First portrait, what order to cut??

[Cutting Cathy]

Well I'm starting my first portrait cutting!! Thanks to Sawduster (Robert) who has created an excellent pattern for me and I want to do him proud!! My problem is, in what order do I make the cuts?? I tried doing a search but couldn't seem to find anything. Do you cut out the bigger frets first or the smaller ones. Do you cut out whole areas or jump around the pattern?? Or does it matter what you do?? I really want this to turn out good. If is a portrait of my 3 grandsons for my daughter's 30th birthday. Any advice would be appreciated!!! Thanks so much,

Cathy in NE

[Jediscroller]

Cathy,
The general rule of thumb is to cut from the center out. I always start with the most fragile and smallest cuts. Try to always work from the inside out so that you have a full area to cut into (nothings tougher than cutting out a piece in between 2 frets).

Hope this helps.

[Minnesota scroller]

Cathy, I believe most will agree that the smallest frets should be cut first. This will help retain the stability of the piece. Also, many start from the center and work out. Myself, I just drill and cut all the smallest sections first, then go back and with a little larger drill bit, proceed to drill and cut out the largest ones, with the very largest being cut lastly.

Good luck and I'll anxiously be awaiting the finished product.

I see Kevin's reply posted a few seconds before mine.

[CJoZ]

I tend to do the most fragile stuff first, then work to the outside. I also try to do the hardest cutting first if possible, so that when it is done the project is smooth sailing!!

[Sawduster]

Cathy,
I generally start with the eyes and facial features . They tend to be near the middle and they are also the least forgiving cuts . That way if I make a mistake it is early on and I can just start again
Hope this helps

[kerry_nf]

Originally Posted by Sawduster

Cathy,
I generally start with the eyes and facial features . They tend to be near the middle and they are also the least forgiving cuts . That way if I make a mistake it is early on and I can just start again
Hope this helps

I agree with Robert. Also I consider the eyes, in particular, the most important feature to "get right". So if, for some reason, you make a terrible mistake on this in the beginning you wouldn't have done a lot of cutting and not a lot of time lost.

I look forward to seeing the cut as the patterns I have seen from this guy so far are excellent.

[Cutting Cathy]

Thank you for all the great advice everyone!! It's funny, I started on the smaller "cuts" of hair and did most of the rest of the face, but left the eyes uncut!! I can now see where top feeding would be extremely helpful!!! Robert, I was working on Nathan, (middle grandson) and got all his hair and facial features (except eyes) done. I'm pretty slow but plan on working on it all weekend. It probably would only take you guys a few hours!! I will definitely post pictures when I get it done!! Thanks again for the info!!

Cathy in NE