How To Make Helix Forms With A Scroll Saw

See my web site for more information: http://www.stevengarrison.com/id6.html

This is the basic technique I have developed for making unique helix forms using a scroll saw. There are two different jigs for the scroll saw I have made for doing this, and this video shows the V-block type which is useful for the smaller diameter helix forms up to perhaps an inch in diameter. The other jig is described in detail in my newest e-book that I sell through my web site www.stevengarrison.com and that purchase includes the Excel spreadsheet that is demonstrated in this video to model the geometry of the cut.

The helix forms can only be made by using a spiral blade and they are classified as ruled surfaces - a curved surface that is formed by a line segment (the blade). I have in the past scaled this up to be used on a specially modified band saw with a custom-made spiral blade. There are a few examples of larger helix forms that I made with this method on my web site. http://www.stevengarrison.com/id6.html

I imagine that it would be possible to cut foam with a hot wire in a similar way.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• steveg769
• helix
• forms
• helicoid
• screw
• threads
• ruled
• surface
• spiral
• blade
• scroll
• saw
• v-block
• how
• to

[rayunseitig]

I guess 1" per 1 turn according to your layout is an important bit of information to be able to comprehend. That spread sheet being able to crunch numbers seems to be like a calculator set up for your purposes. Amazing.

[steveg769]

The 1" per turn pitch makes a nicely shaped helix from the 3/4" dowel. More turns per inch could work too. If you increased the pitch to something like 2" per turn with a dowel the same size then the outcome would look something like a drill bit - even more so if you made a second cut 180° apart from the first cut.

The spreadsheet makes the outcome a lot more predictable! I wish I had made it sooner

[rayunseitig]

That's really something. You must have a good grasp of how things look in space, before and after. I'm afaraid I can't see much past what a chop saw would do.

[shortyumpire]

Nice! Never seen anything like it. Several unique ideas on your website! Thanks, Steve

[moalanikai]

That's a pretty amazing video, Steve. Thanks for the wonderful demo. I've always wanted to make these helix "screws". So cool! Definitely time to get this download from your site.