FrankEV

The background is just the un-stained Poplar finished with poly. Poplar is not a very pretty wood and was only used as it wsa all that I could find localy, Did not want to use Pine and Oak was too coatly to experiment with. Wasn't sure it was going to come out even as well as it did. Think I'll shoot another pic tomorrow with differet lighting to see if I can improve the view of the frame.

This Sculptured Fretwork portrait of an Eagle Bust (my go to subject) was made from a slightly modified and resized pattern by G&K Woodworking to suit an 11” x 14” panel. I used nominal 1” x 12” Poplar purchased a Lowes as I did not want to invest a lot of money for any expensive wood as this was my first attempt at doing a sculptured portrait. The fretwork was cut using Pegas #1 Spiral blades and the panel was affixed to a painted Black 1/4” thick BB Ply Backer after sculpturing and coloring was completed. I would like to take this opportunity to give a big THANK YOU to Dick Mira for sharing information regarding the sculpturing and coloring process. I was his support and encouragement that gave me the confidence to try this kind of project. This first attempt was a very big learning experience. The first lesson learned is that the choice for an appropriate pattern is very important. Since I'm not capable of making my own patterns I need to utilize those made by others, and since most are not made with sculpturing in mind they may often need to be modified somewhat. I quickly learned that the sculpturing process is not easy, requires a lot of attention to details and a lot of hand sanding. I also learned that the sculpturing and painting process is very time consuming, especially waiting for the finishing materials to dry in between coats. I also made a custom Poplar Frame embellished with some premade decorative trim. The frame was stained with Minwax Red Mahogany and the trim colored with a light coat of gold(ish) colored paint. The frame is protected with multiple coats of Wipe-On-Poly. Edit 12/28/20: It will be a little while before I upload a new photo. Decided to take some of the comments and suggestions to heart and work on the background. Edit 1/3/21: Here is my Eagle Bust Portrait with a colored bacground. I saw a photo of a real Eagle with a blue background that had fuzzy stars. Could not figure out how to make my stars fuzzy. The two coats of the blue poly/paint mix over the original poly finish took forever to dry. Then the stars, using a stencil and spray can white, and another coat of Wipe-on Poly.

The cutting on both is nice. but...... The first one is a little nicer because it is darker, but the uneven tone of the wood/stain (?) is a distraction. Unfortunately I wont give any real acalades to either. Not sure if it is the choice of the wood or stain or both. And, just in my opinion, I'm not fond of the overly ragged distressed panel edges. The eye apealing presentation is just not there.

Very well done. I'm sure it will be displayed with pride.

Great job on the cut, looks real nice. Yep, very suitable for the use of spiral blades. They would probably have reduced your cutting time significantly. I would guess at least half asuming skilled in their use.

Another great project well done. I'm looking very close...you know why.

Hey, I'm 78 also. I feel i'm in good company here in the Village. Glad you are happy with your system.

They sure are nice and a great use of scrap wood.

Look at the thread Gifts - Scroll Saw Challenge under the heading General Scroll Sawing Lots of Ideas. I show three Items I made for my S.O. You will find it near the bottom of the first page.

I'm with everyone in aplauding our pattern makers. I'm not a pattern maker but have done a little in Inkscape to make minor mods, so I have a feeling for the amount of work involved and it makes me even more appreciative of what thay do.

My lady's name is Robin, but she loves Hummingbirds...now ain't that a contradiction. I guess that is why she calls herself "Bird Brain". Steve Good included the "initialhummer.pdf" in a recent e-mail so you can guess I just had to make the "R" for Robin. I modified it litttle to make it into a framed piece rather than a Hanging ornament. Lots of holes - 12 to be exact - cut mostly with Pegas #1 mgt and #2/0 spiral. Perimeter cut done with #3 mgt. She hasn't seen it yet so it gets wrapped and put under the tree for Christmas morning, Cut is 5/32" Maple solid core ply approx 9" x 8" with a Walnut Solid Core Ply backer darkened with Minwax Walnut stain. Added a 12' x 10" mat with a third pice of BB ply Panel finished with multiple coats of spray gloss Lacquer. The custom frame is Poplar with a routed decorative inside edge stained with Minwax Eexpresso and finished with Wipe On Poly.

NIce. About 15 hour cut, correct?

Beautiful. Bet your arm got tired.

Welcome back to the Village, to a past member from a fairly new member. I see you are located in Jax, Fl. I'm also on the East Coast of Central Florida in Ormond Beach about an hour South.

So nice, it is a shame to cover it up with a cook book. The overall construction is just super!

Fitting subject for a gift to your mail person. Very well cut and framed.

Great plaque I'm positive he will cherish. very well done. I especially love the rope piping. Hope his retirement includes "Fair Winds and a Following Sea". Edit: Hope you dont mind, but I rotated your pic and croped it so all can see how nice it is.

Realy nice. Frame is well done. Just curious, what finish did you apply to the cut BB?

Yep and ditto to all the previous!

Jjust one word: Beautiful!!

Looks good...very interesting. Did you allow the color to get on the cut surface delibertly or is that just in the picture?

Extreamly nice. The grain works very well with the subject. Really adds to the ilusion. That piece of pine must be quite old. You dont see that kind of grain in the pine you see in the lumber yards these days.

Ok, you got the pic back in the post and it looks great. So why not add some info to go with it. Pics are necessary but the story that goes with the project is also great to read. Your post title make me want to know more.

Yes I did and I downloaded it. Will cut the "R" for her in next few days.

Nothing open when I click on that attachment.