The Sawdust Chronicles

In the age of mass production and instant gratification, the artistry and craftsmanship associated with heirloom-quality scroll saw and carving pieces are facing a formidable challenge. The allure of overseas, mass-produced items created through CNC and laser technologies has cast a shadow over the painstakingly crafted works of artisans. As discount and big box stores like Walmart shape consumer expectations, the unique charm of handcrafted wooden products is gradually fading away. Today we explore the lamentable loss of heirloom quality in scroll saw and carving pieces, the challenges artisans face, and the shifting mindset of consumers. Heirloom-quality scroll saw and carving pieces are more than just wooden objects; they are a testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of artisans who have honed their craft. However, as demand for cheaper, mass-produced alternatives rises, the intricate details, personalized touches, and time-honored techniques that define heirloom-quality pie...

Setting up a woodworking shop can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the craft. However, with a little planning and organization, you can create a workspace that is both efficient and enjoyable to work in. Here are some tips for setting up your basic woodworking shop in a way that maximizes space, promotes good workflow, and keeps your tools handy. Above my 5x15' workshop in my garage. Assess your needs and space -  Before setting up your shop, take the time to assess your needs and the available space. Consider the type of projects you plan to work on, the tools you will need, and the space required to work on those projects. This will help you determine what type of equipment and workspace you need to set up. Plan your layout -  Once you have assessed your needs and space, it's time to plan your layout. Consider the flow of your work and how your tools will be used. Plan your workspace in a way that promotes a good workflow, with everything you need within r...

As children grow and develop, they require toys that not only entertain them but also aid in their cognitive and physical development. While there are many toys available in the market, handmade wooden educational toys have emerged as a popular choice among parents and educators alike. These toys not only provide a fun and engaging playtime experience but also promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. One of the most significant benefits of handmade wooden educational toys is their ability to stimulate a child's imagination and creativity. Unlike electronic or battery-operated toys, wooden toys are simple and leave a lot of room for interpretation. Children are encouraged to use their imagination to create new games, stories, and scenarios, helping to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills. Wooden toys also provide a tactile experience that is important for young children's development. They have a unique texture and weight that helps to stimulate...

Ariel, listen to me The human world, it's a mess Life under the sea Is better than anything they got up there... This is the most recent piece I finished.  This was done 95% on the laser, I had some struggles but learned a lot. It will be a gift to a friend of the family.  It was a little tricky making it out of 3mm baltic birch plywood.  I think I am done with plywood, with the exception perhaps of just using it for backer boards. It is inconsistent, fragile, chips and cracks easily, and to me just a bit ugly. But enough of that, let's talk about handmade wooden art piece gifts. One of the great things about making wooden art pieces is that it doesn't require much experience or special equipment. All you need is a piece of wood, some basic tools like a saw and sandpaper, and a little bit of creativity. The more tools you have, the great range of what you can do. There are plenty of tutorials and resources available online that can guide you through the process of making ...

There's something special about the bond between a grandfather and his grandson. It's a connection that transcends generations, and it's often forged through shared experiences and interests.  I remember the time I spent with my grandfather (Poppy).  I did many activities from riding the NYC subways from one end to another, going to Coney Island for Nathan's hotdogs and fries, and also riding the carousel.  We went fishing, we painted, and we fixed and reupholstered furniture.  I recently became a "Poppy", this is the name handed down from my mother's side of the family for grandfathers.  I already have plans for the activities I will do with my grandson. Sure, I will be taking him to the Oceanfront, taking him out in the Mustang Convertible, and also learning to maintain it.  We'll do BBQ, garden, and so much more. Of course, since this is a blog on scroll sawing and general woodworking and making toys, that is the subject. In this blog post, we'l...

  The title is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.  I would say that I do try and live my life blazing a trail for others.  Then again, at times.... a smooth, flat road is great to cruise on. Put in some gentle curves and some scenery makes it all worth it. With that said, I've been working on mastering the laser.  Needless to say, there is a mix of science, art, and plain dumb luck!  It took me three tries to finally get a workable piece completed.  Mainly I had issues with the laser not cutting through the basswood plywood.  Finally NINE passes for a cut-through.  What is irritating is the fact that I did test pieces and got my settings from those, yet when doing a full project what happened in the test, did not happen for the final run. I am going to move away from plywood for the laser and stick with natural wood.  The only issue is getting good pieces larger than 8 inches wide.  As of now, I have to scale projects down say compar...

 I really want to combine the use of the scroll saw with the laser.  I designed a very simple "animal car".  Eventually, this will become a gift for the son of a co-worker. His son is 2 1/2 years old. I first lasered the pattern onto 3/4" Ash.  I lasered both sides trying to get a two-sided design.  However, I was off between 1 and 3mm, thus the etch on the reverse side was noticeably off.  I will stick to one side right now until I get better control of measurements. The other thing I am thinking of is scaling it down slightly so there is more balance in the sizing comparable to the wheels.  I do have a larger set of wheels, but they are very plane and do not look as nice as these more shaped ones. Of course, being that this is a failed version, I might experiment a little.  This weekend, I will laser another (single-sided) version that is not only scaled down slightly... perhaps 25%, but I will speed up some of the burn settings so I do not go a...

So here's a simple project I am working on today that will eventually be laser-cut. I am making an alphabet puzzle, and then after that a number puzzle. The different colors are 'layers", I will assign laser speed and power to each layer color, which will then determine how much it cuts, or engraves. In this case, the black is a cut-out line, it also is behind the outer perimeter of the red, which is an engraved line. You will also notice that there is a little finger cutout for each letter too. The green will just be engraved also, I just have not figured out what effect I will assign to them yet. If you look at the jet, I am currently working on that. I place the jet and duplicate it, so I make a red layer on that. I then "weld" the black jet to the letter to get the cut outline, then place the red duplicate over for the engraved line. For the above photo, assigning it to the black layer, I made my kite outline and placed it into position before scaling it down...

 I have been hemming and hawing about buying a Laser cutter/ engraver for the last number of months.  I finally bit the bullet and purchased a 40-watt LED model.  Still an entry-level machine but with a little more "ummph", to cut a little thicker. My main goal is to add some better backers to my puzzles, and perhaps some additional details in some of my scroll work.  Just to take it to the next level.  Below is a sample of how I want to use it to create backer puzzle guides, rather than trying to do it by hand with a wood-burning pen.  I failed miserably the first time! I also see how I can use it to create cutting stencils directly on the wood, and add text and shading too, but I do have plans to create some art totally from the laser too.  I want to be careful since the laser is so "perfect" in laying out the lines, the art can lose its soul. So here is the setup in the workshop.  I have my belt sander on the other side of the garage and my tab...