Lineworker on Basswood blank

[jamieline]

I just finished cutting this on a Basswood blank. I have never tried a blank and thought this would be a good cut. I have done this pattern on numerous plagues for lineworkers.

How have other finished basswood blanks? Thought was just to spray with clear but thought it needed a little tint to it.

[Scrolling Steve]

That is some nice work!...

[Scrappile]

Like'n that.  Wish I had had that when my Father -in-law was alive and working.  He was a lineman.  Eventually worked on those great big high voltage lines way up in the sky... I've seen pictures where he was just a speck up the.  Not for me..

Edited December 7, 2022 by Scrappile

[Woodrush]

7 hours ago, jamieline said:

I just finished cutting this on a Basswood blank. I have never tried a blank and thought this would be a good cut. I have done this pattern on numerous plagues for lineworkers.

How have other finished basswood blanks? Thought was just to spray with clear but thought it needed a little tint to it.

Very nice

[flarud]

10 hours ago, jamieline said:

I just finished cutting this on a Basswood blank. I have never tried a blank and thought this would be a good cut. I have done this pattern on numerous plagues for lineworkers.

How have other finished basswood blanks? Thought was just to spray with clear but thought it needed a little tint to it.

I've used them twice.  I am not exactly sure but I think I left them natural.  The Santa may have a BLO finish. 

   

[ChelCass]

Very Nice. Hubby was a lineman for Michigan Bell now AT&T.  Hard on the knees.  No way could I climb a tall pole like these guys do. Amazes me how we can drive by a Telephone pole and hubby know what everything is that is strung on that pole.  Tough job in some very nasty weather also.  Got to try and cut this pattern for him.

 

[FrankEV]

Very nice job.

I have never used Basswood, so these are just my thoughts.   

Since the Basswood is very white and the grain is not prevalent, I might consider applying a simple neautral stain that will darken (slightly yellow) the overalll blank.   you might also consider using a small brush, and using a slightly darker stain, like Pecan or Honey, paint the image to improve its readability,  Nothing fancy, just keep the darker stain within the image itself. 

Now, I'm an avocatre of finishing my panels with a durable protective coating like Lacquer or polyurethane.   If by any chance this plaque is to be displayed outside, I would recommend multiple coats of clear gloss poly.

As an alternative, no stain, but some handpainting of the Image with Artist Acrylic Paints would bring the image to life on the very light color background.  Easy to select colors: Yelow Helmet, blue pants, any color shirt, black boots/belts, brown pole and roap, etc.  Then finish with a Clear satin Polycrylic protective coating.  

Many options.  Show us what you do!!!!!

I have this image and have been just waiting for the right opportunity to cut it.

[jamieline]

Retired last year after 41 years in the industry with well over half working on the lines, in the air and underground. Started working with the scroll saw as a stress relief and now my retirement fun. I have made numerous plagues using this design for folks retiring and those that have completed their apprenticeship and are just starting their journey working the lines. 

I think I'll experiment a little on the back side to see what I like. Thinking a light stain may help or a natural stain to give a little tint.

[jamieline]

3 minutes ago, FrankEV said:

Very nice job.

I have never used Basswood, so these are just my thoughts.   

Since the Basswood is very white and the grain is not prevalent, I might consider applying a simple neautral stain that will darken (slightly yellow) the overalll blank.   you might also consider using a small brush, and using a slightly darker stain, like Pecan or Honey, paint the image to improve its readability,  Nothing fancy, just keep the darker stain within the image itself. 

Now, I'm an avocatre of finishing my panels with a durable protective coating like Lacquer or polyurethane.   If by any chance this plaque is to be displayed outside, I would recommend multiple coats of clear gloss poly.

As an alternative, no stain, but some handpainting of the Image with Artist Acrylic Paints would bring the image to life on the very light color background.  Easy to select colors: Yelow Helmet, blue pants, any color shirt, black boots/belts, brown pole and roap, etc.  Then finish with a Clear satin Polycrylic protective coating.  

Many options.  Show us what you do!!!!!

I have this image and have been just waiting for the right opportunity to cut it.

Frank,

Thanks for the ideas. 

[daveww1]

very nice

[Scrappile]

 I have cut several item in basswood.  I sprayed them with Deft lacquer after cutting.  

[Dak0ta52]

I agree with most comments that a light stain, possibly Minwax Natural, would darken it slightly and bring out some of the grain. My niece is dating a lineman and she had me cut a design to give to him for his birthday. He just made supervisor and doesn't have to climb the poles anymore unless it is for something specific. Great job you your cutting by the way. I understand Basswood is somewhat soft. How did it cut in your opinion?

[wombatie]

That look great.  You guys who do line work deserve a medal, I could not do it.

Marg

[jamieline]

9 hours ago, Dak0ta52 said:

I agree with most comments that a light stain, possibly Minwax Natural, would darken it slightly and bring out some of the grain. My niece is dating a lineman and she had me cut a design to give to him for his birthday. He just made supervisor and doesn't have to climb the poles anymore unless it is for something specific. Great job you your cutting by the way. I understand Basswood is somewhat soft. How did it cut in your opinion?

This was my first time cutting Basswood and it cut real easy. I used both MFG and spiral blades. It was cut mostly with the spiral blades as I have been using them more when cutting some of Jim Blume's Americana series. I had to spend time getting the fine sawdust from all the tight cuts. Had to use the air compressor and old blades to get it out. 

[jamieline]

Not a good picture. Not happy with results. Tried Natural stain and clear coat. I have stained pine before and didn't even think of the sanding sealer until after I started. Just not the finish I was after. I liked using this blank but will have to try a different finish.