Tip #51
Shopsmith Scroll Saw (continued)
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Raised or Recessed Inserts

Raised reliefs or recessed designs are cut very much like inlays, but two different pieces of stock are not usually required. The desired shape can often be cut on a bevel from a single piece of stock and then raised above or lowered into the background to produce a three dimensional effect (Figure 15-19). Contrasting stains or other techniques can then be used to highlight important areas or create special effects.

Table tilt and blade angle are less critical than they are for inlays. Any angle will work as long as it is wide enough to cover the saw kerf. The greater the table angle, the less relief or recessing you will achieve. With a little experimentation you can create striking designs with multiple levels above and below the basic background.

Also think carefully about the direction of rotation of the workpiece into the blade. One direction will produce a raised relief-the other a lowered recess. Either can be attractive as long as it's what you had planned.

Reliefs, recesses and inlays can also be accented by sculpting the edges of the insert, background or both (Figure 15-20). This is often done by rounding over the edges with sandpaper or a file to create a visual distinction or to accentuate the shadow line where the two pieces come together.

When you're ready to assemble your relief or recessed pieces, hot melt glue fillets on the back side are an effective way of joining the pieces. These fillets are strong enough to hold most decorative projects and yet they won't run onto the edges or face of the project like most woodworking glues, so you save cleanup time and frustration.

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