Hi Everyone

Been a while since I’ve posted any new intarsia but here is a sneak peek of my newest commission. Titled—â€Eagle’s Realm†it sets in a 16†x 20†cherry frame with purpleheart inlay. Woods used so far; Walnut, Holly, Ebony, Yellowheart, Spalted Beech, Fishtail Oak. 50 pieces so far. I’m still designing the background scenery of the pattern which is the hardest part to get the proper depth . I like to shape, sand, detail carve and apply a coat of finish as I go on these type of projects. I foresee between 200 and 300 pieces depending on how elaborate the background gets. Stay tuned .

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Mike
'why buy it if you can build it'
www.midlothianwoodworks.com

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Mike
'why buy it if you can build it'
www.midlothianwoodworks.com

I added a few trees to the background yesterday. Each tree is made from lignum vitae and Peruvian walnut. The lignum is brown now but will turn a vivid green in time. I use CA glue to hold the pieces of the trees together to form a single unit.100 pieces so far.

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Mike
'why buy it if you can build it'
www.midlothianwoodworks.com

Mike, Thanks for sharing this beautiful project with us. And your description of it answers all the questions .

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Greg
Scroll Saw forum host

http://www.thesawdustfactoryga.com/

Mike

Impressive. Time and patience is shown here. Great job so far, really looking forward to seeing the progress photos. Also I have some lignum vitae in my shop. I was a darker green when I purchased it, didn't know it started out brown. Thanks for the lesson.

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Wayne Mahler
God bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.

Wow Mike, that is awesome.  It looks beautiful sir, and the frame is really nice, nice contrasting. 

Thanks for sharing Mike

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

Love it Mike

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
EX-21
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'

Mike,

All I can say is WOW!

Fantastic piece of work!

 

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

Mike,

That looks great, I like those fine shadow lines (as in under the eagle's neck).

How thick are the elements ?, and do they necessarily stand out from the background by the same thickness.

 

Cheers Sam C

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sam c

Thanks everyone for the comments

To Sam-- Part of the uniqueness of intarsia is using different thicknesses of wood to give it a 3D effect. In this case I have allowed 3/4" recess from the face of the frame to the backer board. The large tree( fishtail oak) is 3/4" thick tapered down to just below the edge of the frame. The eagle (walnut) is also 3/4" thick but tapered down where it meets the tree branches. The ledge where the eagle is standing  (spalted beech) is 3/8"  thick and the small trees( Lignum Vitae) are 5/16" thick. The rest of the background pieces will be 1/8" - 1/4" thick.I have just about finished the design for the background so will be posting more progress pics soon. Thanks for asking

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Very, very nice, Mike!

Your description of the thicknesses is greatly appreciated, too.

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Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

 Well, I'm just about there. I'm still not happy with some of the scenery on the right hand side so will change some of the pieces to correct the depth that I'm looking for, plus more sanding and detail carving and glueing everything in place. 175 pieces. Walnut, Holly, Spalted Beech, Spalted Sycamore, Yellowheart, Ebony, Fishtail Oak, Poplar, Lignum Vitae, Purpleheart, Afromosia, Vera wood, Peruvian Walnut, Tulipwood, Maple, Bloodwood

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Mike
'why buy it if you can build it'
www.midlothianwoodworks.com

Mike,

 Wow!

How many hours so far?

 

Larry

Thanks Larry

I have 35 hours so far and will probably spend 5 more hours changing pieces , gluing in and applying the final 2 or 3 coats of poly.

Larry Buskirk said:

Mike,

 Wow!

How many hours so far?

 

Larry

Mike,

Only 35 hours, I don't think I could do something like this in 35 days! Wow.

 

Larry