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Let's transform an old and unused sewing machine into a scroll saw so we can make some wooden decorations (and a load of other cool jazz). If, like me, you had an old sewing machine (I tend to collect these things when they are getting thrown out by people) knocking about, then you could try a conversion like this. Old sewing machines, that are actually really rather well made, are often thrown out by people who do not have the time or inclination to use or maintain them, the one used here for example, came from our local freecycle and didn't really work for lack of regular maintenance.
In the face of it, converting a sewing machine shouldn't be all that difficult - hence the idea. You have a needle that goes up and down at a speed fast enough to drive the saw blade, a work area with a section underneath to keep tension on the blade... What could be simpler? All you need are some basic hand tools, some epoxy, and an old unused sewing machine.
In the face of it, converting a sewing machine shouldn't be all that difficult - hence the idea. You have a needle that goes up and down at a speed fast enough to drive the saw blade, a work area with a section underneath to keep tension on the blade... What could be simpler? All you need are some basic hand tools, some epoxy, and an old unused sewing machine.
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Like most projects that I am involved with this one is an exercise in reuse and re-purposing. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the magical insides of the humble sewing machine, which is so taken for granted. Open it up and it is actually quite exciting in there.
There are lots of leavers, pulleys, gears and pivots. Even if some of these have fallen into disrepair (as had my machine) this typically will not matter, as we will be stripping lots of it out. Compared to a sewing machine like this, the scroll saw I have in mind is actually quite simple. It helps if the motor is working and the needle is going up and down - everything else is pretty much surplus.
So unscrew the case retaining bolts and have a good look and what you have got... It might well be the case that you will have to modify thing to suit your particular machine.
There are lots of leavers, pulleys, gears and pivots. Even if some of these have fallen into disrepair (as had my machine) this typically will not matter, as we will be stripping lots of it out. Compared to a sewing machine like this, the scroll saw I have in mind is actually quite simple. It helps if the motor is working and the needle is going up and down - everything else is pretty much surplus.
So unscrew the case retaining bolts and have a good look and what you have got... It might well be the case that you will have to modify thing to suit your particular machine.
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Cheers,
Bongo.
if the machine were broken (in a sewing sense) I would agree this is a great reuse of the chassis...such an elegant machine :S Either way, great writeup, very well documented with great pictures!
We have another one for our actual sewing.
Please save your tears, and don't kill anyone ;) Instead put a call out on your local freecycle and see what people are old 'junk' people are wanting to get rid of...