Making Shapes from Wood.

There are a few ways to do this. This is the way I currently cut shapes out in wood.

First I start with the computer and create my own shapes or find one on the Internet.

Image 1

In Image 1 we see that I have found an image of two hearts interlinked together.

The next thing to do is to print this image as I did in Image 2.

Image 2

Image 3

Image 4

We will need some scissors and glue to cut out the printed image and to glue it on the wood (Image 3).
I used Titebond II (Image 4), you can use any glue. The glue I am using tends to dry fast and comes off easily after the project is cut out.

Image 5

Image 6

Image 7

From Image 5, 6 and 7, we apply glue to the back of the paper, spread the glue out all over the paper in Image 6, and then apply the paper to the wood glue-side-down and smooth it out in Image 7.

Now we leave it to dry. If you like you can use a hairdryer to help with the drying process.

Image 8

Image 9

Image 10

You have a few options, you can cut the image out with a Handsaw, Coping Saw, Scroll Saw, a Jigsaw, or a Bandsaw. I used a bandsaw which we can see in Image 8. Make sure that you use safety glasses and earmuffs - Image 9.

Now, the fun part, cutting out the shape on the saw.

Please take your time, go slow, taking care to stay on the outside of the line.

If you go too far out and leave a lump or two, its all good, because it can be sanded away.

It is better to make the image slightly too big or in a rough manner, because it can be smoothed out later, just try not to go inside the line because that is much harder to correct.

Image 11

Image 12

The finished product waiting for you to come up with some imagination and decide how you are going to finish it off. Image 11 shows the back of the wood and Image 12 shows the front with the paper still on it.

Getting the paper off is easy. I just wet the paper with water, leave it to soak in and then it peels off and the more stubborn parts rub off.

There are many options depending on the wood you used, such as painting, varnishing, routing the edges, and so on, its up to you.

I hope you found this article helpful for your own projects.

All the best from

James M Sandbrook.

31st of March, 2021.