Newbie questions on a portrait

[SigP]

I am a total newbie to scroll sawing. I am about to start my first portrait but I am not sure about some details. I will use birch ply but what thickness? The pattern is about 12" x 16". Does it look bad to go too thin or too thick? Or is it just a matter of taste? Also, what are some options for backing it? I've thought about poster board (seems kinda fragile), painted ply, stained ply, and felt glued to ply. I just don't want it to end up looking cheap because of the backing.

 

Thanks in advance for any input.

[scrimper]

Afraid I can't really advise on doing a portrait as I have never done one. I am so sorry if this sounds like I am being a killjoy but if you are a total Newbie to scroll sawing do you not think you would be better off doing something a bit simpler to start with, IMHO a portrait is not the easiest thing to do and I am dubious that you might be starting on a very ambitious project without trying a simpler piece first.

 

(I hope you don't take my comment the wrong way, I realise it sounds negative but I am only trying to offer help.)

 

Good luck anyway.

 

[Dutchscroller]

i dont find portraits that hard to do, thin wood is a bit tricky imo, the blade run through it like a knife through butter, and its easier to brake, i use thin and thicker wood (one inch, if i get that right, iam dutch so not used to inches, i use 1cm thick) the thicker wood (one inch? 1cm) is imo easier.

The backer board i use black thick paper, dont know the english word for it, but its used behind pictures when framing, when i dont have that paper i use a thin piece of mdf and paint it black or some other color you prefer.

there are some easier patterns available, for you to try. Look at Steve Goods website or on this one.

hope i was of some help.

Good luck

[ike]

Try a easier patterns first, The hardest thing is circles and curves. It takes several tries to get them right. The circles is where the mistakes show up . But if you try portraits first use 6 mm plywood. some people try harder project first and get discouraged amd

say I can't do it. and quit, and miss the enjoyment that scrolling gives them

[Kepy]

Most portraits are done with 1/8 or 1/4" Baltic birch.  The cutting is easier if you stack at least 2 or 3.  Backing can be anything such as painted wood, fabric, felt, foam board, etc.

[Phantom Scroller]

I do mine in 1/4 birch ply and buy cheap frames or make my own and back them in black card or spray black a piece of thin ply or use coloured A4 foam from hobby craft.

It's really down to your preference what's available, some use glass some don't.

What ever have fun.  Roly

 

oops spelling error

Edited November 7, 2014 by Phantom Scroller

[Scrappile]

The first two that I did I used 1/4" baltic birch.  Then I tried stacking two pieces of 1/8" baltic birch.  I prefer the look of 1/8" thick portraits.  Matter of personal preference.  I prefer to stack only two pieces but others do more.  Maybe as I get better, I will feel more comfortable with more stacked. 

 

I don't find portrait cutting hard.  It can get tedious and time comsumming, but I really enjoy it.  The two pieces of advce that  I received that really helped me get better at it were: keep your shoulders down in a relaxed position.  If your shoulders are up, you are tense.   Second, concentrate on breathing at a normal rate.  I was going to say breath normal, but I wear a dust device that I have to brearh through my mouth, which isn't normal for me. 

 

A third thing I was encouraged to do when I wanted to start trying more intricate portraits/scenes  was only worry about one hole at a time, don't be intimidated by the number of cuts just go one at a time. 

 

One more thing I just thought of.  When drilling holes to stick the blade through,  I start with a 1/16" bit and drill all the holes I can with that large of a bit.  I only drill the smaller holes, recommented for the size of blade I use where a larger bit would be too big to drill in the area to be cut out.  I hate trying to thread the blades through those tiny holes! 

 

Get a varity of good blades to try out.  You will find one type you prefer and works best for you.  Include some spiral blades to try.  They are not for everyone, but I love them.

 

Welcome to the forum and have a good time. 

[SigP]

Thanks for the input. The portrait will not be my first project. I got the saw over a week ago and have done little else except cut stuff. Started off looking pretty rough but doing ok now. And, if I do well on the portrait, it will make my wife happy (the portrait is of her). It's always good to keep her happy about my new toys. 

 

Scrappile: I do have a selection of blades now. I also love the spiral blades. Was playing with them today and accidentally put the first one in upside down. I was hating life for about 30 minutes. It finally broke and I put the new one in correctly. My 'A-HA' moment for today.

[amazingkevin]

Hi David ,Jump in and try the portrait,get your feet wet so to speak!I've seen protraits thin and thick and lately i've grown to love the look of the thick ones.Your probable right about personal taste though.I've heard it said that black felt rings out the beauty of the project. anything can be used as a backer.Try holding the portrait up to different colored things in your house to get an idea what color will enhance it best.the walls the fridge,the carpet,chairs tables just get a quick idea what to strive for.Colored craft paper aluminum foil ,i like poster colored thick paper my self ,cheap too..Maybe even a picture of flowers if it's a female portrait.Your the artist and every one has their own signature in their work .Enjoy what you do an d most of all have fun doing it!

[ubgoofy2003]

David, I like the idea of doing a portrait early in your scrolling, it will give you confidence. My wife told me I could do one of her, but, I had to leave the wrinkles out, HA HA.  She laughed & I did one of her when she was younger.  Those spirals will be great for cutting a portrait. I do a lot of portraits & really enjoy doing them. I'm doing one right now to sell to a client. Word of mouth is how mine worked. Will be doing one also for a friend of Robert Redford.  Hope she likes it. It will be for Christmas.   Take Care & have fun.

[heppnerguy]

Glad to see you jumping and trying some things that challenge your newly developed skills. However one can get in over their heads and become discouraged  Don't let that happen to you..If you do break out a piece long the way and ruin a piece or two. then just try again. Maybe a different blade would have done better or perhaps you should have stack cut your  piece so that it won't cut so aggressively. Maybe you jumped ahead a little too fast and need to get more experienced before you try that kind of a cut.. or several of many other reasons that may have made your work a piece of closet art. Closet art is what I used to call my oil painting as I worked out a new technique. I really didn't want it hanging on my wall for all to see but I was happy that I was learning something new from my efforts. No matter what happens with your wood portrait, and i think you probably will end up with a very nice piece. No matter what the outcome just keep in mind every piece you cut is a learning experience and everyone has a failure, now and then.. don't take this as anything but things to consider as you scroll each piece

 

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[ike]

I don't do many portraits and when I do I like a oak plywood. The grain does a lot for me. It's a little more expensive about $30 per sheet, but I think it looks real good.

I use it for things I make especially for a craft sale. I like it.