what is the best tool for cutting shapes in wood?

scroll saw

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A jigsaw is used for larger pieces, and shapes. For smaller shapes, letters, crafts, etc. the best saw for the job is a scroll saw. This saw consists of a table for your stock to rest on, with a vertical jigging blade which operates as you feed the wood into it. Scroll saws allow you to keep both hands on the stock (wood) making it much easier to control and handle very fine cutting.

go to the store and get a jigsaw c/w a little table. they have a small blade and the table will hold the wood steady while you cut it. it will be good for other wood projects and ideas. there is lots of books on them once you are more comfortable with it's use. just be carefull and always wear safety glasses and always treat it with respect. they are great as you can add a big magnifiing glass to them and you can cut things slow so you can cut them right

this will get rather complicated for someone who has never done it. first, stencil, or draw your letters evenly and equally spaced. Next you need these tools; drill, scroll saw, hand chisels (asst'd size and shape), sand paper and or sander. If you have not familiar with these tools, STOP here, you don't want to risk life or limb! Start by pre drilling center holes and cutting edges. Next, rough cut the edges and holes, then finish by sanding final edges

You can buy a hand saw called a coping saw it will work like an electrical scroll saw. If you are only doing thin wood or one project it is a way out.

A "scroll saw" goes on a table and is ideal for this project. a cheaper alternative would be "jig saw". Jig saws are hand held and have lots of uses, but you would need to find a way to hold the wood while you cut it.

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/Kdbkf

Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

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