Thread: My first project

TeeJay I use MDF when I want to try out something and it has it certainly has it's uses .... just remember to wear a dust mask!!!!

I would love to give your veneer idea a try, but I think most of us couldn't easily prepare our scrolling wood like that.

There is one other problem ... which could be a feature.... if you use medium to dark veneer the mdf would show lighter..... unless of course you'd stain everything?

Juvy

Dustmaker,

In relation to your dad's portrait and the comparison to the photo you have in many respects brought to life the characteristics of the image well done. I think the eyes nose and chin along with the hair is very similar.

If i were to be bold enough to offer any comment I would only say that you could have given a bit more detail such as ear on RHS and into the eyes as well.

I have attached a couple of examples of eyes (although on ladies) they show character that appears within your dad's eyes.

I do like the way you have feathered the shadow about the neck etc it softens the lines nicely.

My attachements are from another forum and I have collected these as samples for refence only - trust they are of interest to you.

I have a good collection of reference material as portraits do interest me but they are not something I am doing just yet

Originally Posted by keju

TeeJay I use MDF when I want to try out something and it has it certainly has it's uses .... just remember to wear a dust mask!!!!

I would love to give your veneer idea a try, but I think most of us couldn't easily prepare our scrolling wood like that.

There is one other problem ... which could be a feature.... if you use medium to dark veneer the mdf would show lighter..... unless of course you'd stain everything?

Juvy

All valid points Juvy and for sure you need to be very careful with veneer adhesion. I used a coarse blade on the weekend for some hack work and the lift on the upward stroke was large. Once i went from the no12 hacker to the no1 for some detail work it was certainly a pleasure and a lot easier on the fingers holding the job down. The uplift on the coarse blade would rip up many veneers I feel.

The detail on those two portraits is unbelievable..... I have a long way to go........
Don't think it's possible on Bunnings ply..... probably not on any veneered mdf either as those tiny cuts surly would be prone to lift the veener?
I'd imagine it would be just as difficult to do on "real" timber ... I did some on silky oak and hadn't noticed the hairline splits in there......

Makes me wonder if it would be worth it to order from overseas ( after winning the lottery) .... but somehow I feel I should/want to use Aussie timber .... stick with what we have/can get here and not become dependent on overseas things.

Juvy
thought some more about the colour difference if you'd do you own veneer.... imagine a Zebra done on somethign like that!!!!!

Hi Teejay
Thanks for the kind and honest opinion. I agree that I could have given eyes and ear more details, (But, I am Poor in drawing freehand or on computer). This is my first work on portrait or scroll saw, I am going to redo the portrait in near futue for my Mom (As soon as I am able to manipulate the image).I like the examples you gave they are very informative, I will keep them in mind while doing it again

Thanks

DustMaker

Hi

I put the picture of my Dad in one of the other groups to see what patterns they come up with as per the suggession of one of the member here (Thanks ). They come up with 4 patterns for same Pictures, Now it has created some doubt in my mind about the paqttern that I cut.

Please help me with in deciding about which one should I use as I have orders of 3 more to do for same picture (For my Mom, Sister and Brother).

Thanks Once again

Naughty

I like the last one the best.... it's a little more detailed then the first one you cut.... specially around the mouth.

Here are the reasons for my choice
I looked at your dad's photos again and I find that the second one makes the lines from the mouth to nose too strong, making him look severe.
The third one is nicely detailed, but makes him look older.... like all the lines were wrinkles.
The first one ..... hmmm. don't know.... just doesn't talk to me for some reason.
The last one is almost like the one you already cut... I like the way the mouth is defined and he has a more youthful look about him, smoother like on the photo.
Just my humble opinion tho.... you're the only one who knows which portrait "speaks" to you... shows your Dad's personality the best.

Juvy

You pay your money and take your pick Dust Maker. There are that many different portraits (painted ones) of say a prime minister that reflect what the artist at the time feels.

Why not cut them all, you've got a number of people to give to.
Good luck,
Bob H.