Friday, May 18, 2012

Ron Brown's Famous Key Chain Font 2.0 Review

Back in 2005 Ron Brown published an article in the former Scrolsaw Workshop Magazine(Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts). In the article Ron showed a font that allowed you to make key chains. Ron also distributed the font as a computer file. Back then the font had some issues because it was not very legible in some sizes. He eventually let it become freeware and it kind of faded out of sight. He had so many requests for the font that he re-designed it for much better legibility and released version 2. You can buy the new version from www.coolhammers.com

The cost of the DVD is $16.95 + SH. With the DVD you get the Key Chain font, Scroll Saw Names Font, Make $20 to $40 per hour with your scroll saw pdf and the instructions for installing and using the fonts. The picture above also shows the DVD for cutting cool hammers which is also available from Ron.

The picture above is from Ron's site and shows the Key Chain's cut from the font. Ron has made and sold hundreds of these key chains and he says the size that sells best is 1/2 inch tall and 3/8 inch thick. When I read this in the instructions that sounded very small but after cutting a few I really like the small size. Of course you can make them any size you want.

The rest of this post is a demonstration of me using the font and cutting my name.


Because of the small size these are a more of a challenge to cut than I thought they would be. They are a blast to make and totally worth the little bit of practice required. For the Key Chains you don't have to apply the pattern to the wood. We are just going to freehand it. Simply type the alphabet into a word processor using the font and print it out for reference. After a while you won't even need the reference.

Ron suggests making a story stick to mark the wood blank. At this size the letters are 5/16 inch in width except for the letter "i" which is about half the width of all the other letters.
You can see here that I have my blank marked. I decided to leave a blank space at the beginning and end but that's optional.
The next step is to cut a shallow line around the blank between each letter. I'm using a #5 blade. Make sure your table is squared up to the blade or your cuts won't line up.
After you get all the between letter cuts made it's time to start the letters. I have the printout of the font handy for reference.
You want the kerf wide enough to give good legibility. I used a #5 but I might try a #7 next time. Ron's instructions give you tips on how to make the cuts so the key fob stays strong enough not to break.
After I have the letters all cut I cut the left over blank away. I found it best to keep it long while I cut to have something to hold on to.
A trip over to my mop sander to ease all the edges and it was ready for a finish. You want to do a good job sanding so the key fob feels comfortable in your hand.
We are going to use an eyelet screw to attach the split ring so I pre-drilled so not to split the wood. I used a 1/6" bit.
I decided to finish my key chain with oil and spray acrylic so in it goes for the oil bath.
I buy my split rings from Michael's Craft store. A bag of 10 is around $2. You will find them in the leather crafting section. The eyelet screw in this picture was one size too big and I ended up using a small one.

Final Thoughts:
I absolutely enjoyed making these key rings. They are quick to cut, you don't need a pattern and I think they look great. Making these onsite at a craft show or festival would be ideal. Ron says he sells the key chain names for $4 apiece or two for $6. He estimates it takes around 5 minutes to cut the average name. The cost of supplies to make these is very low so when Ron says you could earn $20 to $40 per hour I think that's a fair statement. Of course you have to be at an event with very good foot traffic to stay busy enough to do that.

After you make the purchase from www.coolhammers.com you can opt to have Ron send you the files by email while you wait for the DVD to arrive. He travels a lot so this is not instant but he checks his mail often. My DVD arrived in just a few days.

I really like this product and I definitely think the $20 price is a good value. If you make these as gifts or to sell you will get your money back with just 5 or 6 projects. Visit www.coolhammers.com for more details.



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Bear Woods has been around since 1987 serving our hobby. They offer a wide range of craft products including Pegas scroll saw blades, clock inserts, toy parts, workshop supplies and much more. In my ten years of writing the Scrollsaw Workshop blog I have never received a complaint about Bear Woods. I get thousands of email a month so that's saying something about their customer service and quality products. Please support the people who support our hobby. Click now and visit Bear Woods.

Heritage Wood Specialties. Scroll saw ready boards!


Heritage Wood Specialties is a nationally recognized supplier of superior quality hardwoods to fine woodworkers across the US and Canada. Novice hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike can enjoy the high quality woodworking materials and kits available from Heritage Wood Specialties. Great source for scroll saw ready boards.

Seyco

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Seyco began business in 1986 with the goal to supply the best customer support and quality products in the scroll saw industry. I have worked with Seyco on many occasions and I can tell you they are simply the best. Please do yourself a favor and click the image above. Steve Good

Free Pattern Catalog. 1000's of free patterns.

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Thousands of FREE scroll saw patterns. No registration or signup required.

The projects form these patterns can be sold without restrictions. The patterns cannot be sold.

Click here for the Free Online Catalog.

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Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw Book $12 Each

http://www.stevedgood.com/woodenvases.html
Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.
The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make. 

Order the $3 pdf Catalog

This is a PDF of all the patterns in my free catalog. It is for Windows only and has a program to automatically download the pattern to your computer. Please watch the video below before you order. Click the picture to order.
http://www.stevedgood.com/swpd/swpdorderpage.html
You do not need a PayPal account to order. At the bottom of the PayPal page is a button that will allow you to pay with a credit card. After successful payment click the Return to Merchant button for the download.

Stencil Printer 1.7

Stencil Printer Instruction Video.

The Scrollsaw Workshop Stencil Printer 1.7 is my latest software for creating patterns. It will create key chain fobs, desk name plates and more. Click the image above to download the latest version. It is free to use donationware. This software is for Windows PC only.

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1
Download the Free Scroll Saw Pattern Printer Version 1.1. Create name patterns in seconds. Windows PC only.
Download Version 1.1
Please consider a $5 donation for The Scroll Saw Pattern Printer v1.1.

Scroll Saw Keychain Pattern Maker

Use the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker to start a small keychain business. Build yourself a nice display and make up severl keychains with common names. Sell at craft shows, on Ebay or at work. Everyone needs a keychain. Take custom orders. Heck just make them and give them away as gifts. It's all made easy with the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker. Watch the video demonstration then download the file below and get started with the fun.
The following link will start the download process. After the file download is complete just click the setup file and the program will be installed. Please consider a $5 donation for the program.

Download the Oval Keychain Pattern Maker.

Enjoy designing and printing these great personalized key chains. Give them as gifts, make them for fun or sell them at craft shows. It's easy, just watch the video demo then download and install the program. You will be designing these fun projects in minutes. Windows PC only.
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Download Version .9a
Please consider a $5 donation for The Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker.

T-Shirts and More.

T-Shirts and More.
Show your love for the hobby and support the Scrollsaw Workshop. Safe and secure order fullfilled by CafePress. Take a look. You are sure to find something you like. CLICK THE IMAGE to visit the store.

The Lifter

Papa's Custom Patterns.

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Philip Lowndes Noah's Arc Pattern Available. Watch the video below.

This video is from Philip Lowndes. He is the designer of this beautiful Noah's Arc puzzle pattern. If you would like the pattern follow the link below.
Buy This Wonderful Heirloom Puzzle Pattern

Think Safety

Remember to keep the safety of yourself and others in your work shop in your thoughts at all times. Always wear eye and ear protection. Follow all the manufactures warnings that came with your power tools. If I demonstrate something on this web site that you don't feel is safe, don't do it. Your safety is your responsibility. Fingers are handy things, try to keep all of them.
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Disclaimer:
The Scrollsaw Workshop Blog is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine formerly (Scroll Saw Workshop Magazine) or it's publisher Fox Chapel Publishing.

Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts