Hi, rfielder,
I did look at Steve's patterns for you and, I have to admit that the cowboy boot clock is NOT one of
the best Steve Good patterns I have seen because the simulated/colored version shows the veining lines
but, the actual black and white pattern does not.
However, if you look closely at the colored version, the veining line around the tab you mentioned
stops short on the right side leaving it attached and all the other veining lines also stop short from removing
any sections. The lines that go up to the clock insert will have to stop short of the hole and the bevel from the
clock can cover part of the veining line.
Of course, you can still use anothr method instead of making these cuts if you want to. If you choose to use
another method, my choice would be to wood burn it with a cheap wood burner. That way, the line would show up
just fine with no worries about paint or marker or anything bleeding into the wood if you stain or paint it.
God Bless! Spirithorse