I started scrolling on the Dremmel. It is not a bad tool at all. A bit
high on the vibration, but not all that bad. Mine was quite a few years
back, before the variable speed model. A friend of mine has that model and
he, too, is a beginner. He likes it. I have never used a Ryobi scroll saw,
but I have never been thrilled with Ryobi tools at all. The few I have
bought had absurd amounts of vibration and had to be replaced by a better
tool. Like I said, however, I have had no experience with their SS.

As to woods, 1x anything is fine. I start my students (I teach high school
shop) cutting heart shaped patterns out of a 3/4", 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square.
After they get the idea down of how to manipulate the wood I have patterns,
mostly taken from coloring books, that they can choose. I might recommend
this type of approach. As you improve you will probably want to dabble in
some more exotic species of woods and some more intricate patterns. There
are a plethora of books either on-line or at your local book store.

Scrolling is fun, I think you'll enjoy it.

Glen

"Bob" wrote in message
...
Hello, I have been looking at this and a couple other NG's on woodworking,
and am interested getting a scroll saw to try my hand at some of the
projects I see you guys working on.

I am less than a newbie, more of a newbie want-a-be. I was in a store a
while back and saw some work for sale. They were stars, state shapes
(Texas), and other nice pieces. I asked about them and the store owner's
father-in-law makes them as a hobby. From that, I got to thinking that
this might be something I would like to do in my retired years (am 73
years old so don't need any real long term projects (smile)).

I think I would enjoy turning as well, but equipment for lathes and tools
is just too much for my budget, but I can probably swing the expense of
scrolling work. I have been to several internet sites I have seen
mentioned on here, and have found in Goggle. But I still have a few
questions that I'd appreciate some comments on.

Buying a scroll saw: At a big box store, they have two. One is a
Dremmel, 18 inch throat, variable speed of 650 - 4500, price $199. The
other is a Ryobi, 16 inch throat, variable speed of 500 - 4000, price $99.
They both seem to have the same features. Is either one of these,
preferably the cheapest, okay? If not, what features should I be looking
for in a saw, for example, foot switch?

What kinds of wood would I have to buy. Can standard lumber such as 1 X
6, 2 X 12, etc be used or should on consider buying the exotic woods,
which seem to come at a pretty big premium?

In addition to the wood, what are one's need in various blades, and is
this a big expense?

Heck, I don't even know enough about this hobby to ask intelligent
questions, so any suggestions / advice anyone will be nice enough to pass
on, I will appreciate.
Thanks in advance,
Bob-tx