Basic Question

[WigWag Workshop]

Good Day Folks!

As many of you know, I am new to the hobby. I just found a book called 50 Easy Weekend Scroll Saw Projects at 1/2 price books. I found a pattern I would like to try after I get some practice. On page 24 there is a train pattern, It has 3/8 TK on it, what is 3/8 TK? also it says Optional, add a cloth and mirror backing - what type of cloth are they talking about, also how would one add a mirror backing? How would one cut a custom mirror backing?

Thanks in advance,

[dgman]

Is this an outdoor project? To me that would mean 3/8" thick teak, but I don't know what they mean. Look for a legend in the book that might explain the meaning of TK. As for a mirror backing, you can buy acrylic panels that have a mirrored backs. This can be cut on the scroll saw.

[WigWag Workshop]

dgman - It's a wall plaque, I was looking at the other patterns in the book, and they all have TK - so I am guessing they mean "thickness" but not sure?

What type of wood is good for wall plaques?

Steven 

 

[dgman]

Yeah, your probably right about thickness. As for types of wood for wall plaques, any type of hardwood is good! I like mahogany, maple, cherry, oak and walnut if you want the grain to show. If your looking to paint it, poplar or pine is fine.
To get started in scrolling I would start with pine, then work up to hardwoods.

[boxmaker]

The TK is probably referring to wood thickness. As far as the mirror, since this is a wall hanging, I would guess they are talking about putting it in a frame. Did it say cloth or mirror, or cloth and mirror. If you were to put it in a frame, looking at it from the back, you would put your glass in the frame then your cutting then cloth (sometimes black felt) or mirror then the backer board for the frame. I do not have that book so it is hard to know what they want. I hope I didn't confuse you more.


                                                       Mark

[Leldon]

John Nelson authored that book, right?  If it is, I he used TK alot for the thickness of wood.  I have a feeling it is talking about adding a backer to the project.  When I first started scrolling I almost always used felt glued to a piece of plywood and then the project glued onto that.  It was a nice way to set the piece off, and not have it in a frame.  But the downside is that the dust REALLY REALLY likes the felt.  If you are going to use the mirror backing, or any backing that you want to fit perfectly behind the train cut out, before cutting the outside cut attach the backer of choice and then cut it out together.  This will make it look really good.  To attach the mirror I have used Aleene's tacky glue and it is holding really good.  Nothing has fell off yet!

Leldon