Charlie for a long time I just used a regular jig saw with a fine blade. Then used exacto knife to get into fine places. I got the gourd saw after 6 months of cutting my gourds that way, and wished I hadn't waited so long. the gourd saw is amazing. Some people use an exacto saw but I haven't seen the attachment. Good luck

Here is a link that might be useful: My southwest gourd art

Hi lmorgie,

Thank you so much for the info. I didn't know they made an exacto saw.

Right now, I have 40 gourds that arrived yesterday, mostly egg gourds but a few mini dipper gourds too. I'm a little hesitant to cut these little guys because of lack of experience. I would like to get some larger ones in the near future and that's when I'll probably want to get a jig saw.

Actually, the egg gourds might be cute with a tiny little hinge and a pop top, but right now I'm a chicken :D I have started on my first little guy - he's going to be a cat when he's finished.

Charlie

Charlie, the mini-gourds I get here in Georgia are too fragile to be cut with a jigsaw, even the mini-jigsaw. You might try a small keyhole saw if you are planning on opening the small gourds so you can see through or inside the gourd. I used a regular exacto blade to cut through my first few and it is more time consuming. You might have to sacrifice one gourd and try it with different methods of cutting.

Thanks Nonnie! My egg gourds came from Georgia, so I know they are the same as the ones you have.

Heck! My brother is getting me a mini jigsaw for a special giftie. I was hoping to cut through these babies without a whole lot of fuss. I'll look for the keyhole saw and give that a try :)

Charlie

Charlie, you are gonna love the mini-jigsaw. When you work on the mini's you are gonna think "I think I should be working on a big gourd!" and you be off and running. Keep us posted and let us see photos if you have any. Any questions, I'll be glad to answer as will most folks on this board.

Don't forget to wear a mask while you're cutting, Charlie... gourds are great but gourd mold in your lungs is the gift that keeps on giving... and giving, and giving, and giving...

Hi Nonnie and Casey!

Thanks for the advice on wearing a mask. I'm freaky about mold, so when I got some gourds in today that aren't cleaned yet, I was extra cautious about handling them - just in case.

I'm loving my little eggs right now, even though I do have a few of the larger gourds already. I've been snapping up egg gourds wherever I can find them, I'm such a greedy little hog.

I want to make little boxes with them with a tiny hinge (possibly made out of wire) and necklaces, so they are my grand fascination at the moment. I have a friend who's husband died this year and he was an avid ostrich egg carver (he was one of the top carvers, people came from all over the world to study with him). She has some wonderful pieces on display to remember him by and I would love to make a little egg box for her.

Once I get something done and figure out this crazy digital camera thingamabob, I'll gladly post a picture or two.

Thank you for your encouragement!!

Charlie