Newbie Needs Help!

[Crabbyboater]

What kind of material (and thickness) does one use to cut designs with long, narrow parts, such as the cross in Steve Good's design of "Hello God. It's Me Again"?  I'd really like to make this, but can't help but think the vertical and/or horizontal sections of the cross would break before I could even finish.  All help will be greatly appreciated.

[dgman]

Hey Crabby, I could not find the pattern you are asking about, but I would use 1/2" to 3/4" hardwood such as walnut or mahogany. You could also use Baltic birch plywood that you could stain or paint.

OK, I found the pattern. I would not go thinner than 1/4", but I probably would use 1/2" hardwood. I like mahogany, so that's what I would use.

[Crabbyboater]

It's on pg one of his catalog, near the bottom, right side.  There are a couple of crosses, with the arms being a bit over 1/8" wide and up to 2" long.  Can't rely on grain direction because there are both vertical and horizontal parts.

Thanks for your response, DG.  I have three great grands and a fourth on the way.  Would really like to give this to parents, but it looks so fragile it scares me a bit.

[dgman]

Yes it does look fragile but I think you will be fine with 3/4" hardwood.
You could also use 1/4" and glue it to a backer board.
Good luck!

[cloetpatrick]

  Beech is a wood that does not move in time, it is hard enough, but without knots easily cut. It can be stained and varnished with varnish for boats.

[scrollgirl]

I would think something that has a tight, even grain like Maple would do fine.  I agree with everyone else that the wood should be at least 1/4" thick, but with the way the pattern is designed, you really shouldn't have much of a problem. 

Let us know how it turns out and post a picture!

Sheila

[Russ C]

I would use 1/2" hardwood. Walnut, Maple. 

[Crabbyboater]

My thanks to everyone for the responses.  Never having cut a pattern like this I guess I was afraid to even try.  I'll get some hardwood and give it a try.