First portrait - Iwo Jima

[lloydf]

The beginning of Uncommon Valor, Christmas present for my dad (hopefully I'll finish on time). Slow going but I love how it's coming along. Note my special helper, meticulously measuring a critical piece of scrap wood.

[wood-n-things]

I see you have 2 helpers. The one is adorable measuring twice gonna cut once...<grin> I'm surprised to see someone who actually uses the other helper---- the hold down foot on yer 788.

[lloydf]

Ha - you know, I tried using it for my first couple of projects but didn't really like it. I don't even notice it's there anymore, should probably take it off.

[wood-n-things]

Personal preference. Looking closer at that pattern I might be a little more inclined to start cutting toward the center and working my way out to help maintain some structure. That is just me though..


BTW, That will be an impressive display when it is complete. Do keep us posted as you proceed.

[lloydf]

Not sure what you mean by maintaining structure? Honestly I started with the flag because I wasn't even sure if I could pull off these cuts, so I started with the easier ones . These intricate close cuts are freaking me out, I could use more advice!

[Catlyn]

Maybe you've got a future scrollsawer there in that cute pink cap.

[wood-n-things]

The more wood you remove the less stable the entire project is going to become. It is safer to start from the center an work your way out the edges less chance of breaking some of the interior cuts. Just my opinion.

[oily]

As you cut your stock will become weaker and if you cut from the outside in you run the risk of damage just holding the piece as you cut. Another thing you can usually hide mistakes working from the inside out because you have material left to slightly adjust the next few cuts to compensate.

[bioengmina]

it gonna be good when you finish it , wish u lots of luck , and hope u gonna finish it on time

[Max]

It's gonna look great when done. How many blade entry holes did you have to drill?

[ChuckD]

You are doing a good job. Like the others (and everyone else) I do it slightly different. I do start from the center and cut all the small holes and leave the big holes until last. Makes the board stronger longer.

[lloydf]

The more wood you remove the less stable the entire project is going to become. It is safer to start from the center an work your way out the edges less chance of breaking some of the interior cuts. Just my opinion.

As you cut your stock will become weaker and if you cut from the outside in you run the risk of damage just holding the piece as you cut. Another thing you can usually hide mistakes working from the inside out because you have material left to slightly adjust the next few cuts to compensate.

You are doing a good job. Like the others (and everyone else) I do it slightly different. I do start from the center and cut all the small holes and leave the big holes until last. Makes the board stronger longer.

Aw, man. I went back and read the article the designer wrote about it and he said the same thing. It seems so obvious when you think about it Thanks for the help! Live and learn

It's gonna look great when done. How many blade entry holes did you have to drill?

500-ish. I had to go to a micro drill bit for the smaller ones, #67 or 68, which is just big enough to thread a 2/0 blade.

[paul44224]

Might not be late for this, but I usually cut a piece of blank copy paper to fit the backside, and attach it. It really does give a bit more support, and I seem to get even fewer fuzzies. Especially when it is a "delicate" project" like yours. Make sure you change blades fairly often. Hope this helps, Lloyd. Best of luck to you!

Paul

[NC Scroller]

Lloyd that is just awesome. For the delicate areas you might need to use a zero tolerance insert. Simple to make. Basically a piece of thin material that will cover the saw table with a small hole drill in to feed the blade through. It will help to support the small pieces over the saw's table slot.

[martzy]

I like to do all the small area cuts first then move on to the larger areas. Doing larger areas first will make it weak and the piece will have a better chance of breaking. Good luck. I've wanted to do that one for a long time. Can't wait to see it finished.