Creative Woodworks & crafts 2002-04, страница 34

Subject: Joe Diveley's Midwest Scroll Saw Picnic, August 4, 2001

Jim Ryan's intarsia took the award in that category.

The scroll saw picnics of 2001 have concluded and Joe Diveley has done il again. He and his family have put together one fine show that was enjoyable and well attended. Wood turning, carving and scrolling went on all over the place, new friends were made and old friends visited, the weather was great, and it seems that the camping area could be a show in itself- just a wonderful day. One thing remains clear, scroll sawing is as strong as ever and the level of work continues to rise.

Please bear with me ifl seem to be getting a bit repetitive, but 1 have been asked by several folks why certain entries are selected as winners in the annual S.A.W. contests over others, so T*II shed a little more light 011 the subject. Beginners arc quickly learning the techniques of the advanced scrollers and the advanced scrollers are pushing their limits to new heights, setting tougher standards for others 10 meet. Pattern lines are being followed with laser-like accuracy, sanding is being accomplished with no telltale marks, and finishes are being applied evenly without sags, runs or brush marks. Above all. the level of join-ray being accomplished by the contest winners is absolutely perfect.

Here arc two more points that governed the outcome of the Sctollsaw Association of the World's contest at the Midwest Scroll Saw Picnic in Pontiac, Illinois this past August. We (the judges) relocated several contestants' projects into higher skill levels because of the level of skill evidenced in the completion of their work. This may seem unfair to the contestant; however, we have learned that some people have been entering projects in beginner and intermediate levels that rightfully belong in a higher classification, and that is extremely unfair to those who entered their proper classification. The judges do

not know (lie identity of the contestants, and il is 1101 until the completion of the coniest dial we learn the entrants' names, so by then it is too late to make any changcs.

As I mentioned in the first paragraph, scrollers arc sawing as close to perfect as humanly possible, so how do we make a distinction between (hem. We start with the difficulty level of the pattern, assess the above criteria, and use originality as the final separation. 11" joinery is used in the project, judging is a little easier, in fact, 1 would not enter a contest with my own work becausc I do not consider my joinery up to the mark. Judges understand that every craftsman's skills arc a work in progress, but that is not taken into consideration on contest day. If you elected to use a butt joint and a fellow contestant made a inhered joint and both were properly fitted, the mitered joint wins, simple as thai. The work entered in these last few contests has made judging as difficult as it can set. I .el's look at what is being discussed here.

power to get the proper control for making extremely difficult cuts. The end result is obvious to everyone, so why was he not the Kirsi Place Overall win-

First Place Overall Winner

Graver Irish of Flint. Michigan (no stranger to the winner's circle) completed his clock with milt-red corners and compound mitered joints that were exquisite, in addition to thl rest of his work being of the highest caliber. Some might say that it is simple to do that kind of joinery in miniature work. Well, if it is simple for you. you will have an opportunity to enter your work next year and be judged against the best.

As far as the difference between the two goes for judging, both are winners, and 1 don't (binx anyone can be faulted for selecting 011c over the other cxccpt Al or G rover.

The "best" intarsia

Intarsia was no exception. Although not as heavily entered at this event as scrollwork, the level of accomplishment is just as obvious. There were a number of original designs submitted and it boiled down to the finest details to determine the winner. As has been mentioned in this column before, surfaces must be sanded, no finish can be to build up in the mating edges, and the segments must fit together as perfectly as possible; and that is for starters. As for sanding and finishing, try this for yourself. Can you drag panty hose or a nylon slocking over the entire project without snagging? Needless to say, this does not include sharp points that are a design element, but represents the quality of finish required to win.

Jim Ryan of Savage, Minnesota came as closc to perfection with both of his entries, plus they were his original patterns. I lis fitting of the segments was tight, iiis wood selection was on the mark, and his finish would have passed ihe stocking test.

Well, you have the remainder of the winter to push your skill level higher my friends, so please do not get discouraged on your quest for perfection. I haven't gotten there yet, but with Alice pushing me, I just might make it. For information on next year's upcoming picnic, see page 65. g

The Diveley family (from left to right), Debbie, Sarah, Joe and Sue. In the foreground is Debbie's daughter Natalie, one of Joe and Sarah's grandchildren.

The People's Choice Award

The People's Choice Award once again goes to Al Calderio with his pattern sawn in a moose antler. Al not only uses sand bags to counterbalance the antler, but builds a cradle or each antler, then adds considerable muscle

IB • Creative Woodworks S. Crafts April S002

The First Place Overall The People's Choice Award winner, Grover Irish. winner, Al Caldiero.