Fretwork and Scroll Sawing Experiences

Fretwork is �decoration or patterns or patterns on a surface made by cutting into or through the surface�, according to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. But to me, fretwork and scroll sawing, as it is often referred to, is a great way to relieve stress and at the same time get a sense of accomplishment when your item is finished. There is a wide variety of materials that can be used for fretwork, including thick paper, many different wood materials, soft metals and plastics. Although I have used Plexiglas, plywood and cardboard, my true love for scroll sawing is wood.

When using a template or different woodworking patterns, make sure that the cut is taking the pencil mark off with it. After you have traced the pattern, it should look exactly as you want the finished cut out to appear. If you align your blade to the pencil mark and it is cut away as you go, you are sure to get the look you intended.In a 1993 study, Powers found that historically, teachers of learners with special needs practiced two teaching strategies: 1) learners with special needs were grouped among other students and expected to do the best that they could without any assistance, or 2) they were isolated from the other students and given some type of label. "With learners with special needs, techniques that appeal to multiple senses and those that reinforce and re-emphasize learning are needed" (Newcomb, McCracken, Warmbrod, & Whittington, 2004, p. 305).- Cut out initials to hang on the wallIn the previously mentioned study of Ohio secondary agriculture teachers, it was indicated that discussion and lecture were among the most-used teaching methods when teaching learners with special needs (Hoerst & Whittington, 2009); however, those were also the most-used techniques reported in a study of learners in a traditional classroom (Falk, Beck, & Whittington, 2009). Preservice teachers need to be taught to step outside of their comfort zones, and experiment with teaching strategies that they may not traditionally use, such as role play or peer teaching in order to reach learners with special needs. Teaching by demonstration and learning-by-doing should also characterize the instruction used in inclusive classrooms (Newcomb, et al., 2004). In addition, the problemsolving approach to teaching has been used throughout agricultural education, and is an effective approach for implementing instruction for learners, regardless of ability (Newcomb, et al., 2004).It is really great to start out with a piece of rough cut lumber and end up with a keepsake. I demonstrated the scroll saw for A-Line Machine and Tool at some workshops they had on woodworking, and discovered this hobby is enjoyed by all ages. Kids as young as 9 years old and up to 90 years old came in and wanted some tips on scroll sawing. There are a lot of personal preferences when it comes to scroll sawing, including the machine and blades used, cuts of wood or types of materials, or what finish is used on their art. But most people that try it once, love using the scroll saw.

It is really great to start out with a piece of rough cut lumber and end up with a keepsake. I demonstrated the scroll saw for A-Line Machine and Tool at some workshops they had on woodworking, and discovered this hobby is enjoyed by all ages. Kids as young as 9 years old and up to 90 years old came in and wanted some tips on scroll sawing. There are a lot of personal preferences when it comes to scroll sawing, including the machine and blades used, cuts of wood or types of materials, or what finish is used on their art. But most people that try it once, love using the scroll saw.

Author: Lanette Herrmann