aj43

TO: Scrappile (above replier) Get even with those croakin' grandkids. Make a walkin' stick for each of them and make the handle with one of those frogs that you rub with a stick along their ridged back to make it "croak." You'll have a whole family of "little croakers" and they'll each one have a personal memory from you. The frog handle will be your challenge!

I sprayed it with imitation leather and pretend I'm driving a new car.

Back on Feb 26 I posted a question asking for comments on the DW788 ("Any comments on the DeWalt DW788 scroll saw?") I want to thank everyone for the many positive responses on this saw. At first I thought it was out of my budget, but I came across a special sale from one of the big box stores that saved me almost $200 off the list price, including shipping and sales tax. it arrived in-store last Friday and I picked it up on Sunday morning. It came basically pre-assembled except for the table (it weighs a ton - seems like maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of the total weight of the saw !!!) and a couple bolts and thumbscrews. It's a dream compared to my old 16" Craftsman. I haven't had time to do more than a few basic tests cuts, but I can't wait to start on projects. Again, many thanks to "The Village People." Without your overwhelmingly positive comments I would never have gone ahead and purchased the DW788. Now if only I can find an old posting here for an easy to use script font for scrolling. -aj43

I know there are free fonts galore because I download them all the time for other uses. I was hoping for suggestions pof some that are scroll-friendly that scrollers use all the time. STENCILFY is about what I am doing already, but it sure is nice to let someone else do all the work for you. Thanks for the information so far. -aj43

This is a revision of an old project. Years ago I tried relief carving a red oak trivet. I did not have the right tools or skills, so I set it aside for another time. Not long ago I heard my granddaughter and some of her friends were moving into an apartment for their senior year at college. Looking for something unique to give granddaughter for an "apartment warming" present I came across the old trivet. I decided maybe I could do a better job scrolling the lettering instead of carving. I used the old lettering for a pattern, dividing it into two trivets - a small one for bowls and pans, a larger one for casseroles and large pans. Trivets are 3/4" poplar stained with GF nutmeg gel stain, topcoated with clear shellac and three coats of wipe-on satin Arm-R-Seal. When I made my first trivets several years ago I worried if a hot bowl or pan would scorch the wood or melt the finish. Another woodworker had tested finishes for reactions to heat or other liquids/chemicals. Arm-R-Seal came out on top. To test it myself, I placed a single sheet of typing paper over a trivet and placed an iron on its highest setting on the trivet. After two minutes the paper was lightly scorched, but there was no damage to the trivet. The Arm-R-Seal came through with no softening or any other distress. I have kept track of those first trivets - they were given to family members - and after five years they have all weathered well with only normal wear from abrasions along the edges. All-in-all the poplar and Arm-R-Seal combination holds up well.

You might also consider outdoor sign paint. It's made to survive the outdoors and weather. Can get it in small quart amounts.

Welcome from one new comer to another.

These stories remind me about the economy back then. My first savings account began when I started to deliver newspapers. Meager as my deposits were I was earning a whopping 3% interest on my passbook savings. Can't even come close to that now. Even 1 and 2 year CDs are paying less.

kmmcrafts --- I must be a lot older than you. We turned in pop bottles for 2 cents. Three bottles got you a pack of Topps baseball cards with 5 or 6 cards and a big piece of gum inside and you got a penny back in change. You could get another card and a small piece of gum for the penny. We found the bottles underneath hedges on the way to school and turned them in at the deli on the corner opposite school. We were set for flipping cards at recess.

octoolguy: Speaking of "cents", am I the only person who stills bends down to pick up pennies? ___________________________________ Nope. I refuse to spend any I get in change and I pick up any I find. When I go biking or walking, I always tantalize the kids who see me picking up coins almost in front of them. "What chew doin' that fer, mistah? Why they ain't worth nuthin' !" A penny saved is a penny I didn't have to work for (and I'm retired, so that's a hard thing.) On average I probably roll and bank about 7 rolls a month. Good for the kitty to pay for project incidentals.

What part of Florida. We visit in-laws in Dunedin area several times a year.

This is not to say that I also have a sometimes warped sense of humor and a romantic perspective on life. Every day is a new life to live: feel the sun; smell the rain; pick the flowers. Enjoy life and find something beautiful to make every day special.

meflick: Frogs were a favorite of one of my daughters. Keeps me in touch with a life that ended too soon. -/aj43

Thanks, folks. Took a few tries but I finally got FROGG where I want him. Sorry, no selfies of me. Mr. Frogg is much cuter anyway. -/aj43

I have no problem with non-picture pieces. I have done all sorts of projects with the following method. I just affix the pattern to the base layer with Elmer's, 3M glue, or a bonding material, then cover with clear packaging tape. Pattern comes off easily most times. If not, a wipe with mineral spirits loosens it and it peels off. I am most interested in figuring a good method for picture puzzles. I have tried mounting the pictures and then covering them with several layers of clear finish, flopping the piece, and drawing a pattern on the back. The problem has always been scratches resulting on the inverted face. I've tried cutting imaginary grids on the top - just haven't gotten the knack yet. Layering the puzzle beneath another piece of plywood or hard board just seems a total waste of good stock and $$. So, trying to figure how the "pros" do it cheaply and efficiently. PS - Thanks for all the ideas and references so far.