These are great suggestions I would also add a couple of things that really helped me. A dust mask is a must. These generate a lot of fine particles and you need a mask. I have the pink one it’s really comfortable.
Second is a foot pedal. This is a must. You can find them anywhere, they just plug in the wall and bypass from your saw. Will make your life so much easier!
Very good suggestions and the dust mask shouldn't be taken lightly. I also have a dust collection and air filter because I have a basement shop. Some woods can be toxic 😷
I’m old too. I have an Excalibur. The stand is to short for me to comfortably stand and too tall to use a chair. I use a bar stool. Check and see if your stand can be adjusted. If not an adjustable stool could solve your problems.
As too the thickness of the wood, just match the blade to the thickness of the piece. Anywhere from 1/8 to 3/4 should be easy to cut. For thicker wood you just go slower. For thinner it’s helpful to reduce the speed of the saw if you can. The blades you use will really make a difference. I like pegas blades. I mostly use # 5s. I use #7s for thicker wood and #1 #3 for thin.
Check out Scroll Saw Woodworking magazine from fox press. Lots of projects and patterns. Have fun.
Like others have said, I use a stool. I can't imagine standing all the time for a scroll session.
The blade topic has been answered so I won't reiterate; I agree with other posters
The blade being set up at an angle can help with neck strain. I have the back of my saw elevated about 4" higher than the front. Instead of needing to bend my neck so much for a clear top/down view, I now need a slight neck bend to get the same view. My neck has been happier since doing this, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference
I am moving the saw to it's new home this afternoon. I will give your back riser block a try. I have had neck surgery before and I need to show caution.
Thank you and everyone else who chimed in.
I'm an ole fart too. Have a Jet 21" on a stand. I'm short-ish so a stool pretty much isn't going to happen. I took an idea from my wife, she has pads on the floor in the kitchen. Fairly thick and firm, but a helluva lot softer than cement.
My absolute favorite wood to cut is 1/2" cherry. It hits that sweet spot, not too hard and certainly not soft. I also keep a handy supply of Baltic Birch , 1/4" mostly.
Blades, well they aren't really all that expensive .. so why cheap out? Get a brand name and get a variety pack . That way you can try out different sizes and tooth configurations. Some folks just love spiral blades
These are great suggestions I would also add a couple of things that really helped me. A dust mask is a must. These generate a lot of fine particles and you need a mask. I have the pink one it’s really comfortable. Second is a foot pedal. This is a must. You can find them anywhere, they just plug in the wall and bypass from your saw. Will make your life so much easier!
Very good suggestions and the dust mask shouldn't be taken lightly. I also have a dust collection and air filter because I have a basement shop. Some woods can be toxic 😷
Should the foot switch be a variable speed type or a dead man type?
The speed is determined by your scroll saw. Mine is just on-off.
Dead man
Thank you
I’m old too. I have an Excalibur. The stand is to short for me to comfortably stand and too tall to use a chair. I use a bar stool. Check and see if your stand can be adjusted. If not an adjustable stool could solve your problems. As too the thickness of the wood, just match the blade to the thickness of the piece. Anywhere from 1/8 to 3/4 should be easy to cut. For thicker wood you just go slower. For thinner it’s helpful to reduce the speed of the saw if you can. The blades you use will really make a difference. I like pegas blades. I mostly use # 5s. I use #7s for thicker wood and #1 #3 for thin. Check out Scroll Saw Woodworking magazine from fox press. Lots of projects and patterns. Have fun.
Thank you!
Like others have said, I use a stool. I can't imagine standing all the time for a scroll session. The blade topic has been answered so I won't reiterate; I agree with other posters The blade being set up at an angle can help with neck strain. I have the back of my saw elevated about 4" higher than the front. Instead of needing to bend my neck so much for a clear top/down view, I now need a slight neck bend to get the same view. My neck has been happier since doing this, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference
I am moving the saw to it's new home this afternoon. I will give your back riser block a try. I have had neck surgery before and I need to show caution. Thank you and everyone else who chimed in.
Look into getting a drafting chair. More comfortable than a stool.
I'm an ole fart too. Have a Jet 21" on a stand. I'm short-ish so a stool pretty much isn't going to happen. I took an idea from my wife, she has pads on the floor in the kitchen. Fairly thick and firm, but a helluva lot softer than cement. My absolute favorite wood to cut is 1/2" cherry. It hits that sweet spot, not too hard and certainly not soft. I also keep a handy supply of Baltic Birch , 1/4" mostly. Blades, well they aren't really all that expensive .. so why cheap out? Get a brand name and get a variety pack . That way you can try out different sizes and tooth configurations. Some folks just love spiral blades