Carved Fretwork Cat

[Dan]

Well, it's probably been two years since I posted anything I made. This is a pattern from Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts, Fall 2008. Since day the day I received the magazine I said I was going to try this pattern. Let's see, that's 2023 minus 2008, subtract, carry the 1, about 15 years ago. Dick Miraglia was featured in that issue and did a fine job explaining the steps. I was a little hesitant about some of the steps but decided I could always use the firewood if it doesn't work out. Grabbed a maple slab, cut to size, used a trim router to lower the perimeter, then the fun started. The scrolling was straightforward but the maple made is slower than I'm use to. The trickiest part was carving/shaping the face. Not too bad, but I'd tackle it a bit different next time. The detailing was fast and fun. 

A big shout to @dickmira for the great article. I'll be doing some others as soon as I create some patterns.

Cheer everyone!

[Ron Johnson]

I recall this pattern and I probably still have the magazine. You did an amazing job Dan. 

[Sycamore67]

Dan...that is an excellent job !  I am very impressed with it !

[JessL]

That looks great!

[wombatie]

Everything starts with the first step and you have taken it and boy what a terrific outcome.  You did an amazing job, well done.

Marg

[Scrappile]

Gret job!

[Denny Knappen]

My, that is impressive.  What did you ue for the carving?

[heppnerguy]

I gave it a try also but was not very happy with how it turned out. Was an interesting and different concept and just may give it another effort later on, who knows. Yours came out quite nice. Congratulations to you

Dick

heppnerguy

[Dan]

5 hours ago, Denny Knappen said:

My, that is impressive.  What did you ue for the carving?

I used a Dremel and various bits. I considered trying some carving tools but don't have the patience right now. It's a little hard to tell from the photo but the sanding isn't the best. Again, patience.

Edited December 28, 2023 by Dan

[Peter N White]

Very well done.

[DickMira]

To be honest, Dan, I was extremely busy with the holiday festivities and all of the visiting family staying with us that I did not have any opportunities to look at the recent forum postings.  I was very pleasantly surprised this morning to see your post featuring the tremendous carving job you did on the tiger.  I have seen many carved fretwork tigers  from different woodworkers following the instructions in this article and have helped many with further instructions.  However, your tiger is one of the best jobs and I loved it.  Keep at it and it does get easier.  Have a great new year to you and all my colleagues on Scrollsaw Village,   Dick Mira

[Rolf]

Dan great job, it is also on my long list of things I want to do. I had the pleasure of meeting Dick at one of Fox Chapels open houses and saw display with all of the different carved panels.

[DickMira]

SAFETY TIP  

Since this article was originally published, I have learned that there are many folks who are very timid about using a hand held router to lower the background on projects like this.  This task can be easily and safely accomplished by using a Typhoon type bit in the Dremel or other hand held rotary tool to lower the background.        Dick Mira

[Charlie E]

Nice job Dan!