Bob, I don't know which pattern your going to cut, so it's hard to give advice. I've cut several of Steve Goods pattern, usually from red oak but also from maple. It's my favorite for giving to others, but it is a bit difficult. My last two were reduced to 70% in my copier and cut from a 4 X 6 piece of maple. I prefer to do them a bit larger, but a cabinet shop gave me about 100 samples they had, all the same size in 3/4". Some oak, maple, cherry, etc. and I just gotta use them! I resaw them to 1/2" for this.
When I cut I always start with the bigger pieces within the shepard, and under the sheep. From there I start cutting the letters on the right, from the bottom to the top. I leave the hook on the staff until last as it's the most delicate part. I leave all the surrounding waste until last, giving it more support. And I also sometimes leave a bridge from one letter to another where it needs a bit more support, but not always. It all takes a bit of time, but the results are rewarding. Your pattern is probably altogether different, so this may not help you at all. It would help us if you could show the pattern you plan to use.
John
