern dealer, and as they say the rest is history!

I started sawing with my grandpa's old scroll saw and quickly wore it out. Then I bought a nicer model and wore it out too. As I continued to hone my skills I decided it was time to break down and purchase a high quality saw. I did so and have been really happy with the results I have been able to produce with it.

I am a self taught scroll saw artist. Everything I have learned has come from reading books and trial and error. The way I create my projects may not be the same way the guy down the road will do it. I have found this process works really well for me.

Here is a quick step by step process to how I take a project from a raw board to the beautiful piece you will display in your home.

1. Cut the wood to fit the pattern you are going to saw.

2. Apply blue painters tape to the wood.

3. Use spray glue to attach the pattern to the tape that is on the wood.

4. Wrap the project in packing tape. This helps extend the life of the sawblade.

5. Cut the exterior of the pattern.

6. Drill all of the interior holes.

7. Thread the scroll saw blade in each hole and cut the interior designs. This can happen hundreds of time on some projects. Depending on the amount of detail in each piece.

8. Remove the pattern from the wood.

9. Carefully sand the project.

10. Blow all the dust off the cutting.

11. Apply two coats of stain.

12. Apply three coats of poly.

13. Remove any little "fuzzes" that the poly process adds to the cutting.

14. Apply a hanger.

15. Attach a label with my contact information on it as well as a label to give credit to the pattern designer if I did not design the piece.

16. Prepare the cutting for shipping.

17. Your job: DISPLAY WITH PRIDE!!!

As you can tell from all of the steps involved this is a very detailed and complex process, but once the project is complete it provides you with a great sense of accomplishment. It is my hope that you will enjoy and see the value of each and every cutting that I produce.

I have been scrolling for over 20 years now. Wow how the time flies! I am in my early 40's and single. I enjoy spending time with my niece and nephew, being outdoors, doing lawn care, helping other people in need and spoiling my basset hound! I live in rural Indiana and have sold items online to 44 of the 50 United States. My goal is to hit all 50! I have even sent a few item out of the country, with my very first online sale going to Australia!