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208K views 269 replies 89 participants last post by  Edwardnorton 
#1 ·
Scrollsaw Pattern Information Books

As I started scrollsawing a few months ago, one of the first things I looked for was available patterns. An Internet search did a fair job of returning FREE and for a price patterns. However my frustration was all of the SPAM I found. Here I am specifically talking about the sites that report free scrollsaw patterns and then tell you that you have 450 infected files on your computer and will fix them - for a fee. Seems when I searched for Fretwork is the worst tag word.

Next I started sreaching book stores and specifically Half Price Books. Fopund some really good books there and specifically ones by Patrick Spielman. He seems to be the knog of scrollsaw patterns - in book form. However I knew that he had more books that I was finding in the local stores. Next I found Half Priced Books on-line wen site. This searches all Half Priced Books stores plus many other discount resellers. Well now I have a steady streem of books coming my way.

If your scrollwork is just a little more than a hobby then this library of information is a must. However, as I said before fine people on-line like SHelia Landry and/or Steve Good have really helped me personally in many ways.
I look forward to many more days of scrolling and making victorian scroll work.
 
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#167 ·
PayPal Card Issue

In order to open a store on ETSY, I took out a PayPal Master Care. I have loaded it with money and used it several times. However, the issue is every time I log into my account it requires me to change my password. So, I have done that, O about two dozen times. Even when I get to the first page and try to do anything the system will bounce me out and wants me to log in again. Of course the password I just set up will not work.

Now I have E-Mailed PayPal more than a few times. They have been real nice and sent replys of what I might check on my computer. Each time I have complyed with these instructions but the problem is not fixed. Finally I got an E-Mail from them stating that the issue has been turned over to the IT department and they will look into it/or contact me. Well, that has been over two weeks ago.

Yesterday I called and a nice young lady answers the phone. I tell her that I want the issue resolved RIGHT NOW. She reviewed the issue and all notes but stated that at the level of the call center they can not address of fix issues like this. Also, they can not nor is there a way to contact the IT department.

Finally, I stated to her that I wanted all FEES waved untill the issue is resolved. She put me on hold for a moment and came back and said they would be waved.

Has anyone had this type of issue and if so what did you do or how was it fixed.
 
#168 ·
Try going into your browser and deleting cookies, history, etc. Then run disk cleanup (My Computer, right click on disk drive, properties, general tab, and disk cleanup) and clean the whole computer deleting all the files.

It might be that you don't have cookies turned on in the browser or that Internet security is set too high.

You could also try going over to a friend's house and trying from their computer. This has several advantages: bad press for PayPal, if it continues to fail you have a witness to what the problem is, if it works then you know it is your computer.

There are various programs that will record what the screen shows including typing and mouse movements. Camptasia is the one I use. I would record the problem and save it. You could also offer to send the recording to PayPal to help with their problem solving.

Additionally, I would send a thank you e-mail / letter to PayPal customer service thanking them for waving the fees as promised by xxx on yy date at zz time. This helps document the waving of fees in case someone else in PayPal tries to re-apply the fees.

When you get a resolution, please let us know what it is so we can all benefit.
 
#172 ·
Enlarging PDF Files

I have a project that I am working on (to be posted in about a week) where I needed to enlarge a PDF pattern file. Have never done that before so I started out the very hard way. I would copy a section of the file, paste it into MS Publisher then draw some lines the right length and try to enlarge the pasted graphic to the size. Major problems were, time it took and the print were real fuzzy (pixel enlargement). Well after cutting the first several pieces I figured there had to be a better way.

Just a small amount of research lead this dumb brain to the real answer. With the PDF file on the screen and the section you want to enlarge, you select TOOLS, SNAPSHOT and then highlight he area you want. On my computer a screen pops up about the clipboard - just click OK. Not click FILE, Print. Make sure SELECTED GRAPHIC is selected. Now under SCALING first try CUSTOM SCALE and type in your scale enlargement. If you graphic does not fit on the preview page, change CUSTOM SCALE to TILE LARGE PAGES.

This process is going to save me a lot of time and worry. I hope it helps some of you, also.
 
#176 ·
Scrolling brace for the wrist

Do any of you use any type of brace/bandage/ or support for your wrist while scrolling. I am fairly sure that I am developing osteoarthritis in one or both wrists. I am trying several type of bandages and braces but thought I would pose this to someone who may have more experience in this are - CAUSE I will not give up my scrolloing.
 
#177 ·
No, but if you have carpal tunnel, which sounds likely if you have pain and numbness, try a carpal tunnel brace when sleeping every night until relieved. Get a nice one with a "spoon" in it. If it's really arthritis, pills and heat (icy hot or wrapping with an Ace bandage or premaid stretchy wrist support that will give warmth) might help. Laying off the saw would be best of course, for a week or two to see if it's even related to scrolling. And of course your doctor would be the best source of advice. He could order wrist xrays to see if it's OA. Hope you feel better soon.

One other thought. I don't know where you live, but if your table is cold that might be the culprit. You could try a clip on desk lamp to warm the table up prior to use.
 
#180 ·
Dust Reduction System

As I have been "scrolling" for four years and other various woodworking projects for over twenty years I seem to have developed more sinus issues than normal. YEs it could be just this year or my "older" age. However I have decided to take a longer look at the issue. I have somewhat of a dust control system (post in the projects section" plus a use a shop vac. on the table saw and router.

I was on the lookout for the DeWalt dust control unit that cost about $139 but is seems to be off the market. A little internet research led me to a post by a Professor at the Univ. of Michigan. The post is at http://news.consumerreports.org/appliances/2011/07/should-you-build-your-own-air-purifier.html. He makes the point and demonstrates that a simple box fan and a quality air filter duck taped in from of it will do "almost" as good of a job as the more expensive systems.

Your thoughs, ideas and reflections would be of great help to these sniffles.
 
#181 ·
I think you would need a fan that can develop some static pressure or it will simply spin in place and pull very little air through the filter. I don't know if a box fan like he shows would work well or not. Maybe somebody on LJ's has has tried something like this or knows more about the subject and could chime in. If it pulls a fair amount of air through the filter that would be a great easy solution.
 
#186 ·
How to Price your Scroll Saw work and sell it

First of all I will need to admit that I struggle with this area. After about four years of doing scroll saw work for both customers and arts and craft shows I have come up with MY set of rules. Now I will admit that I borrowed most of the information and ideas from others but that is a way to get sound advice. If you choose to use any of the information be sure to make it your own. By that I mean tweak or change it to fit your needs or environment. Here are the several ways I and other scroll sawers come up with a price for a piece we make.

COST PLUS:

The first rule of thumb is to take the cost of material times a certain factor. It could be times two, three, four or more. And I do not apply the same rule or multiplier to every product. Example; for candle trays I may have one multiplier and for baskets another. Now if your cost of materials is $7 do not forget to bump it a little to cover things like blades, sandpaper, pattern cost and finish. So $7 might become $7.30 or whatever you feel comfortable with.

TIME INVOLVED:


Some scroll sawers set a dollar per hour rate and keep track of how long it takes to make an item. Then the math becomes simple; your rate times the hours. Do not forget to add in prep time and finishing.

MARKET PRICE:

I guess that last one I know of is "Market Price". After you have been to a number of shows you realize that an item will not sell at say $70 but you tested a $50 price and sold lots. Now your decision will be, is the $50 something I can live with or am I just giving it away? Your call.

LOST LEADERS:

Every retail store has these and you should consider them, also. A "Lost Leader" is an item that you make little or no money on. Here I will do some $3, $5 or perhaps some $10 items. People love these and will come in looking for them. If you are taking a loss make it a small one. I would opt for say a $5 item where material cost $4. Now I use these to engage people in conversations to talk about the higher priced items. That is the purpose of "Lost Leaders".

In reality I use a combination of all of these. I feel that is the best way for me to approach pricing my product. Someday you will be ask about pricing and I say that I use a standard pricing formula used by most crafters but will say no more about. My price is my price and I will not negotiate. My customers expect the highest quality therefore I feel that my price is fair.

One final note - keep detail records.

There is an excellent BLOG called "How to price your woodworking to make a profit (and sell it)" by John Hufford (or Huff is his LJ name) and I suggest reading it. YES he is really talking about building Furniture but has a lot of good detailed information.

I would love to hear your comments and thanks for reading.
 
#187 ·
Making Money of Closing Shop???

I am seriously considering closing PA's Workshop as far as sales, craft shows and any thing like that. My wife and I have talked about this several times.

1. She thinks that it is effecting my sinuses being out there with all the dust. Yes I have done some major dust control but it is still there.

2. I tend to do that and not my household chores. I am retired and she is not, so I try to pickup most of the household chores for her.

3. I got a letter from the state controllers office stating that I have not filed a first quarter sales tax statement. Well I did on-line but now as it is in dispute I can't see it. They want $200 in taxes and fines. If I had to pay that I would close in a heart beat.

4. I really enjoy doing this but I do not generate enough money to make it viable from the stand point of time.

5. There does not seem to be enough craft outlets to sell my product and my hoped for "word of mount" sales have not worked.

6. If I did do this I would still make gifts and presents for people - that is a certain.

Just looking for ANY input or guidance. Lets be honest here - I need it.
 
#195 ·
Closing Shop - BLOG ???

A few days ago, I posted and BLOG and sent out a number of personal E-Mails about NO SALES - SHOULD I CLOSE SHOP. Well I got many replies and there were some said, "CLOSE". However, and for the sake of good sanity a lot of fine family and friends said nice things about my work. I realize that at one time I said, "I fell in love with scroll work", and I still do. Not sure if some sinus issues, lack of sales, HOT temperature in Texas or the crush of summer chores warped this old brain into saying such things.

After some time of reflection and decision, I will continue my scrolling but at perhaps a little slower pace. I went today and purchase one of the dust collection masks that are reported to keep out 99.8% of everything but air. Also, next week I will make another modification to my dust collection system.

I did send a letter to the largest craft show that I had registered for and asked to be taken off the list for this year and receive a refund. I still have two others that should have good traffic flow.

As far as other venues to sell in I continue to look at all areas. ETSY, craft stores, online web-site and all the rest. Have not found a solution that I am real excited about at this time, but I am looking.

Again, I would like to thank all who responded and gave the good advice. You will see more from me and perhaps soon.
 
#196 ·
Sounds like a good solution.

Don't forget that your health is paramount, so sus out the sinus problems and see if the source relates to inhaling wood dust.

Always wear a dust mask and you may want to consider getting your work area assessed by other knowledgable wood workers so you can get an independent impartial opinion of your work conditions.

In fact as as many of your friends that can to do a quick assessment for you the better.

Its then back to you to evaluate all the findings and then act on your decisions you want to adopt.

Do some more research on wood dust and be confident in yourself you are working under the best conditions for your health.
There are many articles regarding dust management about, dust reduction methods and the physics of the dust particle problem.

Once you have a confident level of knowledge regarding the management of dust you may find the following will
improves,
health
motivation
productivity
and satisfaction in work improves.

Otherwise step back from the work as other LJs suggested take a break and then reassess your position.

We need all the LJ's we can get.

Regards

Robert Brennan
 
#201 ·
Where - How - What Places to sell Scrollsaw Items.

I would guess that the frustration for all of us is that we make a great product - or think so. However, to make this hobby/business interesting we need to sell some of it. That will be the main subject of my rant today WHERE - HOE = WHAT PLACES.

I have found two "craft" malls in North Dallas and tried them both. The first one closed and the second was far too expensive. My search for additional locations has proven fruitless.

I have a FaceBook specifically for my ScrollSaw work and most all of my friends just love my work - but NO SALES.

I have thought and thought and thought about ETSY but have not jumped in that direction - YET. Lately I see some of the same items I make at HALF the price I would charge. Now I consider $6 to $8 per hour a reasonable return for doing my work. I just do not see accepting less than that.

I am signed up for three craft shows in the fall. I know I will make sales but a simple 4th quarter bump does not seem to make things balance for a years worth of work.

I do not depend on sales from my scrollsaw work for income or any necessity. It is just a hobby but I would like to see a higher return for the work it takes. I love doing it and will continue but just looking for ideas.

Huff posted an excellent series of marketing and selling you woodworking items and I did read every word several times. I know he states that you should use every avenue and any approach possible to get you name and product out in front of people. I understand marketing and sales very well still just looking to make the road a little easier.

Any ideas on input would be welcomed.
 
#202 ·
One problem with selling to the public is that you have to make products they want and not what you want. This can be difficult for a hobby woodworker who's choice of projects is usually more motivated by factors such as aesthetic quality, the degree of difficulty to make and quality factors than salability. I just don't see that hobby work and sales are very compatible. I realize that is not always true, but I suspect it is in most cases. The only way I can see for a hobby woodworker to sell a lot of his product is to stick with one or two great products that he can learn to make very efficiently while maintaining the quality. This normally requires aids like jigs or in your case stack cutting to make the work go fast and to maintain a high quality which can be sold at the right price point. This is just my take on craft sales. I hope you will be able to separate the wheat from the chaff find something helpful here.
 
#203 ·
Nativity Scrollsaw Patterns

I am searching for Nativity scroll saw patterns. Now I have looked in all the traditional places; Shelia Landry, The Winfield Collection, Berry Basket and I have all of these. I want them to be table top and traditional in design. This is an ongoing project I have started and not just for this season. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
#207 ·
Repurpose your patterns and thinking.

On Friday and Saturday I was a vendor at a local craft show. I got many of the usual "off the wall questions" but some of them got me to thinking.

I cut many of Shelia Landry's (and Keith's) candle tray patterns and several people ask if they were trivets. Well some of them, printed at about 75%, make a great size trivet. So I think I will start offering some like that.

Also, on a separate note, I cut some of the 3 dimensional patterns from Sue Mey and Steve Good, to name a few, so why not do a glue up like the pen turners. Take different colors of thin wood and glue then together to make the blank for cutting the 3D pattern.

I think both of these will work great in different areas. Just using some of my gray matter while it still is working.
 
#210 ·
ESTY Pricing Decision

I am going to start stocking me ETSY shop. However the issue I find is that items like or similar to mine sell at half the price I get a local craft shows. Now I have enough marketing expertise to know that you either A) meet market price, B) sell a higher quality product at a higher price, or C) offer more and better services. Perhaps there are a few more but that is a start. I could make a reasonable return for the current prices on ETSY and (hope) to do volume selling).

I see many product that seem to sell at reasonable volume at the current pricing. Seems to be to be a bitter pill to take because I know my work sells at higher pricing.

So I am looking for any advice from current ETSY sellers - if you would choose to share.
 
#211 ·
My wife does a ton of Etsy shopping, and I am continually amazed at how low many people price their work on Etsy. Don't sell yourself too short :)

I would consider pricing your work so that the delivered cost to your Etsy customer is similar to the cost to your craft show customer. Etsy price + typical shipping cost = craft show price. If that price looks remotely competitive on Etsy, even if a bit high, start there and see what happens.

Another trick is to shave a little off the posted price and pad your shipping to keep your income the same. It works for infomercials, make it work for you.
 
#215 ·
Embellish of existing patterns

I will be cutting a set of standard patterns but my goal is to have them stand out for all the rest who use the same pattern. There are several ways to accomplish this we all know. Let me explore a few and , if you would, add you comments or suggestions.

1. Choice of wood. Instead of using the standard oak or maple we all know that more exotic woods look much nicer when finished. The down side is they might only appeal to a select group of persons.

2. The use of gems, rhinestones to add style and sparkle to your design. Again this is a little safer that the first but still may have smaller appeal.

3. Paint is a old stand by but a lot of persons have started using that method. I feel that it only works in certain areas.

4. Alter the pattern. I have seen a number of patterns featured in Creative Woodworks and Crafts where someone alter the existing pattern to add their personal taste or style.

I am sure that there are other methods that are used a much as these however these are the ones that come to mind. Feel free to add your own, if you wish. I think the would be a excellent topic for us all to discuss and share ideas.

As I said, feel free to add you own comments - the more the better.

Thanks for reading.
 
#220 ·
Time for a new saw

I have had a DeWalt scroll saw for about three years and it has been one fine saw. I did buy it used but still got a deal, I think. It has started showing signs of wear and age. Perhaps a few parts would make it much better but who knows.

So last night and again this morning, I talked to Ray at Seyco and they have put on reserve their last Excalibur EX-16. This is reported to be one of the finest saws on the market and well fits my needs. I know some people will say they like others and that is OK.

I a few days I will have my DeWalt for sale and will place a good E-Bay price on it.
 
#224 ·
New Scrollsaw Almost setup

My DeWalt scroll saw had a lot of miles on it. Now it still was doing just great but I still worried about it's condition. I posted the DeWalt on my FaceBook page and with in three hours it was sold. So I had build up some extra money in my scroll saw account. I talked to Ray at Seyco and he said he had one Excaliber EX-16 and that size would just fit my needs. As a live not too far from his business I said I would drive down and pick it up. As it turned out that morning we had 3 inches of snow in the Dallas area. I called Ray to see if he was open. He answered the phone and said he would stay if I was going to come down. Well and exciting trip but I made it safe and he showed me a much shorter route home. He is a wonderful person and great to do business with.

Yesterday afternoon I got out in the garage and took the DeWalt off the custom stand I had made. I had to do some adapters for the new saw but it is on and bolted down. Today I need to work on the vacuum system, mount the blade storage system I made plus some other details.

I did turn on the Ex-16 for a minute and I will say you can hardly hear it running.

Here are some pictures of the mounting so far.

Automotive tire Wood Table Gas Milling


Sewing machine Household appliance accessory Gas Machine Wood


Electronic instrument Wood Gas Audio equipment Desk


I can't wait to cut wood.
 

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#225 ·
New Scrollsaw Almost setup

My DeWalt scroll saw had a lot of miles on it. Now it still was doing just great but I still worried about it's condition. I posted the DeWalt on my FaceBook page and with in three hours it was sold. So I had build up some extra money in my scroll saw account. I talked to Ray at Seyco and he said he had one Excaliber EX-16 and that size would just fit my needs. As a live not too far from his business I said I would drive down and pick it up. As it turned out that morning we had 3 inches of snow in the Dallas area. I called Ray to see if he was open. He answered the phone and said he would stay if I was going to come down. Well and exciting trip but I made it safe and he showed me a much shorter route home. He is a wonderful person and great to do business with.

Yesterday afternoon I got out in the garage and took the DeWalt off the custom stand I had made. I had to do some adapters for the new saw but it is on and bolted down. Today I need to work on the vacuum system, mount the blade storage system I made plus some other details.

I did turn on the Ex-16 for a minute and I will say you can hardly hear it running.

Here are some pictures of the mounting so far.

Automotive tire Wood Table Gas Milling


Sewing machine Household appliance accessory Gas Machine Wood


Electronic instrument Wood Gas Audio equipment Desk


I can't wait to cut wood.
You are going to LOVE it Jerrell! I can't wait to see your new creations! :)

Sheila
 

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#228 ·
A Project almost above my ability

A friend and customer of mine asked me to make her a plaque that was designed by Keith Fenton at Shelia Landry Designs. It is SLDK-317 which is the quote from Joshua 25:15. She said that the finish had to be a specific color to match her new wooden floor. I met her at a local wood store and we look at examples but she could not understand that the wood would look different when stain, oil and finish were applied. She ask me if I could use some of the pieces of the left over flooring as (she said) it is real wood. So I agreed to try.

She gave me four pieces of her flooring. I wanted to do a test cut for several reasons. First I have a new Excalibur scroll saw and I wanted a little more practice on it. I cut a butterfly pattern with no problems. However when I drilled the holes for the fret cuts I noticed something strange. The back of the wood was splintering. It was only then that I realized I had Baltic Burch plywood with some type of finish on top. However the butterfly came out just perfect. So I am off to the large pattern.

Wood Font Art Handwriting Writing


Wood Rectangle Table Wood stain Flooring


It took three pieces of flooring to make a blank of the right size for the plaque. At first I cut the outside of the plaque and then the large latters of the work "LORD" with no problems. Next I cut the small frets at the bottom and still no problems. However when I started on the word "Joshua" I hit a big problem with the "O" In fact the small center broke out. I still continued on but had a problem with the "H" and decided to stop. I told the customer that I would not be able to use her flooring. She was fine and said for me to just go and find wood and what ever I needed to make her plaque and it would be fine.

Sitting and thinking I said, not I did not have problems with the butterfly, why with the plaque. Only then I realized that the flooring strips had grooves on the back and when the saw blade went across the was when the problem happened. At least that is my theory as of this morning. I filled all of the groves with wood filler and will sand it smooth and give a try this morning.

Has anyone else has any experience with scroll cutting flooring material that is Baltic Birch plywood? If so what was your experience and results. I hope to present a finished product by first of the week.
 

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#229 ·
Where to fine the old, olde scrollsaw patterns

As I have been involved in scrolling for about four year plus my interest has become the older, more detailed, intricate patterns. Like the ones produced, to my knowledge, around the turn of the century. Some of my present and a lot of my new projects will focus on these types of patterns.

I have done some extensive research as to where to find these types of patterns. Yes I am well aware the several web sites have some of what I am talking about. However paying $15 for a single pattern vs $15 for a book of patterns is simple math to me.

In me research some of most of what I have found at books by Speilman however I am sure there are others. What I thought I would do is post some of the types of books I own and IF others would they could post ones that I have left out or did not know about. As you will see by the list I will be listing "FRETWORK" patterns books only.So here is my list for start:

Scroll Saw Scandinavian - Patterns and Projects by Speilman
Classic Fretwork Scroll Saw Patterns by Speilman
Creating Wooden Boxes on the Scroll Saw byScroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts
Scrollsaw Fretwork Patterns by Speilman
Victorian Scroll Saw Patterns by Speilman
Victorian Gingerbread Patterns & Technigues by Speilman

This is all of the ones I have or can lay my hands on at this time. If others would choose to add to the list I, and I am sure, other readers would greatly appreciate the information and knowledge.

Keep Scrolling and make tight turns.
 
#231 ·
I QUIT

After many months of thinking on the decision, looking at different ways to do this, having as much input as could be offered, considering all of life's alternatives, I have decided to give up, quit, stop scroll sawing as a hobby, part time activity, part time business or for the most part anything else. Yes, perhaps I will make one or two items per years that I personally choose to give away as presents BUT nothing more.

Many factors have gone into the decision - here are but a few.

1. When I go and purchase $10 of wood, spend another 20 to 30 hours preparing, sanding, gluing, cutting, staining, finishing and finally putting a price on the item of $30, I am told that is too high.
2. I have looked for different venues to sell my product all over the local area. First of all there don't seem to be many craft resale stores and, second, if I do find one the monthly fee is far too high or sales are nothing worth considering.
3. I have offered my products through FaceBook (two different pages), my personal web site and in general they just do not sell. I have looked at ETSY as a selling venue but reports are, for the most part, "good luck". Most of the similar items on that site sell as half or less than I would consider profitable. Not worth it to me.

So now here I sit with many dollars of new equipment in my garage that will sit and collect rust AND NO not one item is for sale or anything like that. The items I have I have worked hard to purchase out of the small profit I have made from this business.

It is a shame when we talk about "Made in America" and "Hand Made" the items are not valued as one would expect. I think that the general customer compares many of the craft type items to those that one would find at the local craft stores. I can tell you that, from personal experience, what you purchase at those stores, in terms of wooden products, are trash, junk and not worth the price you pay. However, I guess that is a personal value perception.

I entered this hobby kind of on a whelm. For the first year it was difficult and frustrating. However, like any profession I stuck with it. In the four years, or so, that I have been doing this craft I have won many awards and recognition. I enter every item I make on a woodworking web site (Lumberjocks.com) and they are reviewed by many woodworkers and professionals. I cannot tell you how many positive comments I have received and people who actively follow every post I make.

The remaining inventory I have WILL BE SOLD for about 10% of the original price. Trust me you will be shocked at the price but I just want it gone. So Personal Message me, E-Mail me or any way you know to contact me, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.

So if you have followed me this far, I am done, I quit. One last thing, I will not discuss this outside of this post.

Thanks to all of you who have followed my activities, purchased an item from me or otherwise been involved in any way.
 
#232 ·
Well, I must say I am sorry to see you quit, Jerrell. I do understand your reasoning though, and I wish you all the best.

So many people don't understand the time and effort and workmanship that goes into creating beautiful items such as you do. It seems that with the economy the way it is, many people are purchasing the most inexpensive items - no matter what the quality - because they simply can't afford the type of item that requires the time, skill and materials that you put into your work.

People need to understand that in order to support those of us here in North America, we need to pay a bit more. The working conditions and wages in the Far East and Asia are generally very poor, and that is why they are able to manufacture such a huge quantity of items at such low prices. But here in the west, workers demand more and as a result, we can't compete. It is very sad.

Until we as a nation start looking for 'quality not quantity, the problem will grow. It is very unfortunate.

I want to personally thank you for being such a good customer and a friend. It always thrilled me to see what you made - especially with my patterns because you are so gifted and talented. You really made me proud to be a designer and I always felt very proud when you chose my designs. Your professionalism and feedback also helped a great deal. Hearing your point of view brought another perspective that both Keith and I respected and welcomed.

I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do. I hope you stay involved enough to remain on the forums so we can remain friends. Perhaps after a break you will feel like doing some woodworking again - this time for different reasons.

Good luck to you, my friend. Thank you for all the inspiration you have given to me and so many others.

Take care, Sheila
 
#245 ·
Magazine Subcriptions

I take both of the major Scroll saw magazines and have for many years. We recently noticed what we thought was an overpayment issue on our part so we contacted the magazine. We were informed the our subscription was not done DIRECTLY through them but through an unauthorized third part company that the have no connection with. In face they post, on their website a disclaimer, that unless you are mailing to a certain address that you are not dealing directly with them.

Now we were getting what we thought was a invoice from this company and paying them, although directed to a "subscription service". We now find that one of our payments was, partially, forwarded to the magazine. I have contacted this company directly but, now, do not expect a response.

If you have knowledge of this issue or information of how to settle this claim PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for any and all help.
 
#246 ·
This is apparently an ongoing problem that is out of the control of the magazines. There is a paragraph at the bottom of Creative Woodworks and Crafts magazine's subscription page here:

http://www.woodworksandcrafts.com/information/subscribe.shtml

as well as in each issue regarding this scam. Perhaps if you contact them, they will let you know how to proceed. :)

Sheila
 
#251 ·
Calculating Material Cost

I am sure that this issue has been beaten to death but I wish for one more try.

When calculating material cost do you calculate the actual material required for the project or the amount of material you will need to purchase?

Case in point. I build doll furniture but that really does not matter. I calculated the actual material needed and came out to $11.00. I calculated the material required to purchase and would need to purchase $30.00 to have enough. Now I always know I can and will use the rest on some project but I am wondering how each of you approach this issue.

Thanks for your thoughts.
 
#252 ·
I have always calculated the actual material required for the project. I have never purchased just enough material for one project so always have some on hand. For example, I am working on a project that involves small cutouts of 1/8" Baltic Birch. I always buy it in 5×5 sheets and am now working on the second order from one sheet and may have enough for a third order. Don't think it would be fair to charge for the whole sheet 3 times.
 
#255 ·
American Girl Furniture patterns

Hello woodworkers

I have a question. I have turned a lot of my attention to creating furniture for 18 inch dolls, like American Girl. I have the book by Dennis Simmons, "Making Furniture and Dollhouses … " and it seems to be the only printed resource for patterns. I have every copy of ScrollSaw Woodworking mag that contains a pattern for this. I have searched the internet and "YES" I have seen all of the suggestions about using ratios to change patterns to fit this size dolls.

There must be some other sources of patterns. Do any of you know and would share those with us/me.

Thanks for reading and make sawdust.
 
#256 ·
I'm a little confused, are you looking for scroll saw patterns for dollhouses and such or are you looking for furniture to make for the 18" american girl dolls? I made a bunk bed a while back for my daughter and got the plans from ana-white.com and there were lots of plans on there for AG doll furniture but they are not scroll saw projects.
 
#257 ·
Wood Thickness Rant

In my woodworking, either scroll saw or just regular, I strive to be as accurate as possible, perhaps obsessive. One of the things that is driving me nuts lately is the inconsistence of wood thickness. I purchase wood from either the big box hardware store or the two woodworking store in town. What I find, in general, is that if you select two pieces of wood that are marked as the same thickness, they are not. Sometime even 1/16 of an inch difference.

Now if I had even a bench planer this would solve the issue. However the wood I purchased is planed before it reaches the store. Why is there not some consistence and control in place.

This is not the same as the 2 by 4 issue. All or 99% of us know that a 2 by 4 has never been 2 by 4. However when I purchase a piece of walnut or maple that states it is one-half inch thick - then why is it not one-half inch. Or why is there not better control.

For now I have solved this issue in my limited woodworking business. As long as the local cabinet shop will supply me with hardwood leftovers I can make thickness I want. Yesterday I was making one-half inch square pieces to within plus or minus .010. That is good enough for me.

Now when I am able to scrape together the money for a bench top planer I will control this issue even tighter.

Again, call me obsessive if you wish, you will not be the first.
 
#262 ·
Should I quit or not

OK, I am at the frustration times 10 level. It seems like for the past six months of so NO ONE wants to purchase anything from me. When I started, about five years ago, it seemed that I was getting an order or two per week. Now it seems that I have to wait for the fall craft shows and hope I find a few good ones.

I have looked and the list of items I make and gone over it LOTS of times. I keep changing too much depending on how the wind is blowing. I have really settled on three of four type of items as what I like to do the most.

I have looked all over the local area, Dallas TX in general, and there are not the "craft stores" like there once was. You know, stores where you could rent a shelf at a reasonable price. I have a FaceBook page but that does not seem to do any good, and more.

I have looked at ETSY many times but I just have not pulled the trigger. It seems that it is the only viable area to promote your crafts at a reasonable price.

I watch many blogs, FaceBook pages and other sources and I know many friends are selling all the time. It seems to me that the only time people look to me is that they want a donation to a charity, which I do not mind in reason, or that just like something and want one for FREE.

At the present time this hobby is getting to where it cost too much and takes too much time to continue. If I were a real store front business I would be closed TODAY.

Now I do not mean to lay out the poor mes. Perhaps I am look for help, asking for assistance or just waving the RED FLAG.

If you care to respond I will read every word and use all information given. Anyway thanks for your time.
 
#263 ·
At the present time this hobby is getting to where it cost too much and takes too much time to continue. If I were a real store front business I would be closed TODAY.

IMO it isn't a hobby if it costs too much or takes too much time. That's what hobbies are for, occupying your idle time and spending your fun money. The other thing that stuck out to me was that you're making things that you like to make in hopes of them selling. To quote Joe Dirt "Its not what you want, its what the consumer wants". Snakes and sparklers aint gonna cut it at a fireworks stand Kickin Wing. You need the whoosker do's, the whoosker donts, the whistling bungholes with and without the scooter stick.

I feel like its time to take a step back and think with a business mind for a minute. What has sold, and sold quickly, in the past? Think to yourself why did they sell? Was it cheap? Was it top notch work? Was it something that captured a niche in the market?

If you want to continue your scrolling and making money doing it you've got to start looking at it like a business instead of a hobby. That's my spare change on it brother. With that said, I do hope that things change around for you and you can get back to both enjoying what you do and making money.
 
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