Blaughn

Okay, I will post one of my dumbest mistakes. I wanted to compose a plaque using Micah 6:8. I messed with it and messed with it until I had a layout that "felt" balanced. Having "accomplished" the balance I printed the design, applied it to some wonderful cherry and cut away. I can't tell you how long this took to cut but rest assured it was a long undertaking. When I removed the pattern and surveyed my work my heart sank. I was so focused on the overall balance I did not notice the additional space between the words love and mercy. Once you see it you cannot "un-see it". I keep this piece handy to remind myself that you have to slow down and see detail at multiple levels. Overall balance is important but so are the small details. I show the final design also to redeem myself.

Sage advice. "There's never enough time to do it right but there is always time to do it over......"

Sounds like it was "one of those days". I pray the next will be an "out of the park" event. Your work is superb! Bruce

I had some left over cherry scraps so I cut and planed them to 1/8" and stack-cut them. A great way to use up scrap! I put this pattern into the pattern section if anyone wants to cut it. Bruce

I can almost hear the thundering hooves! Great job! Bruce

Complicated project but your results are fantastic. Great work! Bruce

Hi Juan: I just looked up the Delta manuals. The Model 40-691 is listed as China Manufacture. The 40-695 is listed as Taiwan Mfg. Taiwan manufacturing is generally higher quality. I can't find that info for Jet although one dealer lists it as Taiwan.

Ahhh, but the kindling burns so brightly. Sigh.......

Very true. It is an art where "action before plan" brings frustrating rediscoveries.

Yup. 220 sandpaper with no noticeable indents makes for far easier finishing! "First good - then fast." is especially true for scrolling.

Keep on cutting, Kevin. You're on a roll. Bruce

Dave, as usual that is superbly cut and finished. Ummmm - if I get one of those will it help my memory?........

For those in the early stages of scroll sawing there is so much to learn that learning things the hard way can be discouraging. Those of us who have been scrolling for a while have learned some things that may prevent frustration and do-overs for those who are new to scrolling. I'll start with a couple: 1. When working with lumber (as opposed to Baltic birch plywood) inspect the face of your lumber carefully before applying patterns. Imperfections are far easier to correct before you complete your scrolling. Sanding a finished piece is risky. 2. Do not let the blade lift the scrap out of your work piece. Nine times out of ten it will be fine but the blade may grab and twist the scrap causing a delicate detail to break. By the way, Murphy's law dictates that the piece that broke off will ALWAYS find the vacuum with an audible clicking sound as it goes... 3. Those tiny drills we use to drill pilot holes DO NOT like to be rushed. If you are really unlucky the tip will break off inside the work piece. Start the hole and back the drill out to clear the flutes before drilling all the way through.

That is art created from what another man throws away. Well done!

A scrollsaw artist creates sawdust, chips and creates spaces in wood that delight the eye. A CNC/Laser cutter - a machine creates smoke and charcoal that delight the eye. A big difference.

Word art is my preferred scroll saw project. In designing plaques I have learned the hard way that small changes in designing bridges yield big results in avoiding dropouts. Here is my technique. With a drop-out you want to maximize the grain length across the bridge. Even a slight change will increase the strength and decrease the chances of having a dropout break while scrolling (or even more important - while finishing.) I found by changing the position ever so slightly, you can maximize the long grain across the bridge with great results. This has allowed me to do some very detailed word art with success. Travis has done a great video on using inkscape to create bridges. (see below) Word Art Intersecting Word Art With Inkscape - YouTube.url

I hope you are using a mask. I have just finally surrendered and begun to wear one while scrolling and especially sanding.

Great job. It will be treasured! Bruce

The grain patterns of the main picture and the frame add a lot to the beautiful piece. Well done!!!! Bruce

Your use of the grain is striking. Beautiful job! Bruce

Nice Job. I'll bet that was a bear to sand before Finishing!!! Bruce

Very neat. That antler tang looks wicked....... Bruce

Time flies? Nicely done!!! Bruce

Welcome to the Forum, Russell from Minneapolis! Bruce

Thanks, John. Anything that potentially stimulates creativity is worth the effort.