Creative Woodworks & crafts 2004-11, страница 33

Once formed into the shape you need, just let it cool and it will be as solid as the original piece.

Another product that has uses in scrolling is plastic laminate (normally referred to as Formica®). This material cuts well with a No. 2 or 2/0 blade. I find it my first choice for making tracing templates. Hundreds of template patterns can be stored in a small box and are very durable. It comes in many colors and finishes, from wood grain to stone, solid colors to metal, and provides a great accent to any wood project. I have made inlays from Formica® that have added just the special touch 1 wanted on some of my projects. The colors and textures available in Formica® are almost limitless, plus there are a number of other manufacturers of products that are similar.

The piece shown here is a simple clock insert stand formed by cutting the shape into the Plexiglas® and then bending the bottom around to make a base for it to sit on. It is so easy to execute, and makes a stunning project when finished.

There are still other materials that are easy to cut with the scroll saw. I often work with a material called PVC board. It is somewhat porous and lightweight, and is available in a few different thicknesses. Yes. this is the same type of material that plumbing drainage pipes are made from. You use regular PVC cement to glue this material together. 1 find it neat stuff to use for outdoor signs because it is available in many colors, is impervious to weather, and doesn't require any finish.

Corian® is another product that can be used for scroll sawing. This material comes in a wide range of colors and in 1/4", 1/2", and 3/4" thicknesses. It can be sawn like wood and sanded to a gloss finish, and works best with carbide cutting tools (except for scroll saw blades). It can be polished to a gloss finish by using wet/dry sandpaper in the very fine grits, and a light pass with a propane torch over the surface will also bring up a gloss finish. However, the latter technique is one that will take some practice to master. If you use too much heat or get too close with it, you can ruin the surface. Corian® is made and controlled by the Dupont Company. It is not available through normal retail sources because it is sold only to certified cabinet manufacturers with properly trained technicians. The only material available to craftcrs are scrap pieces from a local cabinet shop, or through a limited number of craft suppliers. There are several other look-alike products that are available, but they do not work the same as Corian.

There are many other materials that can be cut on the scroll saw and that we have not covered here. Nonetheless, we hope that this short article has opened your mind to a good number of the options (outside of wood) that are available for scrolling.^

Creative Woodworks & Cr afts November 2004 • 33