William,
Very nice portraits indeed. I especially like the first one, I believe, the ascension. Your frames are quite nice as well. I sure would like to find that wood supplier online, I believe I could afford to frame somethings as well-LOL. I have wondered about trying to cut some large scrolled work in half by using some centered object or such and then joing the two halves after cutting is complete. I know that on my larger puzzles the very first cut is done right in the middle to create two halves for cutting. Great work and keep on keeping on.
woodbutcher, I haven't considered cutting portraits in half. I use spirals though. Becuase of spirals giving me the ability to cut in any direction, all I have to worry about is how far it is to the center of a project. So, with my 16" scroll saw, I can cut any portrait as long as the width or height isn't over 32".
William,
Thanks for the compliments. Your work is simply impressive. I am not sure if the plywood I am using is luan. Unfortunately, the seller doesn't know either. Nonetheless I find them suitable enough. I also have problems sometimes with flaws, like hollow portions within the board, knots, etc. I also do framing however, perhaps not a extensive as you do. I make my own mouldings with a router. I must say, enjoyed looking over your work.
All plywoods that I have tried have the problems of voids and such. I've been told that baltic birch plywood does not have any voids. However, it is not available to me locally and everywhere I check online, the cost of shipping would make it cost prohibitive to me.
I have also planed down different species of woods to 1/4" or less and cut portraits. That looks great, but because of various reasons, like the wear and tear on my planer and the fact that it is harder on scroll saw blades, I usually reserve that method for custom orders that are going to pay good enough or when I'm making something for someone special, like my wife.