Scroll saw special - my first project

This is my first project. And in many ways, it represents some great learning experiences. It’s made of red oak with a walnut inlay. The finish is a custom stain by mixing dark walnut with golden oak (both oil stains) and a wipe on poly.

I built this when the only power tools I had were my grandfather’s old scroll saw and a circular saw (with a cheap blade). I bought dimensioned lumber at the home center and cut all the boards to length and width with my circular saw. For the sides boards, I jointed the edges with a bench plane (I learned that’s easier said than done). To do the inlay, I used my grandfather’s rip saw to re-saw a 3/4 walnut board so that I had two 1/4 inch boards, which I then smoothed with a bench plane and hand sanding. Using spray adhesive, I attached my vine pattern to the thin walnut, which I then taped to the oak side boards. I tilted the table on the scroll saw very slightly, and cut the vine pattern. I repeated this with a mirror image on each side. I borrowed a router from my neighbor to do the profiles. After hand sanding level, I finished as described above.

Since then, my tool repertoire has increased to the full complement. I’ve done great stuff since this one, but I’ve never been prouder!

-- Paul, Shelbyville, KY; (Ps 145: 1-2)