Very straight cuts on a scroll saw

[John in Ottawa (YOW)]

Good evening all. I have a DW788 scroll saw and am just in the process of getting familiar with it. So far I've really just used it to improve the accuracy of coping cuts on some pieces I've been working on.

As I don't own a bandsaw, one of the first things that came up was trying to cut a straight run that ended in a contour. The contour was pretty easy, but the straight cut obviously was a challenge. It's one of those cuts that can't be pretty straight, it has to be dead straight for about a foot or so.

The thought occurred to me that I should use a fence of sort, as that's what I would do with my router or other saws. But I thought maybe there's a better way.

Thoughts?


Thanks
-John

[Mike in Nanaimo]

Hi John;
Stright cuts just take some practice. You'll find you run your cut through at about a 10 degree angle. Once you get on to this it is just second nature. Get a copy of John Nelson's Scroll Saw Workbook and you will find lots of tips in it. Chapters or some bookstores should have it. http://www.amazon.com/Scroll-Saw-Workbook-John-Nelson/dp/1565231171
Cheers
Mike

[Mack C. in Brooklin ON]

Good evening all. I have a DW788 scroll saw and am just in the process of getting familiar with it. So far I've really just used it to improve the accuracy of coping cuts on some pieces I've been working on.

As I don't own a bandsaw, one of the first things that came up was trying to cut a straight run that ended in a contour. The contour was pretty easy, but the straight cut obviously was a challenge. [quote]It's one of those cuts that can't be pretty straight, it has to be dead straight for about a foot or so.

I don't think the scroll saw was meant for that kind of a cut. The blades are too fine, etc. pretty straight OK; dead straight I don't think so.

[jimp11]

Hi there cuting a strait line depends on the day for me but most of the time I can do it just look a bit a head of the blade not at it .

[John in Ottawa (YOW)]

Thanks guys. I was wondering if a bandsaw would make sense, but not yet. In the mean time, I guess practice and planing will do....

Mack, you're right, it's not what the tool is made for, but I'm hoping to have a workaround for those times when I need a straight cut and don't have the time to set up the garage shop, or don't want to try it on the TS.

All the best
-John