My patterns for portraits are made by scanning a photo image and by using Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop which I then make the pattern and print a copy. I use Baltic Birch plywood, 3 ply 1/8 inch. I get my wood supply from ebay sellers. The amount of time it takes to cut a pattern depends upon the difficulty and how many cuts there may be, sometimes it can take 3 hrs to 10 hrs or more.

My patterns are either freehanded onto wood (which most of mine are) or glued to the wood to use as a guideline. I then drill pilot holes into the wood where each cut is to be made.

Once the cutting is complete, a mouse sander is used to sand the overall portrait and a Dremel tool is used to sand the more intricate or finer cuts. Then polyurthene is applied, sometimes 2 to 3 coats, after it dries the portrait is mounted on a colored felt (mostly black is used). The portrait is put into an appropiate sized frame (removal of glass is optional).

When using a scroll saw, a mask is recommended because of the microdust particles. A vacuum hose attached to the saw also helps. Also using a work lamp with a magnifyer is helpful.

Scroll saws are fun to use and scroll saw patterns provide projects that will give the user a high level of proficiency and a sense of accomplishment.

Portraits are great gifts for friends, family and co-workers. They stand out at craft shows and get alot of attention. I hope to pass on this great wood hobby to my sons and younger generations to keep wood working alive.

If you're looking for a hobby, I recommend Scroll Sawing. Its such a great feeling once you start making something out of raw wood and watching it come alive and taking shape.

I hope that this guide is helpful and encourages others to try their hand at scroll sawing.

Below are some finished portraits I have done..

Happy Scrolling.