Portrait or wood art?

[jerry walters]

I think this is wood art, because I think protrait is normally people.  Any way here is my latest project.  This is the C-124-C manufactured by Douglas Aircraft.  It was a cargo aifcraft used by the Air Force during the 50's and 60's.  She flew low and slow with an average ground speed of 205 mph.  Non-pressurized, so our altitude was primarily between 8,000 and 9,000 feet depending on which direction we were flying.  Our mission was primarily supporting our troops worldwide and humanitarian missions.  I was a navigator in this aircraft accumulating approximately 4,500 hours in the 4 years I was assigned to the 17th Military Airlift Squadron in Charleston, SC.  I wonder if any of you veterans during the 50's and 60's may have hopped a ride.  She could carry almost anything from tanks, fire trucks, helicopters (blades were removed) and any other large items that were needed by troops.  She was affectionly known as "Old Shakey" because of the way she flew through the air, and sometimes as the "Aluminum Overcast" by Air Traffic Control.  She served with honor from 1950 to 1974 before being retired.  She was replaced by the C5A.

This was cut on 1/8-inch plywood which I purchased many years ago from Home Depot.  I didn't want to try the good stuff for my first project of this type.  It was cut with Pegas number 0 skip tooth blade.  I cut like this airplane flew, low speed and slow feed.  I'm guessing I have between 30 and 40 hours in the project.  One of these days I will attach an electric clock to check how long I spend on projects.  I used poster board for the background.  1/8-inch plywood too thick for frame.

I was going to try to make my own frame, but could not find framing material that didn't cost an arm and leg.  Tried HD and Lowes, they didn't have any framing material.  Tried Michaels and Hobby Lobby, didn't like what they had and more than I wanted to pay.  I looked at ready made frames and found one at Michaels for $7.00.  Exact size I needed.  Maybe when it gets warmer , I will try making my own frames. 

I hope this isn't too long.  I would love to hear from some of you veterans who served in the 50's and 60's who may have caught a hop.  My time in the Air Force was mid-1963 to mid-1968.

Jerry Walters

 

 

Edited February 14 by jerry walters
better picture and add posterboard.

[rjweb]

You have done an excellent job, don't know too much about this plane, was in army, we used choppers all the time, RJ

[FrankEV]

I make all my own frames.  I buy either preimum Pine or Poplar in 12" wide 6' or 8' long.  I rip the 12" boards to make 1 3/4" wide sticks, that I use as needed to make my frames.  I cut the sticks up into appropriate length rails for the sides and top/bottom.  I rabet the individual rails using my Router table and a rabeting bit to make a nominal 1/4" x 1/2" rabet.  This rabet is sized for my art panels that are 1/8" thick cut panel affixed to a 1/4" backer (or a nom 3/8" total thicknes).  I then cut my miters on a homemade mitering jig that I do not have to calculate the lengths.  Just need to set the stop for say; 11'' top and bottom  and then 14" for side rails to make an 11"x14" frame.  Glue up with a band clamp and add a V-nail in each miter joint.  Sand, finish with Stain, Paint, Lacquer  or whatever.  Install the panel loose using frame points (glazing points also work).  Add one small sawtooth hanger in the center in the top rail.  Wala...all framed and ready to hang and display. 

My definitions are: A Portait is any kind of art work that is framed (not just a people)  Plaques are usualy unframed with a thicker backer(if needed).   Your cuttingl could be done, and would look good, either way.  

PS, I don't like poster board for a backer.  It is too flimsy and wil deteriate in time.  A solid wood (ply) backer glued to the cut panel is much more long lasting.  Especialy, cut panels with many cut out areas become very weak and need a very rigid backer.

Edited February 14 by FrankEV

[jerry walters]

59 minutes ago, FrankEV said:

I make all my own frames.  I buy either preimum Pine or Poplar in 12" wide 6' or 8' long.  I rip the 12" boards to make 1 3/4" wide sticks, that I use as needed to make my frames.  I cut the sticks up into appropriate length rails for the sides and top/bottom.  I rabet the individual rails using my Router table and a rabeting bit to make a nominal 1/4" x 1/2" rabet.  This rabet is sized for my art panels that are 1/8" thick cut panel affixed to a 1/4" backer (or a nom 3/8" total thicknes).  I then cut my miters on a homemade mitering jig that I do not have to calculate the lengths.  Just need to set the stop for say; 11'' top and bottom  and then 14" for side rails to make an 11"x14" frame.  Glue up with a band clamp and add a V-nail in each miter joint.  Sand, finish with Stain, Paint, Lacquer  or whatever.  Install the panel loose using frame points (glazing points also work).  Add one small sawtooth hanger in the center in the top rail.  Wala...all framed and ready to hang and display. 

My definitions are: A Portait is any kind of art work that is framed (not just a people)  Plaques are usualy unframed with a thicker backer(if needed).   Your cuttingl could be done, and would look good, either way.  

PS, I don't like poster board for a backer.  It is too flimsy and wil deteriate in time.  A solid wood (ply) backer glued to the cut panel is much more long lasting.  Especialy, cut panels with many cut out areas become very weak and need a very rigid backer.

Thanks Frank.  I printed this for reference.  Soon as it gets warmer I am going to try my luck at making frames.  How thick a board to you use.  Like I said the frame I bought wasn't thick enough for a backer.  The poster board is not glued to the back of the picture.  I did that on purpose with the hopes of making a frame.  I learn a lot from you.

Jerry

[FrankEV]

8 hours ago, jerry walters said:

...How thick a board to you use. ...

Typical 3/4". 

[Ron Johnson]

Well done Jerry. Quite the plane. I bet you have some interesting stories to tell. 

[goldfish]

Wow thats a very fresh clean cut. You should be proud of that one.

[Denny Knappen]

Mighty fine cutting.  I call this portrait as it is a picture of something, could be anything.  As for framing, make the project the size of standard fraames such as 11" x 14".

[heppnerguy]

Interesting aircraft. I like your pattern for it. In the Army Paratroopers I flew and jumped mainly from C-123 and C-130's. Interesting aircraft also. Nice job on your project

Dick

heppnerguy