Scroll saws

[burch]

This may be a dumb question but I'll ask anyways. Do any of you use a scroll saw for cutting inlays. I know a jewlers saw is what most use but I was wondering about the scroll saw since I already have one.
        Burch

[P.W.Berkuta]

I bought one (Delta 16") just for that purpose (+ other work) and I found that it was more of a pain in the a$$ for me . I use a GOOD hand jewelers saw with better results and it takes less time then all the messing around with the set-up of the scroll saw (and broken blades) . That scroll saw is good for wood that's my opinion !

[Mark Elliott]

I also tried one once.   It ran too fast and broke a lot of blades and wore out a lot of blades prematurely.   The hand held jewelers saw works better for thin, delicate work.   

[T*O*F]

Do any of you use a scroll saw for cutting inlays

Yes, but only if they are something other than metal.

[horologist]

I have an old fixed speed Hegner scroll saw. Great for wood or anything that can be cut with a heavy blade.
It turns into a blade eating monster with the fine blades required for cutting thin sheet. They break even without trying to cut anything.
There is a learning curve but once you get the hang of it a piercing saw (jewelers saw) and bench pin are much quicker and easier.

Troy

[M. E. Pering]

Burch... A scroll saw is a fine tool for cutting materials like wood, bone or ivory, all of which I have done.  It does a fine job on these materials, and probably others.  But I once tried cutting double-sided copper-clad circuit board with it, and 5 broken blades later, I gave up.  The thickness of metal in circuit board material is so thin, it should have had no problem with this, but it just didn't work.  I have also tried cutting thin brass backed by a very thin piece of plywood with no luck. 

I think the advice others have already given is best... Get a jeweler's saw.  I just all of my own inlays and patchboxes with a jeweler's saw, and it works beautifully.  Many times, I also use silver for inlays, and the thinner the curf means less wasted material.  A jeweler's saw has a very fine curf.  Plus, you can cut extremely close to your final design, and have less cleanup which saves time.  Go with a jeweler's saw is my opinion.

Matt