How Do I Complete This Project

[Heli_av8tor]

I just finished sawing this (modified) Steve Good pattern and am looking for suggestions to best display it.

I recently dismantled a very early 1900's Singer treadle sewing machine. My wife wants the cast legs made into a table. I've salvaged all of the wood. I thought it appropriate to some of it on this wall hanging. It is constructed with 1-3/4 wide boards (oak, I think) with a 1/32" oak veneer of both sides. Thickness is 1/2". This is the hardest wood I've ever run into and sawing for this beginner was a task.

I wanted to leave the original finish. I'm not sure what the finish is but it is dark. And that's my problem. With the finish so dark the lettering and features kind of disappear. Thought about hanging it in a window to get backlight but doubt my DW will want it there.

I'm looking for suggestions on how to best present this piece.

Thanks, Tom

[Rockytime]

The white really makes it come alive. I like it.

[Heli_av8tor]

Yes it does, but that was the paper pattern with packing tape over it. LOL

Maybe I'll have to paint it white, but hoping for another solution.

Guess I could sand off the dark brown and see what I get. Shoulda thought of that before sawing.

I can hear my Junior High shop teacher: Plan your work, then work your plan.

Tom

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I made mine into a clock because that is what I do, make clocks.

[Scrappile]

Great cutting.  Have you laid the dark version on a light colored backboard?  I really like the dark version, looks old an antique.  Maybe a light colored aged backer would be nice, cut out the shape of the machine.  Hang it on the door to the craft room?

[crupiea]

You could glue a backer on. Pretty simple.

It it were me I would glue a piece of 1/8" bb onto the back. Paint it white first.

Then once its dried just cut it to size right along the borders of the piece. It will only have one side but not the end of the world. This way you can keep the original dark wood and still have the cuts stand out.

[Phantom Scroller]

Red backer would look nice with white. Roly

[WayneMahler]

Thinking a light ack ground would bring out the art work to high light it. Great work and cutting on this  

[JimErn]

I would try a florescent light color that Grandma likes, and only put it behind the fretwork

[MrsN]

I would mount it to a thin, light colored backer board. 

[fredfret]

Light colored backer, coat of varnish or shellac with a satin not gloss finish. 

[Heli_av8tor]

14 hours ago, Scrappile said:

Great cutting. 

Oh, don't look too close. There are some lines that I'm really happy with. But there are many that scream for a do-over. Fortunately my DW won't be as critical as I am.

Thanks for all the suggestions on completing this project. I don't have a large enough piece of BB for the backer so I'm trying picture mat board. Gloss white paint is now drying.

Tom

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, Heli_av8tor said:

Oh, don't look too close. There are some lines that I'm really happy with. But there are many that scream for a do-over. Fortunately my DW won't be as critical as I am.

Thanks for all the suggestions on completing this project. I don't have a large enough piece of BB for the backer so I'm trying picture mat board. Gloss white paint is now drying.

Tom

I have the same problem Tom. I'm very critical of my work and my wife tells me that "good" is "good enough". But, I don't see it that way. If I'm going to sign my work, I want it to be as near perfect as I can get it. By the way, you did a fine job on cutting this out. 

[flarud]

Maybe use the crackle paint technique with an antique white as the top coat.  I also use the old Singer sewing machine bases to make tables.  I have made 2 and have 3 more waiting in the garage to do something with.  

[spotsdad]

If you sand the old finish off (which in my opinion adds character) be careful you don't sand through the veneer.

Dick aka spotsdad