Making bookmarks

[NRscroller]

Hi
I was thinking of making bookmarks for my wifes pre-school at our church and selling them to raise some money for her. I looked in all my scroll saw books and couldn't find any. Anyone have a pattern with one with an ark on it and also what type of wood and thickness to use.
Thanks
Bill

[Mike Crosa]

I am sure if you look in the pattern vault you will find a few bookmarks. As for the ark look for a pattern you like, reduce it and put it on the bookmark.

[wood-n-things]

I have my best luck with 1/16" thick by 5" long by about 1 1/2-2" wide. I've seen all sizes. I think most everyone uses up their scrap lumber. I'm sure someone will be by soon who makes a ton of them and will tell you what works best for them.

[Max]

Bill,

I've made a few bookmarks and they are fun and easy. I'll attach some patterns I have, but I don't have an ark. You can easily find clipart of an ark and replace one of my pictures with an ark.

I start by cutting some hardwood blank to 2" x 6-1/2". Then I resaw them on the bandsaw to 1/16" thick. I thought this would be fragile, but they are remarkably strong. I then sand the saw marks on the belt sander using 50-, 80-, then 150-grit paper. That's the part I hate. Once they are sanded, I stack 6 to 10 at a time, wrapping them in blue painters tape. Now apply the pattern, drill blade entry holes, and cut away. From start to finish it takes less than 2 hours to complete 10 bookmarks.

I posted some pictures in my gallery. Take a look. Good luck!

[JohnB]

G'day Max,
You have some beautiful bookmarks along with your other projects. I have never made book marks, but just may have to give it a shot.

[Richard Grover]

Dan,

Those are some great patterns, but how in the world do you cut them?

Bill,

Try 1/32 airplane grade plywood. It is 3 ply and very stable. Available at Craft stores or Solan's. I have generally sized mine at 1 1/2" x 6" and you can stack 12-16 at a time. I have had people tell me that they seemed too fragile, so as I am talking to them about the book marks I pick one one and continually bang it on the edge of the table while we are talking. They are amazed that it holds up, but nothing better than a visual demonstration. I could tell them that they are strong all day long but once they see it - they believe it.

DG Dewalt 788

[sawdustus]

Bill, Wildwood, at Scroll Saw Patterns, Plans, Scrollsaw Blades, Clock Parts, Woodworking Supplies has both the patterns and 1/32" birch plywood. I usually stack cut 10 or 12 of each pattern and dip them into Watco Danish oil. They are amazingly strong but for little kids, I would not cut any with the fragile extensions that some pieces have.

Here are some examples of ones I have cut. The large bookmarks, average 6" long, and are unfinished, the small ones average 3 1/2" long, and have been dipped in Watco Medium Danish oil. The moose is too fragile for real little kids and the valentine one is probably to intricate for a little kid. I use a # 2 or #5 reverse tooth blade to cut them and give them a light sanding with a 180 grit sanding mop.

george

large bookmarks.jpg small bookmarks.jpg

[Max]

Richard,

I just cut the outline, making it a silhouette. I guess you could make them more of a portrait. Hmmm...

[Ramjet]

I think Steve Good had some on his site . scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com. Worth a look .
Roger