The New Scroll Saw Handbook [Paperback]

Patrick Spielman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2002

This bestseller’s massive technical updates and new sections make an even more valuable contribution, with simplified instructions. “Terrific, everything a book should be.”—Fine Woodworking. “Excellent....Belongs in all public libraries.”—Library Journal. “Everything you would possibly want to know about the history, operation and cutting techniques.”—Woodshop News

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Scroll saws are one of the most versatile power tools; using the appropriate blade and cutting technique, one can cut nearly any material with precision. Popular and prolific woodworking authors Spielman here expands and improves his 1986 classic, The Scroll Saw Handbook. He starts by describing the types and parts of saws and shows the many types of cuts they can do. Many currently manufactured and some historic saws are described, as are numerous accessories (with much information about both saw and blade selection). Spielman shows how to perform a remarkable number of sawing operations with materials of all types and thicknesses; many new techniques have been developed since the first edition. For example, the section on cutting plastics is now ten pages long instead of two and a half, and it contains a tremendous amount of specific information. Scroll saws are one of the most popular power tools available; because they are versatile, are relatively safe, and come in numerous reasonably priced models, even beginners can justify their purchase. This excellent title is a definite improvement upon the first edition and belongs in all public libraries.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Terrific, everything a book should be."--Fine Woodworking; "To know more about scroll saws...this book is the one."--The Mallet

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (May 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806978775
• ISBN-13: 978-0806978772
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #292,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #44 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Power Tools

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth every penny!, January 25, 2003

By 

Daniel Groseck "Daniel Groseck" (Southampton, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Scroll Saw Handbook (Paperback)

I haven't touched my Scroll Saw since High School (10+ years). I wanted to fire it up again and do a little more than cutting letters out of plywood. I bought this book primarily because it looked pretty extensive and was recently re-published. It mostly covers technique and has no patterns for stupid schlock like owl napkin holders. This book shows you what you can do with your saw from simple to complex. If you are a beginner or looking to increase your skill, this is a must have.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have!, February 19, 2005

By 

A. J. Watson "Bones" (Newcastle-on-Tyne, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Scroll Saw Handbook (Paperback)

Synopsis (quote)
The world's leading scroll saw expert offers a masterful comprehensive reference covering the equipment, materials, and artistry, from time-honoured methods to critiques of the latest machines and accessories. A bestseller in its classic first edition for 15 years, the guide's massive technical updates and new sections make an even more valuable contribution, with simplified instructions on ways to apply the latest innovations and how to make the best projects from the past even better. Sections on current models and major parts of the scroll saw; accessories; how to select a saw; blades, speeds, & feeds; safety techniques & guidelines; patterns & layout; scroll-sawing basics; stack-cutting & cutting thick wood; sawing thin & small stock; compound sawing; inlay work; marquetry basics; fine fretwork; appliques & overlays; joinery; sawing plastics; sawing metals; segmentation & intarsia; finishing basics.

The synopsis above says it all, but what it doesn't say is how readable and informative it is. I first saw the early edition of this book at my uncle's, and spent the entire evening engrossed in it, to the dismay of my wife and aunt, but delight of my uncle. Subsequently I purchased the new updated version, and was pleasantly surprised at how many of the modern saws were included and appraised. Although American, so are the majority of the designs in your major Hardware Store (even if they're actuallly produced in China or Taiwan).

The history of the scroll saw is given, with plenty of pictures of the various makes, showing improvements and simplifications to the basic design. Then we get the theory and mechanics of scroll sawing and why some designs are better and/or more or less expensive than others - what you get for your money, in short.

The book manages to avoid the trap of 'designs that any idiot can make', instead detailing the whole gamut of techniques, blades, jigs and materials to enable one to produce anything from the simplest to the most complex, professional-looking piece of work.

Loaded with hints, tips, Dos&Dont's, this is a must-buy for all woodwork/filigree enthusiasts. *****

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Starter Book, February 10, 2007

By 

Wayne Tafuro "wayne t" (Paris, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Scroll Saw Handbook (Paperback)

A little long on the history of scroll saws but still very interesting. Well put together and relitively up to date on equipment. The only scrollsaw not shown is the new Delta saw. Great book for beginners but there is something in this book for everyone. Very well documented lots of how-to photos.