Popular Post rafairchild2 Posted August 24 Popular Post Report Share Posted August 24 (edited) I have been working on this over the last 3 days. I have about 6 cutting hours into it, I go slow. Cut from 1/4" walnut. First photo: I am just holding it together with the 1/4" spacers between the layers. Third photo: I have it all clamped up right now after gluing. Tomorrow I cut and shape the base, and glue that up before dropping it into linseed oil to bring out the chocolate hue. Second Photo: You can see that the trees are very fine and detailed, thankfully nothing broke. I still have all my fingers too! As I was working on the piece I closed some of the branches so there was better support, made a lot of changes to the design on the fly. I used #1 and #3 Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse Blades. The plan is to add a string of multi-colored micro LED 'fairy' lights between the layers. I enjoy making these layered pieces. When I get it together and lit, I'll post that, and then another after the final linseed finish. Edited August 24 by rafairchild2 danny, Be_O_Be, ChelCass and 13 others 13 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Howe Posted August 24 Report Share Posted August 24 Beautiful. Waiting for the completed pictures with great anticipation. Great job of cutting, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flarud Posted August 24 Report Share Posted August 24 Very nice! Can't wait for the final pics. Is there a pattern available for this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafairchild2 Posted August 24 Author Report Share Posted August 24 (edited) More progress at 5 AM today... Dry fit and test the lights, then glue up. I am using the black/orange clamps to not only raise the base up, so the blue Erwin clamps can apply vertical pressure, but since the orange clamps... clamp hard, I am using them as guides for the mating of the pieces. The blue clamps are my downward pressure to the base. I took some cast-off wood, and I am using that to apply pressure across the whole scene to the base. I also used my wide belt sander to make sure the pieces created an even and level surface for mating to the base. After the glue drying, there will be one final touchup of hand sanding and dust cloth, then raw linseed oil finish. Let it cure, then the lights get placed back in. I already lasered my logo on the bottom. Edited August 24 by rafairchild2 danny, MarieC, ChelCass and 3 others 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafairchild2 Posted August 24 Author Report Share Posted August 24 2 hours ago, flarud said: Very nice! Can't wait for the final pics. Is there a pattern available for this? I took elements of some outlines from Pinterest and then added some of my own elements, like the snowman. Not sure if it is Kosher to share though. I also made a lot of penciling changes to the design as I was cutting to make stronger branch connections. heppnerguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafairchild2 Posted August 24 Author Report Share Posted August 24 (edited) I would like to add a personal opinion here. And yeah, this is probably snobby... I think once this is finished with the linseed and the natural walnut color/grain comes out, you can see why I am so against using softwoods like pine, or even worse plywood. It never ceases to amaze me that people will cut intricate designs that take hours and hours, days and days, but cheap out on the wood. The finished design is beautiful, but the wood used cheapens it in my eyes. Insert the snob comments here. Flame proof undies are on. Yeah, I am kicking myself for not stack-cutting this, but I fought the urge since it was my first time creating this. Next year I will probably do a double or triple 1/4" Mahogany run. Edited August 24 by rafairchild2 barb.j.enders 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveww1 Posted August 24 Report Share Posted August 24 awesome job, love the lights Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry walters Posted August 24 Report Share Posted August 24 Anxiously waiting for the finished product. I really like your explanation as you progress through to the finished project. Thank you, Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edward Posted August 24 Report Share Posted August 24 Very nicely done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted August 24 Report Share Posted August 24 Great job. I have made a few of those types of pieces. They are always a joy to see when done. Puts a person in the mood for the Christmas Season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjweb Posted August 24 Report Share Posted August 24 Excellent craftsmanship, where did the pattern come from, RJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafairchild2 Posted August 24 Author Report Share Posted August 24 (edited) So here's what happens when you apply raw linseed oil. I love how the walnut comes alive! That rich chocolate brown! Look above at the photo when clamped to see the comparison. Just after this photo, I took a folder paper towel and worked it between the layers to remove excess oil. Otherwise, I hand wipe with old cloth towels. I am going to let it sit for an hour, and wipe it down again, let gravity do its job. Now I will let it cure for a week, a quick 3000 grit on the facing surfaces and a silicone tack cloth wipe, then the lights go on it. PS: my 30-inch Pegas saw in the background! Edited August 24 by rafairchild2 danny, Be_O_Be and JackJones 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heppnerguy Posted August 24 Report Share Posted August 24 beautifully done. Excited to see it all lit up too Dick heppnerguy danny 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafairchild2 Posted August 27 Author Report Share Posted August 27 (edited) Still need to tweak how I will string the lights, but this is pretty much what it looks like completed. Thanks for following this thread. Overall I am very pleased with this piece. I think next year, I'll stack cut these out of Mahonany or Canarywood. Edited August 27 by rafairchild2 Scott M., meflick, Be_O_Be and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry walters Posted August 28 Report Share Posted August 28 You have every right to be pleased. It looks great. Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lester Willerton Posted August 28 Report Share Posted August 28 That is an excellent looking piece of work. The lights are a very nice touch. We'll done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarieC Posted August 28 Report Share Posted August 28 I was at "Wow" on your initial piece....I would love to see it in the different woods, when you make another. Excellent! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter N White Posted August 28 Report Share Posted August 28 Great job the lights and the oiling really make it stand out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Crosa Posted August 29 Report Share Posted August 29 Agree. Outstanding piece of Art. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wombatie Posted September 2 Report Share Posted September 2 WOW Marg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.thumb.jpg.95d348aa76923344a5cab534cc1b3bc1.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.