Full Version: scroll saw versus laser
From: Goodvol (JIMGOOD) [#1]
25 Feb 2007
To: ALL
Since I'm a newbie, I thought I would ask this question since I want to know the answer! What is the relationship between those who scroll and those who laser engrave scroll saw patterns!?!
So much work and time goes into scrolling these patterns that I would think they would not appreciate the laser engraver that cuts these patterns. I know I saw a framed cutting at a craft show that had the word "laser" with a circle around it and a line across it! Needless to say I didn't run into that booth and say I had a laser! ;-)
If I went to a scroll saw forum and said I laser scroll saw patterns, would I get called some very bad names? Would they tell me to leave? :'-(
What's the scoop!?!
Thanks!
Jim
EDITED: 26 Feb 2007 by DGL
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2]
25 Feb 2007
To: Goodvol (JIMGOOD) [#1] 25 Feb 2007
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#3]
25 Feb 2007
To: Goodvol (JIMGOOD) [#1] 25 Feb 2007
From: Goodvol (JIMGOOD) [#4]
25 Feb 2007
To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#3] 26 Feb 2007
Dave,
I spend a fair amount of time over there, too, and I posed the same question to them. We'll see what they have to say!
Thanks!
Jim
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#5]
26 Feb 2007
To: Goodvol (JIMGOOD) [#4] 26 Feb 2007
From: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#6]
27 Feb 2007
To: Goodvol (JIMGOOD) [#1] 27 Feb 2007
I think you will find the meaning intended when they draw aline through the laser label is that by scrollsawing the piece, it is more handmade versus machine made.
I'm not going to stand in judgement as to which is better, I just know that I for one do not care to sit at a scrollsaw all day, cutting out a design that I then have to be oh so careful in sanding the edges when there is a machine and technology that will do a very fine job. If doing puzzles or mosaic wood art, the laser will win everytime.
But, is it still handmade? Is a scroll sawed piece...personally, I think they should be using a old fashioned, hand operated fret saw.
Doug
From: Goodvol (JIMGOOD) [#7]
27 Feb 2007
To: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#6] 27 Feb 2007
Doug, I think you hit the nail on the head. You said you didn't want to sit at a scroll saw all day and then have to be carefully sand the edges. There are many people who are having to do that and it bothers them that other folks can crank that same pattern out on the laser in a fraction of the time and with great accuracy. I can respect their feelings. On the other hand, for those who are trying to make a business out of it, reducing the labor hours has to be an important consideration. There is a belief that laser folks are mass-producing these items. I'm not sure if that is accurate as a whole.
There is a place for both methods. I would like to co-exist peacefully. I would like to venture over to the scroll saw forums but I fear for my life! :-& It may be best to just lurk and learn from the discussions of others.
There is another good thread on this topic at Sawmill. I wanted to see what responses I would get over there. We're having a good discussion.
Thanks Doug for your thoughts.
Jim
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#8]
27 Feb 2007
To: Goodvol (JIMGOOD) [#7] 27 Feb 2007
It is the problem of what is hand-made. The definition has changed over the centuries.
Originally I believe that only something cut with a rock that you chipped to a sharp edge was hand made.
Then if you used a hand saw that had a machine made blade, was it hand made?
Then if you used a foot powered lathe, was it hand made. Then an electric powered lathe.
Do you have to actually hold the saw in your hand, or can you use a motorized saw and move the workpiece?
Can both be done electrically? (As in a laser.)
The line is constantly being moved and the skilled craftsmen are always griping.
Next question. Would you consider using a pantograph, hand engraving? In the truest sense of the words it is not at all, but lately it is becoming an interchangeable term.
SEE TAG LINE.
From: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#9]
6 Apr 2007
To: ALL
From: Holly (GRIZGIRLS) [#10]
8 Apr 2007
To: ALL
This thread reminds me of a horrible confrontation I had this past winter at a craft show...
I'm at my table and about an hour after the doors open, some cranky man came up to my booth. I had a sign up that said everything was 'hand-crafted by a mom'. Honestly, it's more of a convesation starter - people laugh when they read 'mom' and then ask where I'm from, etc. I don't honestly believe it sways anyone to buy but if it gets the point that it isn't imported, than the sign has done it's job in my book. Well this man didn't get my intention of the sign - rather took high offense. He began verbally attacking me so badly, that a booth owner next to mine turned to him and defended ME! She went on to say 'she's not saying it's hand made...she's showing it's made in the USA....BY HER!'
He stormed off. Other people who overheard this nonsense then told me Mr. Crankypants had a booth on the other side of the floor. That he was a scrollsawer telling people 'not to buy from the fake laser woman on the other side'. I felt like my grandfather was attacking me....it was amazing really.
For the record, I would never say hand made...though you could argue that point about the mouse being moved by your hand on the PC, etc. My max is to say 'hand crafted' and I don't think that is unfair. When I'm gluing, sanding, staining, etc., you bet your Cranky Scrollsaw I'm hand-crafting!
In the end, it turned out to be a bad day for him on many levels. First, my existance set him off. But then later in the day, I landed a big contract with the high school and more business is on the way from them! So :P on him! :)