Advise on doing a portrait

[marmoh]

I have spent hours learning how to use Gimp to make portraits.  I have a picture of my sister and brother-in-law that I am about finished with.  Will I use 1/8" or 1/4" wood ??  Do you use straight or spiral blades or a combination ??  Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[GrayBeard]

I usually 'stack' 3 pcs. of 1/8" BB. That way the middle one SHOULD turn out the very best , the top one usually turns out OK and if you get lucky you can also use the bottom one.

Also I use FD New Spiral, 2/0 for my blades. If it is going to be an 'overlay' I will cut around the outer edge using a FD Polar, #3.

My Thoughts, my ideas, my opinions....

~~~GB~~~

[dgman]

Marion, I agree with GrayBeard. The advantage of stack cutting is you have better control of the workpiece, because of that I never cut thinner than 1/4". If I need thinner, I will always laminate and stack cut. Portraits usually look better in 1/8".
For portraits most folks use spiral blades. Like GB, I will use a combination of spiral and flat blades.
Make sure you post a picture of you project when done!

[marmoh]

Could I stack the outside with luan   (cheaper)

[dgman]

You can use what ever you want. Especially for a portrait where only one is needed, use anything you want. When I do a portrait style I usually cut in stacks of three or four, that way I have extra to sell or display at the local Woodcraft store. Also if the "good" copy has a flaw in it, you still have two more. But yes, use cheap plywood for the stack if you want.

[marmoh]

Thanks to both of you for your advise.  I am ordering the blades I need and hope to start the project soon.  GB, you know what they say about opinions ... ( but I do respect yours )

[Chachi]

Lol We all know what they say about them and I respect GB's myself.

When you get finished with it be sure to post pictures I'm sure we would all like to see your finshed project.

[Marcellarius]

I do cut 1/8" to and the best way for me is to turn down the speed of the saw.
most of the time I use reversed blades like the FD-UR.
reversed blades will make the wood slap a bit more the non reversed, but the the bottom of your project is so much better.
personally I don't find spiral blades the best to cut with, I always have trouble to keep on track on straight lines or  turning in small corners.

[GrayBeard]

Gee, I don't feel like Rodney Dangerfield any more.

What I would really like is a course in making my own portrait patterns.
Especially ... how do you find the hours to learn when you are busy with so many other things?

~~~GB~~~

[Bill P]

I know the feeling, GB.  I'd like to find the time to sit down and learn Coyote Stencil Shop.  All my stuff comes out looking like 70's art, not like the picture.

Bill

[marmoh]

I know what you mean about finding time....this cooking and cleaning is getting in my way of
cutting !!!  I think hubby should stop on the way home and pick up something and I will have a new project in his plate each night   I found Gimp to be pretty easy to understand and if I can pick it up any one can !!