Manufacturing Technology Mr. Swasey Granite Oaks Middle School
- A scroll saw is used to cut irregular shapes from wood, plastics and metals. Our scroll saws are set up specifically for cutting wood only.
- Wear eye protection at all times when using the scroll saw.
- Keep your work area clean and uncluttered.
- Select the correct speed and type of blade for the work you are doing.
- Install the blade with the teeth pointing downward.
- Make all adjustments only when the machine is turned off and unplugged from the power source. Adjust the blade tension before starting the saw.
- Never cut boards with nails, staples, or foreign materials.
- Adjust the hold down foot so it presses lightly on the surface of the wood you are cutting. This keeps your wood from vibrating.
- Have the teacher check your setup before turning on the scroll saw.
- Cut just slightly to the scrap side of your line of cut.
- The wood must NOT be in contact with the blade when you turn the machine on.
- Keep your hands, fingers, and body parts well out of the way of the blade. Never have your hand or fingers in the line of cut.
- Move scrap pieces away from the blade with a push stick, not your fingers.
- Never cut round stock without the proper holding device (jig) to keep it from rolling unintentionally.
- If the blade breaks, turn off the machine and notify the instructor.
- Give the blade time to do its job. The teeth are small and you must feed your work slowly so you don’t break the blade. Don’t force your wood into the blade. This is especially true if you are cutting a radius or circle. Don’t turn too sharp.
- To back out of a cut, turn off the saw. Slowly and gently move the board to get it off of the blade.
- Be cautious when gently blowing sawdust away so that you can see the line of cut.