Here it is, the finished cross:
Front of the finished cross with base.
Back of the cross with the base.
Some asked for an extreme closeup of the pattern. I won’t disappoint:
Extreme closeup of the fretwork. The scale is in inches. Yes most of the holes are smaller than your finger nail.
Another close up.
This is really the fourth cross I’ve done. The first of these I did three years ago while recovering from my radiation treatments. Here’s a post on that, https://andrewsviewoftheweek.com/2012/05/16/mostly-finished-the-cross/
I found the pattern in the Holiday 2011 (issue 45) of ScrollSaw Woodworking and Crafts magazine. The pattern designer is Sue Mey ( she sells patterns including this one ). When I first saw it, it just called to me so I grabbed some plywood, tape and the pattern and went at it. Then I did what is known as a stack cut and made three at once. One was given to my grandson, one sold at a church auction and the third I kept.
This current cross started out in the summer of 2013 when my church had to cut down a 40 year-old silver maple tree. There are a few woodworkers in the congregation and we each took some of the wood for projects. I just knew I had to make another cross with the wood. The boards are 1/2 inch thick so I could only one.
Some small facts about the project:
Size: 17.8″ tall, 11.3″ across, width of boards, 3.2″
Time: I estimate I took about 50 hours to cut this. The wood is thick and hard.
Blades: I buy scroll saw blades by the gross and I just about 90 to cut this.
The cross just needs a coat of finish and I’ll give it to the church. Don’t know what they’ll do with it, but I’m hoping it could be used in the chapel.
I’ve enjoyed this project and may cut another cross or two before I check out of this planet. It’s a great winter project so I might start another set of crosses this fall (yes, I am going to use thinner wood and stack cut three or four next time). No idea what I’ll do with them, likely just offer them for sale or give them as gifts.
Hope you enjoyed following my progress – even if it was a bit like watching paint dry.
If you need me – I’ll be in the shop,
Andrew
Andrew's View of the Week 
It is very meaningful and touching
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This cross is just amazing, Andrew. I am sure the church will be thrilled and will find a special spot for it. You do such wonderful work!
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Thanks – they should be getting in a week or two. Once they put it somewhere, I’ll post a photo.
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That is an amazing work of art. Three crosses–are they for children or grandchildren?
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The pattern called to me from the first time I saw it. One went to a grandson.
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Great work!
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Thanks!
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You are welcome!
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It’s spectacular. The attention to detail is awesome. Seriously, I’m in awe of your skill and patience.
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Well, more patience than skill.
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Very cool!
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Yes, a very high coolness rating I thought. 😉
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Amazingly intricate, Andrew! Great work 🙂
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I love the way the patterns form layers of patterns.
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Congratulations! Beautiful work!!!
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Thanks – I just love the patterns in this cross.
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That is really wonderful work, really, really good. Well done!
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Thanks. It’s been a long project, but I’ll miss not having it to work on in the evenings.
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You have made a beautiful rendition of “the old rugged cross”. What type of finish will you use on it? Ω
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I love the fact that the wood was grow at the church – makes it more special to me. I’ll be using a clear spay lacquer – just a light covering, maybe two or three coats.
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I love the way a clear finish allows the wood to turn into a honey color. Ω
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Congrats, Andrew!! Another masterpiece!!
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Thanks, I this was a project I really enjoyed.
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Wow that’s beautiful
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The pattern of the wood grain really helps the pattern stand out.
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A very exceptional piece of craftsmanship and devotion. Being un-Christian, I am free to envy your skills without feeling any guilt…
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It mostly took just sticking to the task. Thanks.
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The craftsmanship is unbelievable. You should be very proud.
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I am. I had my doubts when I started, but it went well.
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It’s amazing how much detail you put into this project, and it turned out absolutely beautiful!
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Thanks – it turned out better than I hoped.
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Congratulations ! It’s beautiful. It must feel good to design something so intricate and see it from start to finish.
Shine On
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First time I saw this pattern, I just knew I had to do it.
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Congratulations, a beautiful and remarkable achievement – on many levels. Stay well, Harlon
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I feel good about it and it is part of my ‘mental health plan.’ 😉
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Beautiful. Well done!
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Thanks – it’s going to be difficult to see this one leave the shop…
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I have no doubt. You’ll have to do another one!
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Spectacular work Andrew! Quite an accomplishment, congratulations. I have a pretty good feeling that your church will be more than pleased to both receive and display it.
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It turned out better than I expected. I wasn’t sure about some of the detailed cutting, but I managed it. I’m sure they’ll like it.
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Beautiful work. Something to be proud if.
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Thanks, I’ve enjoyed this project.
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