dbgulick

Thanks to all! This is exactly the kind of information I needed. You guys are great! dbg

Hello.. First time here. I blew up the pattern for this box, (from Big Book of Scroll Saw Woodworking) to 130%. I had made the box once exactly as copied and was quite happy with it (being my first scroll saw project). But I had a chance to have some 40 yr. old rough mahogany re-sawed and wanted to not waste wood. I made the box for my daughter-in-law's graduation. She is Canadian and I wanted to try to do a maple leaf inlay. First try was a disaster. Second try I cut the wrong !#$% direction and the top dropped down rather than the light bottom coming us. After a long slow walk, my third try (last piece of wood) worked pretty well for the "first" try. I found several patterns for maple leaves online, but was having a hard time deciding. While thinking about it over a beer, I noticed about 10,000 maple leaves at my feet. Ergo.. just traced the pattern and touched it just a bit with the Dremel after it was finally in place. Also, used flocking on the first box with so-so results. A lady at Michael's suggested I try the sticky backed felt they carry. I'll use that again. Good stuff. My issue is with finish. I have limited experience with mahogany (Except boat building that did not require high finish). Indeed, I've always been frustrated at this stage of wood working. Would appreciate suggestions on how to get the grain out of the finished product. I sanded extensively, wiped with spirits, etc. And thought five coats of poly spray would give a smooth finish, but the grain is still there. Perhaps just more coats and sanding? Thanks in advance, David