From Sewing Machine to Scroll Saw, a Christmas tale

Step 9 Further Considerations

Dust!  Dust is the eternal enemy of wood sawing... This project is no different.  So yeah, my conversion is not yet complete, but it shouldn't be too difficult to rig up some form of vacuum hose attachment.  Scrolling, unlike say circular sawing, is not so bad at making large volumes of dust, but it can still be plenty enough to risk your health. Up until now I have been doing my scrolling in the garage, by the fully open door  - which is practically like being outside.   This is sub-optimal/zero in the middle of winter, but reduces the dust problem.. 

EDIT:  
OK so the dust problem partly motivated a new project: The Dust Sniper.  It is a super silent extractor (approved for late night use!), with cyclonic filtration. Check out the link above for a video and the full Instructable.    

Other points of consideration: the blades I used will likely dull quickly when used in this way. Such blades are made for a coping saw (a hand saw).  Some bi-metal HSS job, would be preferable as it would be less prone to damage by overheating. Saying that, I have not changed the blade yet, and it doesn't seem too bad.  A thinner blade would be useful for those tighter curves, and more intricate bits.  Also, if you attempt this project, this forum topic has some more ideas and might also be of use.  

Anyway, let me know if you give this a go and how you get on.  Merry Christmas!