A lot of the items I design are somewhat grim. I do not think it appeals to everyone. However, it seems that this month it fits well with all whole Halloween theme. I definitely do not design things for the Halloween market but do not think a little promotion would be harmful. Thus if you like anything on this page feel free to visit the store to see if it is still in stock!
Journals for the season
Jewelery for the season
Demons for the season
Happy Halloween!
R
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I bought a scroll saw in the beginning of 2015. I decided a scroll saw is an ideal tool for me to work with since I like making small detailed things using wood. I spent a lot of time researching scroll saws since I know this would be one of the main tools I would use in many of my projects. I wanted one that was reasonably good quality and thus not the cheapest, big-store, specials (although there are often some good quality specials on tools which I have bought).
This is the machine I bought:
The scroll saw in my shop
It is a Hegner, variable speed, scroll saw with a throat depth of 365 mm. In addition I bought a foot switch which allows me to start and stop the machine without removing my hands from the work piece – similar to a sowing machine . It is also reasonably quiet (64 -74 db). I also got the stand with the saw which is very nice since it is very sturdy but also has a small footprint. I did, however, cut the legs a few centimeters shorter to fit me better when I am seated at the machine.
A number of people have asked me how the saw work. I have made several videos where I use the scroll saw. Below are one but more can be seen here:
the sawing begins at 0:42
Initially I was worried that it would be very difficult to use and thus money down the drain. Luckily I did quite a bit of sewing just after moving (curtains required, also made a denim tarp), and this helped since the operation is very similar to a sewing machine. I also found a number of online resources (links at the end of the post*). These were quite helpful to work through and I learned a lot – from the of the basic theory and techniques to the more complex techniques and difficult cuts.
The first few pieces had a few flaws but I was happy with my first attempts:
The first scrolled letters I tried
The first item I made
I bought some cheap plywood and were able to cut several images. I think I improved a bit and moved on to birch plywood of a better quality. My favorite items to make are book covers and I think some of these are quite nice (or at least unique) and I sell some of these on my Etsy store – Induku.
My most recent book – read more here
One of the most detailed patterns I designed and cut
A small puzzle from the leftover pieces of the cat book cover
I have also made loads of pendants which I also sell.
My favorite pendant to celebrate surviving Borrelia
Dog paw pendant
South Park on a Sting
A bit grim for every-day wear
I like to make other random things.
A commissioned mood barometer – read all about it here
Commissioned keychains
I am quite proud of the dart cabinet that I made. I designed the front picture and score sheet. I wrote a full post on how I made it – read it here.
Cover on dart cabinet
Finally, I got the plans for a wooden clock for my birthday from Carina. This is something that I looked at for several years bored many people with my stories of how I am going to make one. I thus bought the wood and started cutting the pieces. The going is a bit slow but the process thus far is quite fun. I will post more updates as I go.
I am really quite happy with this machine and can recommend it for anyone who want to make small wooden objects. I will continue to post some of the projects I make. I also really want to make a few chess sets in my lifetime and at least one using a scroll saw. I have not done this yet…
Robroy
**Useful links I used for learning how to use a scroll saw:
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This website is mostly about the stuff that happens at Induku and the things I like to make. However, my workspace is also occupied by several felines and I often find them in the workshop when making things. Additionally I have made a few items for them (see here).
I thus wrote this post to introduce the cats that form part of Induku: We originally got Donkie (male) and Kwagga (female) at the end of 2014. Donkie is not fond of the workshop and does not really spend time with me when I am working. Kwagga on the other hand, loves to sit on the chair next to me when I work and have been doing so since she was a kitten.
Kwagga on the chair
Small Kwagga in the workshop
However, Kwagga “died” during Christmas, for a while at least, and this left a void in the shop (read about her disappearance and return here). During her absence we got Kameel (read more about how she came to live with us here). She also seemed to like sitting with me where I work and thus became the second cat in the workshop.
Kameel ready to enter
With Kwagga’s return I now have 2 cats that try to occupy the extra chair in the workshop. Sometimes they manage to sleep together on the chair but more often one finds another place close by (they do however get along very well).
Kameel on the chair
In the sanding drawer
Following the large cat
They seem quite happy, even if there is a bit of noise. The state of the shop does not bother them and Kwagga sometimes actively lay in the sawdust. This does mean that I have spent several evenings not only cleaning the shop, but also dusting off the cat and sweeping the whole basement floor to remove sawdust cat prints.
Kwagga spreading dust
Destroyer of Uppsala notebooks
Cat pendant as competition prize (more information here)
More cat inspired things
I am happy with the company they provide and some of the items I make have a cat based theme (an example). The workshop would not be the same without them.
Robroy.
Induku Design 