Comparing the Cost of Printing Scroll Saw Patterns: Commercial Printing Services, Laser Printers, and Inkjet Printers

Patterns are printed on paper and attached to wood or other material to make intricate cutouts such as this cross.

Scroll sawing is a woodworking hobby that requires intricate patterns to be cut out of wood using a scroll saw. Many woodworkers create their patterns, but there are also thousands of patterns available online that can be printed and used for free or for a fee. The cost of printing these patterns can vary depending on the printing method used. In this blog post, we will compare the cost of printing scroll saw patterns using commercial printing services, laser printers, and inkjet printers.

A laser printer is the best way to go. The initial expense is greater, but lasers are fast and much cheaper than any of the other options.

Commercial Printing Services

Commercial printing services, such as FedEx Office or Staples, offer high-quality printing services for a fee. They have high-quality printing equipment and offer a variety of paper options. The cost of printing a scroll saw pattern at a commercial printing service will depend on the size of the pattern, the paper type, and the number of copies needed. However, as a rough estimate, printing an 8.5 x 11 inch black and white scroll saw pattern on standard white paper can range from $0.10 to $0.20 per page. The cost will increase if you need a color pattern or a larger size. You should also add in the additional cost of transportation and time. For me, printing a standard page at Staples costs about $4 per page.

Laser Printers

Laser printers use toner to create a printed image on paper. They are known for their high-quality printing and fast printing speeds. Laser printers are popular for printing scroll saw patterns because they produce crisp, clean lines. The cost of printing a scroll saw pattern on a laser printer will depend on the cost of toner and paper. As a rough estimate, printing an 8.5 x 11 inch black and white pattern on standard white paper using a laser printer can range from $0.03 to $0.05 per page. The cost will increase if you need a color pattern or a larger size. Printing on a laser printer can be as low as $0.01 per page. It all depends on the particular printer you use. I use a Brother laser printer.

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers use ink to create a printed image on paper. They are known for their ability to print high-quality color images, but they can also produce black and white images. Inkjet printers are popular for printing scroll saw patterns because they are affordable and easy to use. Printing a scroll saw pattern on an inkjet printer will depend on the cost of ink and paper. As a rough estimate, printing an 8.5 x 11 inch black and white pattern on standard white paper using an inkjet printer can range from $0.05 to $0.10 per page. The cost will increase if you need a color pattern or a larger size.

Every inkjet printer I have ever dealt with had issues with clogging inkjets. If you need to replace the ink cartridges before they are empty, the cost per page to print is significantly increased. A complete set of inkjet cartridges for an Epson printer is currently $124.00. It will not print black if one of the color ink cartridges is empty or clogged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of printing scroll saw patterns can vary depending on the printing method used. Commercial printing services offer high-quality printing but at a higher cost. Laser printers offer high-quality printing at a lower cost than commercial printing services. Inkjet printers are the most affordable option, but they may produce a different level of quality than commercial printing services or laser printers. Ultimately, the choice of printing method will depend on your budget, the level of quality you require, and your personal preferences.