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As a pastor, I am always looking for ways to inspire, comfort and even challenge people in my church and community. One way I do this is by scrolling passages of Scripture in wood, and giving the projects to those around me. Recipients appreciate the daily inspiration they provide. Make some for your friends and family, and spread the joy. Editor’s note: If you enjoy this inspirational project, look for Jeff’s new book by Fox Chapel Publishing, Words of Faith in Wood.

Step 1: Photocopy the pattern found on the pull-out pattern section and use a temporary bond spray adhesive to adhere it to the wood. Because the letters are quite small, make sure to use a premium quality adhesive so that the pattern won’t lift off during those tight cuts. If some lifting does occur, use some clear packaging tape to help hold the pattern in place.

Step 2: Using a drill press, drill the blade entry holes into the letters using a #64 drill bit. It is best to drill these holes at the beginning or the end of a letter rather than in the middle so that the blade won’t jump off line when you come back to the hole when cutting the opposite side of a letter. Starting and finishing a cut at the beginning of a letter ensures smooth and sharp letters.

Step 3: Using a #2 reverse skip tooth blade, cut out all of the letters. Start with the smaller letters and finish with the larger ones in the center, so that the most difficult parts can be completed first. Once this is successfully accomplished, proceed to the larger letters, which are the easier cuts. Normally the center would be cut out first to protect the integrity of the wood, but because the wood is a 1/2" thick, and the pattern really doesn’t have any weak points, the strength of the wood will not be compromised.

Step 4: After all the letters are successfully cut, use a #5 reverse skip tooth blade to cut the outside lines of the cross.

Step 5: Remove the pattern from the wood with a hot air gun. Once the pattern is removed, use some mineral spirits to remove the glue residue. You can also use mineral spirits to remove the pattern, but make sure to let the wood completely dry before applying the stain.

Step 6: Cut the bottom stand and the second tier of the stand to the sizes mentioned in the MATERIALS & TOOLS list. Once all the pieces are cut, sand each with 150-grit sandpaper followed by 220 grit. Blow all the pieces with an air compressor, or a can of compressed air, to remove the dust from the letters. To make the stand, center the smaller piece onto the larger bottom piece. Check the grain of the wood to make sure the side you want exposed is facing up. Apply a premium wood glue and clamp the two pieces together for 24 hours.

Step 7: Once the stand is complete, center the bottom of the cross onto the second tier of the stand. Put the piece on a flat surface and use a level to make sure the bottom of the cross sits squarely on the stand. If the bottom of the cross needs some slight adjustments, use a belt sander to get it level. If a belt sander is not available, you can do it by hand with some sandpaper. When complete, there should be no space between the bottom of the cross and the top of the stand.

Step 8: Glue the cross to the stand making sure the cross is centered side to side, and front to back. Carefully clamp the pieces together and let dry for 24 hours.

Step 9: Sand any excess glue that may have seeped out. Wipe the entire piece with tack cloth. Apply a natural stain or the stain of your choice and allow to dry for at least eight hours.

Step 10: Apply several coats of a clear spray with a gloss or semi-gloss finish, waiting approximately 30 minutes in between coats. Let the final coat dry for at least 24 hours.

Jeff’s Three Cutting Rules
The first rule, and one that I always follow, is one that I learned the hard way. Before cutting a project, observe the details of the pattern, note the cuts that seem to be more difficult, and start by cutting these first. There is nothing worse than working many hours on a project only to have it totally ruined if you make a wrong cut on a difficult area that you saved for last.

The most common rule of fretwork—start toward the middle of the pattern and work your way outward—is the second rule to follow. By working your way to the outside cuts from the inside, you ensure that the strength of the wood will not be compromised.

Finally, make the largest cuts your last cuts. Obviously, when a large piece of wood is cut out, it can render the remaining wood of the project very fragile.

Materials 1/2" x 12" x 81/2" oak (cross) 3/4" x 81/4" x 2" oak (bottom stand) 1/2" x 51/4" x 1" oak (second tier) Sandpaper, 150 and 220 grits Temporary bond spray adhesive Clear packaging tape (optional) Premium wood glue Natural stain Clear coat finish spray (gloss or semi-gloss) Tools Olson #2 and #5 reverse skip tooth blades Drill press with #64 drill bit Clamps (small and large) Scissors Small level Belt sander (optional) Hot air gun (optional) Air Compressor Click Here To Download The Pattern To view our patterns, simply click on the link above. You'll need the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents. Click the Acrobat button below to get it now!
Further Reading
Words of Faith by Jeff Paxton  Buy Now
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