This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. Using just a single board and a scroll saw, Billy demonstrates how versatile woodworking can be—even with limited tools and materials.
The idea is simple but powerful: take one board and turn it into three distinct, functional projects using only a scroll saw. It’s a creative challenge that pushes both design thinking and tool skills, all while producing beautiful results.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Billy’s channel:
Why the Scroll Saw?
The scroll saw is a unique tool that excels at precise, intricate cutting. While other tools like the table saw or bandsaw are great for long straight cuts, the scroll saw shines when curves and interior shapes are required.
For this challenge, Billy limits himself to the scroll saw to see how far it can go. The result is an impressive display of both the tool’s range and the potential that lies in a single board of wood.
Project 1: Puzzle Piece Coasters
The first project is a set of interlocking puzzle coasters. These can be used individually or fit together to form a larger trivet or serving tray.
Billy starts by sketching a layout directly onto the board. The goal is to maximize space and minimize waste while making sure each piece has a unique shape that still fits with the others.
The scroll saw is ideal for this kind of design. Its tight-turning blade allows for smooth curves and precise details—perfect for puzzle-shaped edges. As each piece is cut, they begin to lock together cleanly, forming a larger whole.
Cutting Interior Circles
One of the more advanced techniques Billy uses is cutting interior circles without a drill. Typically, a drill would be used to start a hole, but in this case, he threads the scroll saw blade through a starter point to make internal cuts.
These circular or inset cuts become part of the puzzle design and are key to making the coasters functional and visually interesting. The slow, steady work of cutting from the inside out is where the scroll saw really proves its worth.
Project 2: Candle Holders
The second project is a pair of candle holders, designed with both style and practicality in mind. These pieces focus on how the scroll saw can substitute for more traditional tools—like a drill press or hole saw.
Billy begins by shaping the overall outline of the holder. Once the exterior is done, he uses the scroll saw to cut shallow, circular cavities that will hold tealight candles. This takes careful planning to avoid cutting too deep or too wide.
The process involves gluing multiple thin layers together to form the final height of each candle holder. After glue-up, any uneven areas are sanded smooth and the grain is aligned for a seamless look.
Project 3: Puzzle Serving Board
The final build combines the design elements of the first two projects into a single, larger piece. This puzzle-style serving board is both decorative and functional, perfect for entertaining or as a kitchen accent.
Billy uses the remaining board to create large interlocking pieces, similar in spirit to the puzzle coasters but on a bigger scale. The curves and notches are again cut with the scroll saw, showcasing its ability to make detailed interior and exterior cuts.
Like the earlier builds, interior circles and inset shapes are included to add character and utility. Some pieces could even double as mini trays or sectioned serving surfaces.
Managing Glue Lines
As with any multi-piece glue-up, there’s always the challenge of visible glue lines. Billy takes care to align grain direction and sand the joints thoroughly to minimize any visual breaks between pieces.
This attention to detail not only makes the final pieces look more professional but also highlights how far you can go with basic materials and careful craftsmanship.
A Lesson in Simplicity and Creativity
The constraint of one board and one tool turns out to be a great opportunity. Each project in this series builds on scroll saw fundamentals and shows how creative thinking can overcome limitations.
What’s especially powerful is how approachable the projects are. No fancy shop, no expensive tools—just a scroll saw, a bit of planning, and one board. Billy shows that the barrier to entry for woodworking is lower than most people think.
Final Thoughts
This project isn’t just about what you build—it’s about how you think. With nothing more than a scroll saw and a single board, Billy proves that great design, careful execution, and smart problem-solving are more important than a full tool chest.
For anyone interested in getting more from their scroll saw, this is a perfect set of projects to try. They teach accuracy, control, and how to push your creativity within constraints.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.