I’m trying to make a modeling project that involves cutting out 1/4" thick wood into several pieces with straight sides about 2"x3". My problem is that I need a ruler-straight cut or the pieces won’t fit together properly, and the scrollsaw is doing exactly what it was designed to do: making curved cuts. In particular, even though I carefully follow the lines I drew on the top surface of the wood, I’m actually continually correcting my cut as I start to drift, so the bottom side of the cut is all wavy. How can I get a clean straight cut?
I thought I should add that the problem is amplified by the fact that I need a beveled cut, so I’m working with the base set at an angle.
Try to fashion some sort of guide to help you on the straight bits…clamp a straight piece of wood to the saw table to help guide you along. It will help a lot if you don’t have access to a band saw or table saw.
Use a table circular saw instead.
I don’t know what to add here…
Make sure you are using skip-tooth blades. They cut smoother and give far better control – I can split a pencil line with them. Other than that, steer carefully. You will almost always have to push the work a few degrees away from straight since the blades usually favor one side, but once you get the proper angle to turn the work, you should have no problem getting a nice straight line.
Oh and about that table saw… I assume that you don’t have one, otherwise you wouldn’t even bother trying with the scroll saw.
Good luck!