I designed this pattern in two sizes. The large pattern is 12 inches in diameter. The small one is 8 inches in diameter. Both sizes include an optional backer board. The backer board will add strength to the small cuts once it is glued on the back.
I cut this from a large laminated spruce panel. It would not surprise me to see one of the internal parts of the letters to break. Spruce is just not very strong. Keep in mind that I am cutting samples and not finished pieces. If I were going to cut this for a customer I would use Baltic birch plywood or add the backer board.
The 12 inch version is just large enough to be a front door wreath. If used outdoors it will need to be painted with an exterior paint or finished with a spar polyurethane. If you want it to last more than one season you better give it a couple of coats.
The larger pattern is broken up into quadrants. The picture above shows how I assemble the pattern. What you can't see is that I cut the pattern so the sheets overlap about an inch. I lay them out an add blue painters tape to temporarily hold them in place. I then turn them over an use spray adhesive inside the overlaps to hold the sheets together. Last I coat the entire back of the pattern with the spray adhevice and apply the pattern to the wood.
Gluing the overlap together will prevent the pattern from lifting when you cut that area. You will be glad you took the extra step when you cut those areas.
When I do a larger pattern like this I will often get an email asking me to provide the pattern as a single unit. Almost no one has a printer that can print that size so I have started to do a compromise. At the end of this pattern, I include the same pattern on one page uncut. If you have the ability to print large format then you can use the small pattern and enlarge it to the size you want.
My Dust Mask: The best one I have used.
This is one of those "Do as I say and not as I do" things. I have to be honest and tell you that I do not wear my dust mask while I'm cutting at the scroll saw. I have spoken with readers who have horror stories about serious health problems brought on by breathing wood dust. My practice is not smart.
I even have a reaction to the dust from certain exotic woods that I occasionally cut. If I cut Bubinga I will cough for two or three days. I have even noticed a slight fever that I associate with cutting certain woods. We should all wear a mask.
I wear my mask when I do my monthly shop dust blow out. I take my air compressor and blow the dust out the door. This stirs up lots of dust that I know better than to breath. I also wear the mask when I empty the dust collector bag. I use the mask when I am using power sanders.
I have used several masks and I have settled on the GVS SPR457 Elipse P100 Half Mask. One thing that has prevented me from using a dust mask is fogged up glasses. The P100 does not fog my glasses. Breathing feels almost normal with this mask. The filters are easily replacable but I often just clean them with good results. I use an air blower and my shop vac to clean the filters.
The mask conforms to my face and still remains comfortable. The straps are soft and easily adjustable for a good fit.
If I remember correctly I heard about this mask from Sheila Landry. When she said she used it I decided to order one. I am very happy I did. It is easily the best mask I have worn,
Here is the best part. It's under $30 for a nice mask. It is not designed for chemicals, mold or other small particle materials but it works great for wood dust.
There is also an optional hard case for the mask. You can check it out at this link. HARD CASE
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
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.
Products for your consideration:
Scroll Saw Pattern Design Tutorial: DVD
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.
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
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2017 in DVD
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.
This DVD has 2,300 patterns published from 2007 thru 2017.
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.
If you use the DVD on a Windows PC there is a simple viewer program to browse through the patterns.
The DVD also works fine on a MAC. The viewer program is not MAC compatible but there is an included PDF with all the patterns shown as thumbnails for easy viewing.
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
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.
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