1. Scroll Saw Workbook
by John Nelson
A step-by-step workbook that turns beginners into experts–the Scroll Saw Workbook includes 25 chapters teaching different cuts, patterns and materials. This book is great if you like to approach your learning methodically. The author boasts that you will be able to perform any scroll saw task when you finish the book. Note: The author recommends a plain-end blade, but all projects contained in the book can be done with a pin-end blades as well.
2. The New Scroll Saw Handbook
by Patrick E. Spielman
The New Scroll Saw Handbook is an updated classic woodworking text. Spielman has authored over 20 books on working with scroll saws, and this one is considered his best. It covers saw and blade selection, performing basic techniques with a number of materials, and how to work with different thicknesses.
3. Big Book of Scroll Saw Woodworking
by Editors of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts
The value of the “Big Book” is that it assembles some of the craft’s top artists into one book–teaching fretwork, intarsia, and lots of other styles. Other books are introductory to woodworking, or scroll saws; but the Big Book is a reference guide that you can always come back to for answer as you add more skills to your scroll saw mastery as you progress with the hobby.
4. Popular Mechanics Workshop: Scroll Saw Fundamentals: The Complete Guide
by Rick Peters
If you like having confidence in your publisher, or are just a loyal fan of Popular Mechanics, then this book is for you. This book seems to cover everything! From basic operations of the saws, to simple techniques, materials and even projects you can do in your own shop–the Popular Mechanics manual is a multi-purpose guide to learning the craft.
5. 128 Compound Scroll Saw Patterns: Original “2-in-1” Designs for 3D Animals and People
by Sam Keener
If you are the learn-by-doing type, then this compilation of 3-D sculpture patterns by Sam Keener is a great place to start practicing your advanced techniques. Keener lays out 128 patterns, each with something new to teach. The book has color photos and easy-to-understand instructions to follow, and you will no doubt come away with a collection of beautiful art made by you!
6. Scroll Saw for the First Time
by Dirk Boelman
Part of the “For the First Time” series, this book is full of ideas and patterns to help beginner scrollers get acquainted with some of the easier techniques in the craft; and from there, explore more patterns. The book is illustrated and covers a wide range of fun and attractive projects. Many of the beginners questions about the craft are answered throughout this easy-to-read book.
7. Scroll Saw Pattern Book
by Patrick Spielman & Patricia Spielman
The more patterns, the better. Patrick and Patricia Spielman have their own book of patterns. The designs vary from lamps, shelves, boxes, lettering, toys, and much more. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. It’s possible that an intermediate to advanced scroll sawer would “outgrow” these simple pattern pretty quickly, but beginners will enjoy having a range of patterns and projects to choose from as they get acquainted with the craft.
8. The Complete Manual of Woodworking
by A. Jackson
If you want to expand your knowledge on woodworking in general–maybe learn how scroll sawing fits into the larger world, then this book is a great place to start. It covers an exhaustive range of topics from all woodworking techniques, multiple wood types (hard and soft), how to choose your tools, how to use your tools; and it also includes thousands of pictures and diagrams so you can visualize while you learn. This book is a must for the woodworking scholar.
9. Intarsia Woodworking for Beginners: Skill-Building Lessons for Creating Beautiful Wood Mosaics: 25 Skill-Building Projects
by Kathy Wise
This book is for those of you who want to dive a little deeper into the technique of intarsia. Kathy Wise has produced a skill-building book with exercises and projects that will help you hone your intarsia skill. The book includes some introductory information to intarsia, and then starts right away with the techniques. The exercises are clear, simple, and build on each other as you explore one of the craft’s most beautiful niches.
10. Wooden Bowls from the Scroll Saw: 28 Useful and Surprisingly Easy-to-Make Projects
by Carole Rothman
When you’ve learned the basics of scrolling–built a repertoire of techniques and patterns–you can then specialize. (And in this case, break all the rules!) Wooden Bowls from the Scroll Saw teaches scrollers how to apply their skills to make rounded pieces without the use of a lathe. The beautiful patterns and clear explanations make this book a great purchase for anyone ready to take their skills to the next level. The book includes 33 projects, and an appendix for advanced scrollers with advice for creating their own designs.