![]() ![]() ![]() In this tutorial, you’ll learn the basics for simple bandsaw or scrollsaw projects. The fundamentals covered are simple cuts, drilling, and sanding techniques for basic woodworking projects. With knowledge and some practice of these woodworking skills, you should be able to create your own quality items. Supplies![]() ![]() ![]()
Safety
Selecting the Right WoodAs with any crafting project, it is important to start with good quality supplies that are free of any defects.
![]() ![]() ![]() Tools
1. Make a Straight CutStep 1Using a pencil, draw a straight line on the piece of wood you will be cutting. You can also print out the cutting lines PDF of your project and fix it to your practice piece of lumber using packing tape. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 2Line up the saw blade with the edge of the wood where you will start your cut. Note that most saws do not cut a perfectly straight line (they typically veer slightly to the right) and you will have to angle your wood slightly to achieve a straight cut. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 3Once your lumber is in place, turn the saw on and slowly begin cutting on the line. As you make the cut, you might have to make small adjustments to the angle that you're holding the wood. Take care not to force the wood against the saw blade, just apply a gentle amount of pressure on the lumber to keep it feeding through the saw. The wood should be held firmly so that it does not bounce around on the saw deck. Once the cut is complete, turn the saw off to avoid any accidents. ![]() ![]() ![]() 2. Make a Curved CutStep 1Using a pencil, draw a wavy, curved line on the piece of wood you will be cutting. Gentle curves will be easier that tight curves. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 2Line up the saw blade with the edge of the wood where you will start your cut. You will want to start your cut at a slight angle going towards the top of the first curve. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 3Once your lumber is in place, turn the saw on and slowly begin cutting on the line. Make sure not to force the wood against the saw blade, just apply a gentle amount of pressure on the lumber to keep it feeding through the saw. The wood should just held firmly so that it doesn't bounce around on the saw deck. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 4As you make the curved cut you will have to gently turn the wood in a continuous movement that mimics the curving motion of the line you are cutting. This process will take a bit of practice to perfect. Once you feel proficient cutting gentle waves, move on to more dramatic waves and curves. Remember to turn the saw off at the end of your practice to avoid any accidents. ![]() ![]() ![]() 3. Cut Tight TurnsStep 1Using a pencil, draw the tight turn with a loop on the outside of the corner on the piece of wood you will be cutting. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 2Line up the saw blade with the edge of the wood where you will start your cut. Make sure your wood is slightly angled towards the angle of your cut. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 3Once your lumber is in place, turn the saw on and slowly start cutting on the line. As you make the cut, gently adjust the angle of the wood so that that the cut follows the guideline. Apply a gentle amount of pressure on the lumber to keep it feeding through the saw. The lumber should just be held firmly so that it doesn't bounce around on the deck of the saw. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 4Continue cutting up past the turn to the loop. The loop is allowing your blade to turn around and cut down the other side of your corner. This technique keeps the blade from burning the wood at the tightest part of the turn and makes for a nice crisp turn. Once the cut is complete, turn the saw off to avoid any accidents. ![]() ![]() ![]() 4. How to Drill a HoleStep 1Select the proper drill bit for the project then mark the place you want the hole to be. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 2Position the wood so that the drill bit will contact the wood at the right place. Check the placement by lowering the drill bit until it almost contacts the wood. Readjust the lumber if it is not positioned correctly. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 3Apply the drill bit to the wood until it has gone all the way through the lumber. If the wood is particularly hard or thick, pull it out of the hole part-way through the drilling process to allow any wood that has built up in the bit to disperse. ![]() ![]() ![]() 5. Make Your Project SmoothStep 1Select the proper grit of sandpaper. A medium grit is usually a good starting point for most projects. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 2In long straight motions, begin sanding your project. Be sure to to pay particular attention to the edges and corner. Try to always sand with the grain of the wood so that you don't leave any marks that cut across the grain. Repeat if necessary with a finer grit of sanding paper until you achieve the desired smoothness. ![]() ![]() ![]() Keep PracticingIn this tutorial you have learned five important woodworking basics; cutting straight and curved lines, turning tight corners, sanding, and drilling for any scroll saw or band saw woodworking project. These skills are a great jumping-off point for making simple wooden furniture, home decor or even wooden toys. ![]() ![]() ![]() With just a bit of practice and creativity, you will be on your way to making quality woodworking projects. What kind of projects would you like to make? Let us know in the comments below. |
Woodworking Fundamentals: Learn the Basic Skills
In this tutorial, you’ll learn the basics for simple bandsaw or scrollsaw projects. The fundamentals covered are simple cuts, drilling, and sanding...
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Source: crafts.tutsplus.com
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