Scroll Saw Village

Welcome back!  We’re picking up with part 3 of the 7 part series where we convert a photo into a scroll saw pattern using Adobe Photoshop.  This time we’re working on the ear and left side of the face.

Note: I ran into a little technical problem when recording this episode.  You’ll notice the audio drifts a little bit.  Which basically means the sound and the video start getting more and more out of sync as the program progresses.  You’ll notice it more at the end of this program than at the beginning.  I apologize for this.  I have a few ideas on how to fix this, but in order to keep on schedule, I’ll post this episode the way it is.

Have a question or comment?  Join us in the forums!  We’d love to have ya!

Anyway.  On with the show!

This is part 2 of the continuing series where I convert a photo of a beloved pet into a scroll saw pattern using Adobe Photoshop.  We pick up right where we left off and work on the eyes, the forhead, and a little on the left side of the face.  For those interested, I’ve included the original photo along with the finished pattern so you can see where we started and where we ended.

If you have any questions regarding the techniques I describe, please let me know by posting a comment or asking in the forums.  On with the show!

There has been interest in the Scroll Saw Village forums on how to create a scroll saw pattern from a photograph. While there are hundreds of ways to design a scroll saw pattern, I share one technique that I use when it comes to difficult patterns. I’m using Adobe Photoshop in this screen cast. But these techniques can easily be adapted to your favorite graphics program.

Fair Warning: This is a monster of a tutorial. Each episode runs about 30 minutes and we have 7 episodes. So if you do the math, the whole series runs 3.5 hours long! Why so long? Well, first, the pattern proved to be a little more difficult than I originally anticipated. Normally it doesn’t take that long to create a pattern. And secondly, there has been interest to see the complete process. So, those who like to see the whole process will enjoy it. Those who only want the bullet points will be bored to tears. However, most of the information and techniques can be found in part 1.

One other note.  This is an experiment, so I’d love to get a little feedback. You can email me directly at scrollsawgoodies[at]gmail.com, leave a comment on the blog, or reach me on the Scroll Saw Village forums. Future episodes will be much more concise. I also plan on covering other graphics programs as well. If you’d like to see something specific, please let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

On with the show.

This video series was brought to my attention by Steve Good’s blog Scroll Saw Workshop.  It was so wonderful, I had to share it as well.

Dick Sader of Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association has put together a great three-part video tutorial on how to cut compound Christmas ornaments.  He goes through each step with detail.  I’m sure you’ll learn a few things and perhaps you’ll give it a try yourself! After you’re done watching these videos, be sure to check out his other videos on violin building. Very impressive!

The price of tools and supplies can add up pretty quick.  Especially time saving tools such as sanding mops.  Steve from Scroll Saw Workshop has a great tutorial provided by one of his readers, Rick.  He provides step-by-step instructions on how to create your own sanding mop.  It looks Rick’s version of the sanding mop is designed for a lathe, but the concepts can easily be adapted to be used with a drill press.  Steve also gives a great demonstration video on how to use a commercial sanding mop.  You’ll soon realize its something you’ll want in your shop too!  Check it out!

A while back, I wrote about Frank’s Wood Shop and his video demonstration of a windmill project. Well, Frank came through once again with a very detailed set of videos, documenting the cutting and finishing of a bass portrait. So, grab some popcorn and enjoy the videos. After you’re done, be sure to stop by his website and check out some of his work located in his gallery. Very cool stuff!

Note: I believe portrait being demonstrated was designed by Charles Dearing and is available in the Spring 2007 issue of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. Give it a try!

I recently wrote about Rod Skramstad from Classic Lathart. He has updated his website to include a series of progress pictures that turned out quite nice. Although not necessarily a tutorial, it does give us some insight on how he goes about putting together one of his lath art paintings.

Rod has a series of 14 photographs showing different stages of a painting. Unfortunately, he doesn’t include any descriptive text explaining what we’re looking at. But if you read this tutorial from LathArt How To and Patterns, it should give you a good idea of what’s going on. Definitely worth checking out if lath art is in your future.

Frank from FranksWoodshop.com has put together a great video, demonstrating how he put together a windmill plaque. This 3 part video shows you each step of the way as he cuts and assembles his windmill plaque. The steps are covered in detail along with plenty of commentary. A very cool project. After you’re done watching these great videos, be sure to check out his website. He has some really great stuff in his gallery. He also has another video in the video section, showing you around the scroll saw.

I’ve talked about our favorite puzzle master, Carter Johnson before (CarterJ Puzzles, Puzzle Tutorial, Puzzle-Cutting Tutorial). One thing about Carter, he’s very generous about sharing his knowledge on puzzle cutting. Well, he has another video demonstrating how he cuts out his signature puzzle, the one cent stamp! I’m lucky enough to have one in my collection, and I assure you these miniature puzzles are amazing. Check out his cool video. I’m sure you’ll walk away with a lot of great tips for making your own puzzles. If nothing else, he’s certainly fun to watch!

Monday I talked about the chess sets that were being created in the SSW&C forums. Chiz Wolfe from Wood’n What-Knots has a nice set of progression pictures on his website as he creates a chess set for his son. Each piece is compound cut with the scroll saw. He has 3 pages of pictures that take you through each step. He also includes a nice description with each set of pictures. The end result really turned out great, especially since it was his first time with compound cutting. Seeing his pictures makes compound cutting your own chess set a little less intimidating. So, give it a try! I’ll bet learning to cut your own chess set will be easier than you think. Learning to play a good game of chess, on the other hand, is a whole different story!