T Rex Intarsia - Part 2

[Sycamore67]

Now, that I have gotten the pieces cut and am pretty happy with them, it is time for the next steps.

The next thing is to start working on shims to raise certain parts of the Intarsia.  I cut shims the same shape as the Intarsia pieces from both 1/8” and ¼” Baltic Birch.  Then looking at the pictures, I started trying things and adjusting heights.  For me, this is just a matter of trial and errors.  I must admit that this step took me a week or two.  I would try things, look at it, maybe change it and then come back the next day to look again and change it again.  

 

Once I got a start with the shims, I started doing some shaping.  I started doing a bit of rounding with the edges of some pieces to start to get a look at things.  My process is kind of iterative and repetitive.  I try things, look at them, change things and do it over and over until I like what I see.  I also start trying to make things look a bit like in the pictures.  

People are always asking what to use for sanding.  I use almost everything.  I have a Panavise which I use to hold parts so that I can sand or alter the edges.  I also use a Dremel and Foredom with flex shaft.  I have a whole bunch of different bits for the tools and can either take material off fast, very slow, very delicately and also can sand with them.  The use of the power tools because it helps my hands which have a bunch of problems including arthritis. 

 

The next part was the teeth.  I wanted sharp looking teeth and so I went about carving them with the Dremel and Foredom from Aspen.  I felt like the dentist as I carved away.  After many hours, I was pretty happy and used a fine stone bit to polish them a little. 

 

So at this point, I have shims done, initial shaping and the teeth done.  Up in the next part will be final shaping, texturing and more shaping.  

[Peter N White]

Looking good will pop when finished.