Christmas in July! Okay, there is a story about why I did a Christmas pattern in July. It's pretty simple. A friend was at my shop today and wanted a nativity cross pattern that he could start cutting for this coming Christmas. He had the basic idea of what he wanted so with his notes I designed this piece.
There are two versions in the pattern. The large cross in the picture above is 14 inches tall. The small version is 10 inches tall.
If you are new to scrolling and want to give this pattern a try don't be intimidated. If you have completed three or four projects successfully then you can give this a try. The larger pattern will actually be an easier pattern to cut. The interior cuts are larger.
To give you an idea, I was able to complete this pattern from start to finish in 2.5 hours. I already had the boards I needed ready so there was no prep work. I only say that so you know that this can be a one day project. You don't have to hurry like I did. I often have to hurry to meet my deadline for the post. Take your time and enjoy the cut.
To save time and money you can eliminate the backer board. Just cut the cross from 3/4" thick wood and you can call that complete. The backer board gives the project some contrast but it is optional.
I often get an email asking about the fine lines in the figures. In scroll saw speak these are called veins. The technique is called veining. Veins are cut with the blade. New scrollers often confuse these as pencil lines. To complete the vein just cut to the end then back the blade out. It is almost always easier to back the blade out if you keep the saw running. Turn the blade with the vein as you back the blade out. Go slow.
The large pattern comes on two sheets. Cut the dotted line on one of the sheets. Overlap the sheets and apply some tape to hold them together.
Because this is a larger project I try to get everything as small as possible. I cut the pattern down within a 1/4" of the pattern lines.
When it is time to spray glue the pattern make sure you get some glue in the overlap. If you don't do this you will often get pattern lifting when you cut that part of the pattern.
I had to use a glued up board but I cut it down as small as possible also.
It is very rare that I cut the exterior of a project first but I did on this pattern. I did that to make the larger board more manageable. There is still plenty places to hold the board to cut the interior.
Just complete all the interior cuts and apply a finish.
$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:
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2018 in DVD
This DVD has over 2,600 patterns published from 2007 thru 2018.
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.
All the same file but on an easy to use a thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
Now Available on USB Thumb Drive
Don't have a DVD drive on your new computer. No problem. Buy the catalog on a USB thumb drive.All the same file but on an easy to use a thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
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
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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Ad: AffiliateWEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press
If you are primarily a scroller you don't necessarily need an expensive drill press. Using a hand drill to drill interior cut starter holes is a pain. A drill press makes it much easier.
The WEN drill press gets good reviews and is priced at $90.19 on Amazon.
Keep in mind that a small drill press can't always reach the middle of larger boards. If you do large scroll saw projects then this is not for you.
- Includes a 1/2-inch keyed chuck and onboard key storage
- Operates at 5 different speeds: 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, 3140 RPM
- Spindle travels up to 2 inches with easy to read, locking linear depth stops for accurate and repeatable drilling operations
- Durable 1/3 HP induction motor develops ample torque and power
- 6-1/2 x 6-1/2" worktable is height adjustable and bevels up to 45 degrees left & right
- Swing: 8 inch. Motor: 120V, 60Hz. Horsepower: 1/3 HP.