Evergreen tree pattern question

[MichelleOH]

I've never cut anything from a pattern before...and I have a question regarding cutting out the tree in Issue 49.

In step 4 of the article, how do you know where the perimeter lines are once you turn the blank on its side? Aren't they gone from sawing them off the front? The first picture in step 4 shows exactly where I get confused.

Thanks for helping me out.

[mdallensr]

You re-attach the waste piece with double sided tape, hot melt glue, etc, which puts your pattern back on the blank. Then cut through the pattern you just re-attached and you will have cut your blank in both directions. Peel the waste pieces off and you're done.

Another way of doing this is to not cut off the waste piece completely. Leave it attached at one end, then turn the blank and make the second cut, and nip off the waste pieces with your knife or a gouge. Good luck. Mike

[MichelleOH]

Thanks, Mike. I figured this was going to be the answer. But, I'm still confused. Bob says to cut the branch lines before cutting the perimeter lines, so you would have a LOT of small wood to glue back together.

What would be the problem with cutting the branch lines before the perimeter lines for this pattern?

[MichelleOH]

Does anyone know how I can get in touch with the author to ask him about this? I'm still confused.

[Woodcarverdan]

In the author's bio it says contact him at Rimcarver@charter.net


Dan

[MichelleOH]

Thanks for the info Dan, I missed it.

[Woodcarverdan]

If you get it to work let me know. I am somewhat cunfused on the depth cuts too

[MichelleOH]

Will do. I'll email Bob tomorrow.

[Shannon]

Good Morning,

I'll ask the author to chime in here - and I'm sure Bob will respond as well... Personally I would probably use the pattern to trace the lines back on after cutting the first side. I would not have the patience to tape all those waste pieces back in place...

[BobD]

Actually, the easiest thing to do is to trace the profile onto two sides right from the start since the two sides will be identical in this symmetrical carving. The author explains how to create a wedge that holds the blank upright as you cut the two profiles (after you cut off the waste from one side).

Bob