This Baby's 1st Christmas Ornament requires a 1 7/16 inch mini picture frame insert. They can be found any place that sells the mini clock inserts. I get mine from Bear Woods. I think this is a great way to customize the ornament. It will be handed down for many years.
They require a 1 3/8" hole to insert the frame. It can be cut with the scroll saw but you will get a better fit if you have a 1 3/8" fostner bit. If you do cut it with the scroll saw just slightly undercut the hole and sand for a tight fit.
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Baltic Birch plywood has been used by scrollers for years. It has advantages and disadvantages over hardwoods.
Baltic Birch plywood is produced in the Northeastern region of Europe around the Baltic Sea. It was originally manufactured for cabinet makers in Europe. Because of it's superior quality it's use has spread all over the world.
The quality comes from the way it is produced. The inner plies are solid birch veneer, cross-banded and laminated with exterior grade glue. This results in a void free interior. Unlike hardwoods the Baltic Birch plywood is much less susceptible to changes in humidity. It tends to stay flat.
Of course the edges of the plywood show the plies. For some projects this may look unacceptable. I think that Christmas ornaments, portrait style projects and some fretwork boxes can look fine made with BB ply. As the artist you have to make the choice of what looks pleasing to you.
Baltic Birch plywood comes in various thicknesses which is nice. It can be difficult for some woodworkers to have access to thin hardwood stock. BB ply can be a good substitute in those cases.
Baltic birch comes in various grades. As scrollers we want to look for B/BB. This is the highest grade and one side will be free of defects. The other side may have 3 - 6 color matched patches. Both sides will be a single piece of veneer. The inner plies will be solid veneer with no voids.
Baltic Birch ply is manufactured in 5' X 5' sheets. It is typically cut down for the scroll saw market into smaller sheets. Most online sellers make 12" X 12" sheets available.
There are many online sellers of BB ply. Our sponsor Heritage Wood Specialties carry a high grade of the product. 1/4" X 12" X 12" sheets sell for about $1.80 per sheet. Of course you have to add in the shipping cost.
My affiliate link to Baltic Birch ply on Amazon for a box of eight 1/4" X 12" X 12" is priced at $24.99 with free shipping if you have an Amazon prime account. That is sold by Woodpeckers and shipped by Amazon. There are other Amazon sellers who offer approximately the same price with free shipping. Those orders will take longer to ship.
Woodcraft stores also carry BB ply. If you have a local store check and see what they have available. My store sells full 5' X 5' sheets. They also have scrollers pack of nine 12" X 12" sheets in various thicknesses for around $20.
If you have never tried BB ply I suggest you pick up a few sheets and see how you like it. It's inexpensive and if you don't need the look of a hardwood it may just be what you need.
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Support the sponsor, Bear Woods.
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Simply Wooden Creations Scroll Saw Artist Challenge:
Here is a quick video about the Simply Wooden Creations Scroll Saw Artist challenge. Check it out. You might as well enter. There are some nice prizes to be had.
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Email Newsletter Readers: Remember that the Newsletter is just a copy of the daily blog post. To see the post in it's proper formatting click this link. If you ever misplace a pattern or any item you see here you can always find it on the blog. Everything stays on the blog forever.
your source for Pegas scroll saw blades and craft supplies.
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Look no more because Heritage Wood Specialties is
the source you have been looking for.
Let me teach you to create a beautiful wooden portrait pattern. I will show you everything you need from start to finish. The video will show you the free software program you can download for Windows or Mac OS. I will show you how to install the program and configure it for best results.
Then I will show you the technique to take your photograph and make a pattern from it. When the pattern is complete we will go in the shop and cut it.
The DVD is $10 plus shipping. This is a data DVD that you will use on your computer to watch the video tutorial
This DVD has 1,964 patterns published from 2007 thru 2016.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
You can view a video showing use of the DVD on a Windows PC and a MAC at this link
Click here to Order.
Click here to Order.
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.
The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video
Demonstration.
