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Just thanking The Razz for his portrait that I downloaded for my wife's birthday present of the Rolling Stones. I hope that I did it justice. I used 1/2 " black cherry as my wood with routered frame edges as I usually do on a lot of my fretwork projects. I used FDUR #3 and # 1 blades and a #3 new spiral blade for smoothing out the letters.

Something I finally finished. As I was cutting, mistakes were made. Hubby saw it and asked about it. When I looked, I couldn't really see the mistakes. Put a coat of shellac on it and Voila! it is done. Never discount what you have done - I was ready to throw this out!

I was doing my morning walk and joined a neighbor on the last part of my walk home. He had a cute little dog with him and I remembered that I had a pattern of his dog's bread. So I told him I would make a cutting of it for him. He liked the idea. For the live of me, I can not recall the name of the bread but it is a very common one these days. Anyway, it was an easy cut and a nicely done pattern, so here is the one I cut. Dick heppnerguy

This is my latest cut, this beautiful pattern by Russ Beard, double stack 1/4” Imported Prime Ply, approximately 25 hours I don’t rush things just one hole at a time. Cut on my highly modified Wen using mainly #0 and #1 Straight Flying Dutchman My finishing process is as follows, fist sand with 220 grit damp wipe clean blow dry dry with compressor and allowed to dry, second San 400 grit same process. The I use a flat “biscuit” baking pan pour about 2ml of Danish Oil and gently from tha side lay it in the pan, I leave it fit about a minute and the lift the wood to see if it’s soaking in we’ll lay the wood down again and leave for a few minutes carefully watching the the sides, depending on the dryness of the wood you will see the absorption amount. When I’m satisfied that the wood is nicely sealed I lift the cut out and hang it through a big cut about 2” from the tray to drip dry for about a minute. I then place the cut on four empty canned food tins and using a soft cloth wipe off all excess oil, I leave it like this for 24 hours so it dries and seals completely. If I’m going to apply any colour it’s done now then it’s sprayed with varnish, two to three coats depending on what finish you require. Then it’s the framing process, I make all my own frames.

Here is my latest box. It is made out of a white poplar and some old mahogany for the top. I love cutting lettering and have gotten away from it some. This little saying (This too shall pass) is one of my favorites and isn't meant to go in the bathroom when constipated.

Look at the choices you have, as opposed to the choices that have been taken away from you. Because in those choices, there are whole worlds of strength and new ways to look at things.-Michael J Fox

I started to cut this pattern and because I was planning on it for a gift, decided to stack cut a couple of them so I could have one for my shop wall. Well, I made the decided to cut it with 1/8 inch Baltic Burch and use a spiral to cut the eye first with it and then go to my #1 Pegas blade. There was a slight Bow in the wood so I placed both bulges facing each other so as to try and avoid the chance of breakage. Well that was a mistake as just as i finished the eye, it broke out. I was thinking that I would just go back into the shop, increase the pattern size a little but only cut the head out instead of the entire animal as then I could use the remainder of the wood I was going to use instead starting completely over again. I told my wife what I was planning on doing and showed the progress to the cut as I went along. She thought I was doing an OK job, at that point. When I finally finished it and took it into the house and showed it to her, she replied, " I don't like it." "What?" was my reply and it was because I had not included the entire pattern in the cutting.How could she have not noticed that all the other times I showed her my progress on it? Now, I can't give it as a gift and it has become another of my closet art pieces, you know, the ones you are too embarrassed to show others. Well I know here in the village, people are always complimentary at other's work, even when it is inferior to what they might be making, so because my wife caused it to become closet art, I will be looking for at least one person here to say something a little nice about it and make all my cutting time, not so much of a complete waste of my time. It is OK to lie this one time. Dick heppnerguy

If you are a member of the Scroller's Cafe - @Tj Brown recently posted a tutorial of how he has used resin with plumber's putty in fretwork to fill it in with colored fill. He showed several pieces he has completed as well. I've tagged him here so perhaps he can share it here in the Village as well. I'm not sure how often he visits the village but perhaps he will see this since I have tagged him. Edited to add - I've sent him a PM here as well so perhaps he'll be able to provide his info. soon.

Ray, Thanks for all the info. I have solved the problem a different way. With encouragement from hubby, went out and upgraded. It was time anyhow. Now that I am retired, I have been spending hours per day on the saw. Purchased this yesterday. New but open box so got a deal on it. $1,000 Canadian! I feel blessed that I am in a position to be able to do that. This will now give me time to tinker with the DeWalt and not get (as)frustrated.

Me three.

The short time I have used my Ex 21 (I had a Delta that was 16 inches) I have really enjoyed the depth. I would get a 30 inch in a heart beat since I use my scroll saw for all sorts of things. Tonight I actually was using it to cut a 4 inch hole in a dust collector box I am making for my router table and it just barely fit in the 21 inch. That is a pretty long trip...you could make an adventure out of it, though...do some site seeing along the way, or?

Interesting topic, something I never thought of doing. I going to follow this and see where it takes me. The people in SSV are amazing. Jerry

As you may or may not know, I was "Sleepless in WA" over trying to purchase my EX 21 vs a Hawk about a month ago....with the suggestions from a lot of folks on here I bought the EX and am SOOOO happy with it. It didn't have a scratch on it, not even where the blade is. I paid $350 but he originally had it posted for $500. If I was looking at that one, I would ask them to at least take a picture of the table without anything on it and see if the lamp, stool, etc (as mentioned by Paul) is included. $700 seems a bit hight but if you need that much room on your table then that is something to consider...I bet it is hard to find a saw that size.

You are correct. Thanks for the reminder, I just could not pull in out of my head when I needed it. With all the years I have been at my scroll saw, I should be a number one scroller but for me, close enough usually works. So, even though I try to improve all the time, I still have to consider myself a mediocre scroller Dick heppnerguy

I crafted this plaque using ribbon striped (quarter sawed) sapele. When cutting the tree I set my saw at approximately a two degree angle. The tree worked well for this because it was one continuous cut. I pushed the tree out about 1/2 way and did a lot of sanding with a sanding mop. I'm very happy with the look.

I have never had that happen to my Hawks and I tighten them real tight so I would agree with Ray that they might be rough. Also check and make sure your blade is centered in the clamp. That might cause it too if it’s not centered.

I will request the clamps for Christmas. It is too bad the ones on the DeWalt won't work on this.

Here, where I live, we don't think in terms of miles. We think in terms of hours. The last saw I bought was in Santa Barbara. That's roughly 126 miles but about 4 hours each way because no matter what time you go, there will be traffic coming and going. So, a trip of 8 hours not counting stopping for breaks and food. With that in mind I'd be off in a heartbeat for that saw.

Love the walnut one.

Great cut and awesome words!

I don't think epoxy is going to work very well in this application. Epoxy runs like water and will find its way thru the smallest of holes or cracks. If you want some color to fill in, I have used this stuff, easy to work with and lots of colors. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CGB68/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's the way I like to fix anything mechanical if hubby isn't around to fix it for me! Congratulations on your new saw. Let them get the Dewalt running for you so you have a backup saw.

You can say that again! I'm a great fan of mesquite lumber. Mine comes directly off the mill. Lots of worm holes and other surface imperfections. Normally, resin with (usually)crushed turquoise fills those holes. But, often just colored resin is used. Depending on the project's intended use, after filling the surface voids, it'll get either an oil based poly coating or, a flood coat, or two, of clear epoxy. I've yet to use epoxy on anything smaller than a bread box. It's usually slabs of coffee table size. But, filling those holes is likely akin to using it on fret work. I've tried several brands but, Total Boat is a clear favorite.

I use a digital scale to mix epoxy but make certain to know if the mix is by volume or weight and adjust carefully. I mix it in small plastic pill cups. Just my opinion but using epoxy is messy and not as easy as it looks and not cheap. I use Bob Smith Epoxy from Amazon which is about $13 for 4.5 oz. I have done it a couple of times but only with something special. My main use is for actually to glue things.

So, for some you use a scale (usually ounces in the US) and others are by volume, so you will need to look on the container but usually most are by weight. I just use my kitchen scale which I bought at a thrift store for a few bucks.

Ray, WWGOA has had quite a few videos on using resin. See if this one helps, or browse some of their others … https://www.wwgoa.com/video/all-about-resin-017667/

I have used it for a few projects, but it has been a while and they were not scrolled projects. My husband is interested in using in turning projects so I got him some stuff (including the pressure tank) and a book for Christmas but he hasn't had time to mess with it yet. It is important to follow the direction on mixing, etc. It takes very little color mix to get the color desired in my experience. I don't think you absolutely need to have a gram scale but it would be helpful to ensure proper measurement.

I have an EX-21 and a Hawk 220. The EX-21 cost $400 several years ago. I wound up completely rebuilding it, and I still love it. I paid $100 for the Hawk 220 and liked it until I saw someone change the blades on an EX-21, and I had to have one. I have probably spent $150 on it since I bought it. I upgraded everything that was upgradable and replaced the bellows, switch, and power cord. I don't know that I "need" a 30-inch saw, but I know that when I went from a 15-inch to a 20-inch, it made a huge difference in what I could do with the saw.

That is a good point.

yes, I believe you are correct. Now that I am older I find drawing something from out of my mostly asleep brain, isn't such an easy task any more. Dick heppnerguy

I have a small shop but will make room if you need a place to store it.

What ever brand of epoxy you use, you have to follow their recommendations, I.e is it a deep pour(greater than 11/2” deep). You can use good quality packing tape but I prefer Tuck tape myself. The measurements for ratio hardener to resin are extremely important in order for the epoxy to settle. As far as adding color that is really easy you don’t need much. The stirring to get rid of bubbles is very important and also either a hair dryer or heat gun will help (not too hot and close with the heat gun) I would recommend start with a small project and have fun. P.S. you can find a calculator for the amount of epoxy require for your project, it is important because if you mix too much, it will be wasted and epoxy is not cheap.

Me too!

Well Done!!!!! Note to self: add this technique to your "to-do list" of things to try.

Here are the video's I just took. 20230321_124930.mp4 20230321_125125.mp4

So true. One of these days, I intend to cut a boar Javelina in a desert scene. Javelina are in no way an example of nature's beauty.

I’m in the same camp as everyone else. Looks great. Love the frame

Yes, I do have a Pegas scroll bandsaw. I also have a Pegas and Hegner scroll saw.

I don't know about the drips but I think it looks great. Your beating yourself up over minor things that I can't see.

I have to pretty much agree with the consensus. You did an outstanding job on the cutting. I was going to comment on the beauty of the frame and agree that it should be attached to a more delicate piece (gentler or prettier). I think it would be wrong to stow it away never to be seen again. My opinion is your lady doesn't much care for a moose theme project. I seen a picture that "spoke to me" and knew I had to get a pattern done and cut. I have done so and every time my wife sees it, she has a negative comment of some sort to say about the piece. I may never sell it, and it may never be displayed in our house, but I like it and enjoyed cutting it. For that matter it was well worth the wood, time and effort I put into the piece. I've never posted a picture of it at the Village. For some reason I've wanted to keep it personal. It is not risque or "adult" in any form, but the impact it had on me when I first seen the picture was strong. Apparently this piece had some type of impact on your or you wouldn't have attempted to cut it. If you like it, smile at your lady and say, "Thank you," and gift it to your friend or hang it in your shop. Nuf said!

I'm in agreement with Kevin, I'd certainly have no problem finding a spot for it !

My lady, when looking at a piece I cut, really does not know the difference between a good cutting and a bad cutting. For her it is the image itself and of course, my coloration is up for critique, when I add color to a piece. However, although she rarely says she dislikes a piece, I can just read her face and the tone in her voice that tells me whether or not she realy likes what I'm showing her or not. It is funny, because she is usually in the same place I am about the image.

*One of my artistic daughter's helped me out and drew a new sprig of hair for the left side of the portrait which I added as a floater. Love it when she helps me. My wife found an awesome nursery about an hour from us called, Heimu's Himalayan Gardens. It is run by Heimu, pronounced Hey Moo, who is from Tibet. She sells lots of succulents, which is something my wife loves. My wife picked out lots of plants, I got the one little one in the picture by the little wooden man carving. I told Heimu I liked the carving and she gave it to me, which was a big deal to me because it wasn't for sale but one of many carvings a friend of hers that has passed away had given her. I made this sign for her and can't wait to get back to give it to her. This one was much more gratifying than any celebrity. I found a couple of cool pieces of wood to make planters for my wife's flowers in the woods behind our house. If you're interested here is the link to Heimu's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/heimu1983

I will be first and say very well done but not telling a lie.

More fitting for this old fool! Very well done!

New Pattern Announcement sub-forum here in the Village is here: https://www.scrollsawvillage.com/forums/forum/33-new-pattern-announcements/

Yes, in Pattern Central. Search "pirates" in Pinterest.