I have always removed the hold down (or never installed it in the first place!) I think that it just gets in the way and actually causes more mistakes than it prevents. Because of the nature of scroll sawing (moving the wood through the blade manually) you really need to vary the pressure you place on the piece while working. There is no way the hold down can do this. Either it is too much pressure or not enough and the piece still chatters. Nothing replaces your own hands and sense of ‘feel’ for holding down the pieces, and as I said, it just seems to obstruct your vision and get in the way. Just my thoughts. :)
Sheila
-- Contributing Editor, Creative Woodworks and Crafts, Sheila Landry Designs http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com "Knowledge is Power"
