by David Wortman

Created on: May 15, 2009

I have had a jigsaw in my basement for years and recently began to try my hand a scroll saw work. While I enjoy working with wood, my artistic skills are somewhat limited. So drawing my own projects really isn't an option. However, by doing a search on the internet I found a of number great sites where I have been able to obtain free scroll saw patterns.

One place to look is on the website for Scollsaw Woodworking and Crafts. On the site they have a pattern from each magazine which is free to download and has a good set of directions on how to do the work. I would rate the patterns from easy to advance. http://www.scrollsawer.com/pattern-downloads.php

Another good site is for the younger worker you can check out www.freewood puzzles.com. These are very easy patterns. The child or beginner worker can cut out basic shapes and then cut them into puzzles. The are about 40 to 50 puzzle shapes to keep the child or beginner worker busy for hours. Elephants, ponies, sheep, dogs, etc. I cut out a number of the shapes and my grandkids had a hours of fun painting then and putting them together. http://www.freewoodpuzzles.com/

Wood workers workshop offers a number of free patterns from basic to very advanced. You can down load full size patterns. Various patterns are available including portraits of some famous folks. In addition there are a number of links to other sites. Many of the sites on this page gives some great patterns for free as well. http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/resources/index.p hp?cat=464

One of my favorite sites is the Winfield collection there are some free patterns but also patterns you can buy. http://www.thewinfieldcollection.com/free_patterns Another one of my favorite sites is Saw for fun. They have some really nice patterns and plaques for sale. I have been able to get some great ideas from their site. http://www.saw4fun.com/

Another great site is finscrollsaw.com. These are Victorian type designs very advanced lots of very fine cuts and shapes. Very ornate. http://www.finescrollsaw.com/freepatterns.htm

There are many other patterns available just by putting free scroll saw patterns in your search engine you will have more hits then you have time to cut out. I have had some luck with coping some photos or pictures, pasting them onto a PowerPoint Slide or Word doc., and printing it out.

Another less traditional place is to look for free Stain Glass Patterns they will give you basic shapes and you can work in as much detail to them as you would like. Chantal's has some real nice patterns, which work well on wood as well as glass. They also work great if you would like to try your hand at Intarsia or inlay work. http://chantalstainedglass.50megs.com/

Don't forget a really great place to look for scroll saw patterns is kid's coloring and library books. Many times there are some have very simple designs you can use. While at the library look at the quilting pattern books, some of the designs transfer nicely to wood there as well. As well as Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Symbols.

While not free, also keep your eyes open at yard, garage, and estate sales. I have bought broken plaques, shelf's, and fret work, which have turned out very nicely. So best suggestion is to keep your eyes open, you will be surprised where you will find new ideas and patterns.

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