Creative Woodworks & crafts 2004-03, страница 32

Patterns Located In Full Size Pattern Section No. 1

Smallmouth Bass

fact, even if the pattern is extremely complex and the cutting is absolutely dead-on perfect, if the finish leaves even a little bit to desire, don't count on being in the winner's circle. And "finish" refers not just to how the face of the project looks. The judges took a long hard look into the frets to make sure there were no rough edges or fuzzies remaining at the back. Considering the work that was there, I did not envy them their job. But let's get on to how I prepared the stock from which I cut my Smallmouth Bass pattern and then we'll move on to the final finishing. Just because you are not going to enter the piece in a contest does not mean you can't put the best possible finish on it.

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Introduction

To those who have never entered a scrolling competition, let me tell you it is a humbling experience. I was feeling real good about the 3 pieces on which I had worked so long and hard (this project was one of them). That is, I was feeling real good about them until I got to the 2003 Pennsylvania Scroll Saw Picnic and saw the other pieces that I was going to compete against. Well, I had come this far and I was not going to turn around and put the work back in my truck... if nothing else I was going fo see how well my somewhat meager talents for design and scrolling were going to be judged. One of the first things I found out was that you have no say in what category your work is going to be placed. Two of my pieces were placed in the Intermediate Fretwork category and the other in the Basic Fretwork category. I still don't know what separated that one piece from the others, but in any case I was still up against some outstanding examples of the scroller's art.

To make a long story short, I was absolutely beside myself when I found out that two of my entries had won ribbons: third place finish in the Basic category and a first place finish in the Intermediate category for my Smallmouth Bass. The other piece did not place at all, and that was the judged scrolling competitions in the one I was sure had the most potential, past in order to get an idea of what I Just shows what I know about art! needed to do to be competitive. I

Prior to the competition, I had found out that the finish is as impor-talked to some people who had tant as the cutting and pattern. In

SUPPLIES

Wood: walnut or wood of choice—one slab 1 /2" x 10-1 /2" x 16"'

"If using plywood, l would recommend a 1/4" thickness to better support the small hangers.

Tools: scroll saw with blades of choice [my preference is Flying Dutchman spirals for slab work or Flying Dutchman FD-SR blades for all other projects); drill with drill bits sized to biade used; palm sander

Masking tape

Temporary-bond spray adhesive

Sandpaper in 80- to 220-grit (for finish sanding)

4/0 steel wool and 600-grif wet/dry sandpaper (to smooth the lacquer finish)

Boiled linseed oil, amber shellac and lacquer or finish of choice (for finishing)

14 • Creative Woodworks S. Crafts March 2004