Scroll Saw Bowl Re-Reborn (Re-incarnated?)

Thanks for the insight @jamesdhatch.

1 Like

Just very quickly looked at that (another great project) but there too you cut twice to get a clean edge it seems.

It is small at the focal point, maybe 0.2mm, but as it leaves the lens it will be a few mm in diameter, hence the cone. So over a 2" focal length it goes from something like 5mm down to 0.2mm. The shape is actually a bit better than a pure cone as it has an elongated point.

1 Like

Yes, best to do it twice rather than full power and slowest speed.

2 Likes

I have done one that was around 20" (500mm or so) which had about 20 something rings. I went upwards half way, then continued back down so the last ring was on plane with the bottom. Looked cool. I’ll try to find a pic.

1 Like

Here they are:


51 Likes

Holy cow! that is some fine workmanship. I can’t imagine having to cut them all out on the scroll saw. Very nice.

chip and salsa bowl.

6 Likes

Wow!

1 Like

Totally cool …love thecolors…thx :thumbsup:

1 Like

Seriously Wow!

1 Like

Stunning. There’s a real Escher thing going on there with my eyes…

2 Likes

I’ve only ever tried once on a scroll saw, and either my scroll saw sucks or I do. Reasonably certain my scroll saw is ok.

I did this on an old 3axis biesse rover CNC. 1/16" straight bit. 1000mm/m. 4 passes .

4 Likes

That makes sense now. I couldn’t figure out why the proportions of the width of the bands was so narrow. It was the wider kerf with the mill.

This will be a great test for a pass through on the Pro. You could make a pretty large bowl. Heck, even a sombrero!

3 Likes

Indeed - cutting twice vs. once is a question of finish, speed, and other factors. We’ll find the best balance for Proofgrade settings, but you can always switch to manual mode and experiment.

11 Likes

Ok thanks.

I’d have thought adding heat to the cut face twice doubles the risk of melting the acrylic.

I have always had in my mind that GF would be able to cut most wood & acrylic up to 1/4 inch with a single pass (for both the 40w and 45w tubes). Was that a misplaced perception or was it part of the marketing or specs at some point?

An idea I’m toying with for regular owners is a two part file. And basically have all the half rings have a puzzle joint in the centre. If the split is with the grain as opposed to cross, it should be mostly hidden or not noticeable. That way you could get a 20inch bowl no problem.

2 Likes

I think it can if you are in a hurry. Two passes apparently gives nicer edges on acrylic. Perhaps it stops the heat from spreading as far laterally.

It can cut 1/4" fine. I do it often. Different materials require different settings though. While you can make it through acrylic in one pass, it’s a lot cleaner finish if you do it in 2 passes. I can go through poplar like butter in one pass with no charring. 1/4" ply however takes a lot more power. Crappy ply takes even more than that

11 Likes

Thanks @palmercr, very interesting (there goes my theory)

Good to know as well.

1 Like

I’m not sure where that came from - maybe 0.25" single sided? We’ve said that.

4 Likes