Openwork saw-cut ornamental carving is perhaps the most beautiful view artistic wood processing. The cutting carving technique involves preliminary marking of a flat surface, on which patterns are subsequently cut out using a jigsaw. The result, as a rule, is beautiful openwork lace, although here everything depends only on the imagination of the master.
Unfortunately, these days many people consider it more advisable to buy a ready-made craft than to make it with their own hands. However, mass replicated production does not know such a thing as “exclusive”.
And many of us would like to put something original on our shelf that no one else has. And the most obvious way out is to make such a product yourself, which we will talk about in this article.
Jigsaw cutting technology
Probably, few people did not pick up a jigsaw during labor lessons during their school years. And those who not only held this tool, but also tried to cut something out with it, were probably convinced that it is quite difficult to achieve high-quality crafts using a hand jigsaw. Only the most diligent and assiduous manage to become true masters of their craft.
By cutting out shape templates from plywood, over time you will be able to move on to more complex patterns that will require more precision from you in your work. However, in order to learn all the intricacies of this craft, you must first master the basic principles of work.
Tools and devices that will be useful at work
- First of all, you will need the jigsaw itself.. Price of this instrument small because it has a very simple design.
It consists of the following elements:
- Frame. Made in the shape of the letter "P". It comes in both metal and wood.
Advice!
The metal frame can be tubular (tube-shaped) or plate-shaped.
A tubular frame is preferable because it ensures even tension on the file.
In addition, the length of such a frame is greater, which ensures cutting out more distant edges.
The wooden frame has a screw for fixing the saw. The metal frame has no screws.
Advice!
To ensure the quality of the metal frame, it should be tested for elasticity.
To do this, you should pull it tightly with both hands, hold it in this position for about two minutes, and then smoothly release it.
If the distance between the clamps is restored, the frame is of high quality.
- Files. Today you can find a wide variety of jigsaw files on the market, but for your work you will only need two: with a fine and a medium tooth. Fine-toothed files are used when forming small ornaments with sharp turns of lines. Coarse-toothed ones are needed for cutting carved slots, large holes, etc.
Advice!
When fixing the file on the jigsaw, make sure that the teeth “look” down.
- To adjust the part you should stock up sharp knife, as well as needle files: flat, rhombic and round.
- Wooden sawing table, strengthening of which in the workplace is carried out using a clamp. It is necessary when cutting out small ornaments.
- An awl for making punctures.
- Old copy paper(for a not too intense print) is useful when transferring the design to the surface to be processed.
- Sandpaper I drank to clean the places.
- Carpenter's glue for making crafts.
Features of cutting with a jigsaw
Carrying out sawing work is carried out in several stages:
- Templates for cutting from plywood are selected. These days you can find them anywhere: from specialized magazines to pictures, including on our website. Many craftsmen also use patterns from knitting or embroidery magazines. (see also )
- transferred to paper using carbon paper.
- Next, all the places intended for sawing are cut out in the paper pattern.
- The pattern is applied to a sheet of plywood and transferred onto it using a pencil.
- The pattern is cut out with a jigsaw.
- The product passes decorative finishing(sanded with sandpaper, opened with varnish, or assembled from several parts, etc.)
Let's get started
The following instructions will help you avoid making mistakes when cutting:
- Sawing should be started only after all the punctures have been made in the workpiece, since the workpiece will lose its strength during operation (drop-out contours are removed). A “weakened” sheet may break when punctured. Holes are pierced in all places where “closed” patterns are present.
- Punctures are made with a sharp awl. It is impossible to pierce all plywood layers at once, since in this case the bottom layer will crack. The puncture is done as follows: we make a hole so that only the tip of the awl comes out on the other side. Then we turn the sheet over, expanding the hole with opposite side.
- Sawing obtuse angles is done by turning the sheet in place. Having finished cutting to the top of the corner, stop pushing the sheet onto the file, while continuing to move the jigsaw. When you feel the file move more freely, turn the sheet in the desired direction.
- We cut out templates from plywood only when correct landing and hand placement. At improper landing The saw blade deviates from the vertical. You can check the correctness of the cut as follows: when after, insert it into place from above. If it inserts without effort, the cut is perpendicular and you are doing everything correctly.
- Sharp corners can also be sawed out, but in this case the file should be slightly pulled towards itself to avoid excessive rounding.
Conclusion
In this article we looked at the basic principles of openwork sawn carving. With this knowledge, you can, with due diligence, cut out a design of any complexity from plywood. In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic.
Similar materials
One of interesting hobbies is artistic cutting with a jigsaw. Novice craftsmen look for drawings, pictures and descriptions of them on the pages of numerous printed and electronic sources. There are artists who realize their creative ideas on plywood, drawing a picture yourself. This process is not too complicated, the main thing in the work is accuracy of actions.
Some people use this type of handmade just for fun, creating wall pictures or photo frames. Others use artistic cutting with a jigsaw according to drawings, drawings and descriptions to decorate furniture or as additional income.
Skeptics may say that with the advent of laser this type creativity is outdated. Yes, indeed, the developers of industrial lasers have greatly simplified this task by quickly performing large volumes of threads. But this is for industrial scale, maybe suitable option, and if you want to have an object in which the soul of a master, a real artist, is invested, then you will still acquire a unique thing, created in a single copy.
And besides, artistic cutting with a jigsaw according to drawings, drawings and descriptions will definitely captivate you, you only need to try it once.
Necessary materials
For such delicate and accurate work you will need good jigsaw. If you decide to speed up the process and use a jigsaw, then be prepared for the fact that it can handle radii up to 2.5 cm. Small parts will have to be completed hand tools. The saw must be mounted firmly to prevent vibration, which will lead to uneven cuts.
It is better to do artistic cutting with a jigsaw according to drawings, drawings and descriptions on plywood from 3 mm to 5 mm. This best option. It will not bend during operation. It’s better not to waste money and buy plywood good quality so as not to subsequently have problems with chips or knots found on it.
Think in advance about how you will coat the product - varnish or paint. You will also need sandpaper (coarse and fine).
Beginning of work
Having prepared necessary materials, you need to find or draw a picture on paper yourself. A vector image will do. For the first time, try something simple with slight bends.
Then take coarse sandpaper and process the material well. For convenience, use wooden block. After removing the dust with a dry cloth, treat the surface again, but this time with a fine sandpaper.
Then the drawing is transferred to the plywood with a simple pencil. The sheet of paper can be attached with thumbtacks or tape to prevent it from moving. Then the paper is removed. If necessary, correct the contours by eye.
To start artistic cutting out of plywood with a jigsaw according to drawings, drawings and descriptions, you need to drill a hole for the file. Then carefully follow the contours. Be sure to secure the plywood well.
Samples of artistic cutting with a jigsaw
Vector drawings, pictures and descriptions can be printed on a printer. If the diagram is large and divided into several A-4 sheets, then make sure that the scale is the same, then individual parts patterns will be comparable without deformation of the pattern.
If you like this type of art, then over time your home will be transformed beyond recognition. After all, with the help of a jigsaw you can beautifully decorate cabinet doors and make carved shelves. And how original a carved tabletop covered with glass will look! In private houses, craftsmen decorate shutters, window frames, roof ridge, gate, etc. And how happy your daughter will be if she makes toy furniture or a whole castle! The list can be endless, because there are no limits to human imagination.
If your new hobby is sawing out various decorative elements, burning or carving wood, then our advice would be to start with a material such as plywood.
There are several significant reasons for this:
Plywood is quite easy to work with.
If it's in your hands good tool, and you'll start with the figures small size, then making them will only take you a couple of hours.
The material is universal in use, so you can make literally anything you want from it: furniture, toys, small decorative elements.
All this can be a wonderful addition to the interior of your home.
Features of working with the material
What is a plywood sheet? It consists of several sheets of veneer, which are connected to each other using glue.
Important: plywood can be different types: based on beech, birch, pine.
Not only the quality depends on which sheet you choose. finished product, but even its structure and color.
If you are going to cut out various figures using a jigsaw, then you need to choose the highest quality types of plywood.
They are particularly durable, which guarantees that the plywood will not crack, ruining the entire appearance products at the most unpredictable moment.
If you are going to start working immediately, immediately on the day of purchase, then choose only dry sheets of wood.
They won't break the jigsaw blade every 10 minutes.
To work with plywood, you will need to acquire a number of tools.
In principle, they are always the same for all types of products, so you only need a one-time investment:
- Jigsaw
- Jigsaw files
- Hand or electric drill
- Ruler
- Grinding machine
- Burner.
Framework
If you want to beautifully decorate your home or give it to someone close to you original gift, make your own plywood frame.
The preparation process will not take you much time, because you just need to get the necessary materials.
Note!
They are standard for all cases, and we have already mentioned them before.
We will offer you master classes on light crafts made from plywood. You can make either a regular straight frame or plan various patterns and figures on it.
First you need to make a template, and after that you can cut it out, trace the contours with a pencil on the plywood and begin the manufacturing process.
This stage is not only the most responsible, but also the most exciting. If you put a piece of your soul into your work, everything will definitely work out. The finished structure must be opened with varnish. Ready!
Doll furniture
This task will be a real test for parents.
Note!
The so-called test of acquired design skills.
Feature of creation doll furniture is that children do not tolerate falsehood at all.
If they see that the furniture is not worked out in detail, but instead kitchen stove If you brought an ordinary rectangular block for your favorite doll, then you simply cannot avoid serious insults and childhood disappointments.
The second feature of making such a craft from plywood using a jigsaw is that all this furniture must be carefully worked out with sandpaper or a grinding machine.
Your child will constantly come into contact with these self-made toys, and if the edges are poorly processed, they may get hurt.
Note!
Well, the last feature of crafts made from plywood and the house is that the materials for such furniture must be absolutely non-toxic and normal for constant contact with the child, because he can drag it into his mouth or take it to bed with him.
This is not a simple applique or paper craft, so you need to take the matter seriously, following a whole list of actions that need to be completed.
Carrying out work from plywood
How simple furniture is made in detail, and then assembled into one piece of furniture, so do-it-yourself plywood crafts should be done separately.
To do this, first of all, prepare special drawings of plywood crafts, on which you will specify the dimensions of all parts and their fastenings.
Take a ready-made plywood sheet and attach a paper part template to it.
Trace the part with a pencil and plan out the outline with a jigsaw.
After this, each part must be cleaned with sandpaper or a grinding machine and only then the piece of furniture must be assembled.
When you are done with the entire set, open it with varnish.
Below are provided different variants and photos of plywood crafts. Choose the one you like.
Photos of plywood crafts
Plywood is a very accessible, relatively inexpensive material for various crafts. Things made from it can have not only decorative value, but also be useful in our Everyday life, at home.
Plywood is an easily processed building material, which is produced by gluing together several layers of veneer and specially treated wood chips.
Introduction
These sheets, which can be used for making crafts and structures, may differ:
- number of layers of veneer - three-layer, five-layer and multi-layer;
- the type of wood from which the multilayer sheet is made (deciduous or coniferous);
- according to the degree of processing (polished on one or both sides, not polished).
Building codes and standards
To learn more about the subject in question building material(on the classification of the entire plywood nomenclature, grade, standard sizes produced), which can be purchased for the manufacture of many products and crafts, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the following documents:
- GOST 3916.1-96 “Plywood general purpose with outer layers of hardwood veneer.”
- GOST 3916.2-96 “General purpose plywood with outer layers of softwood veneer.”
Schemes, drawings and patterns for products made from plywood sheets
Computer drawing programs
Today you can easily find a diagram, a pattern of a plywood structure, so that later with the help of systems computer-aided design prepare any drawing (including the above cat pattern). Next, use a plotter to display paper sheet required format.
Popular drawing programs are the easiest to learn and can be used in 2D and 3D modeling, including for plywood structures:
- "KOMPAS" - complex automated systems, with the possibility of drawing up drawings in accordance with the standards of the ESKDI and SPDS series;
- AutoCAD is a two- and three-dimensional computer-aided design and drawing system.
So, if you cannot find a detailed drawing of the plywood product you need, then the application capabilities of the given software will help you make a full-fledged drawing using any diagrams and patterns posted on the Internet.
Kayak
The price of the construction plywood from which the kayak is made is simply incommensurate with the pleasure that the person who made it with his own hands and who loves rowing boats will receive. 
The Eskimo kayak is the same kayak among the Aleuts - a traditional rowing boat of the Arctic peoples. This boat can be single, double or triple. Let's post drawings of a plywood kayak for one person. 
Construction algorithm rowing boat made from plywood sheets is, in principle, general, with the exception of some nuances. Step by step order Actions for cutting, processing and assembling a kayak can be seen in the video in this article.
Plywood table - simple and functional
Clear drawings of a plywood table with your own hands, which will be easy to implement even for a person without special carpentry skills and experience. 
Table cover (1 sheet) - 1300 x 600 x 16 (mm) 
Inner wall (1 sheet) - 1170 x 400 x 16 (mm) 
Plywood constructor
Various plywood construction kit drawings are now gaining more and more popularity. Assembling such models from safe material A very useful activity for children and teenagers. Such crafts will become good examples of collections and will decorate the modellers' corner.
Tank
The stages of work on installing a tank model are as follows:
- The plywood is sanded (first with medium-grain sandpaper and then with fine-grain sandpaper);
- The drawings are carefully transferred through carbon paper onto sheet plywood material sanded with fine-grained abrasive.
- In the corners of the contour transfer, through holes are drilled with a drill (drill 3 mm or more);
- Attach the file to the jigsaw and start cutting out the elements of the tank;
Note!
Cutting out parts must begin inside the contours of the tank blanks, and only then around the office itself.
Advice!
When assembling plywood assemblies, have models at hand Various types needle files to fit the elements to each other at any time.
- After adjusting all the parts, you can start gluing them (for example, with PVA glue, “Titan”);
Advice!
In order for the components and elements of the tank to grip each other more firmly and reliably, you can tie them with thread or rope for a while after gluing them.
- A cannon can be made by cutting wooden handle brushes for watercolor paint or other auxiliary material;
- If desired, you can apply a side number or other inscriptions and patterns to a tank, or any other model, using an electric burner;
- For greater preservation and decoration of the model, they can be coated with varnishes and paints.
Car – retro (old Mercedes)
Note!
When you transfer these drawings of a plywood machine with your own hands onto the plywood sheets themselves, do not forget to transfer the numbers.
When assembling the model itself, look carefully at the numbers.
In this case, the process is carried out according to the following algorithm, in accordance with digital notations:
- the part or assembly numbered 1 must be connected to another number 1;
- and part number 2 is attached accordingly to the next number 2 and so on until the machine is assembled.
Gun
Drawings of a pistol made of plywood model "Bulldog". When assembling, we follow the same rules as when assembling a machine: the same numbers must be mounted with each other. 
Advice!
This model of pistol is best coated from a bottle of spray paint; for a better resemblance to the original, layers of black paint can be applied.
Dinosaur
When designing, drawings of plywood dinosaurs, for example, those presented below, can be made in any scale you need according to the presented pattern in a drawing program for a computer.
Preparing the material, model elements and the assembly itself is not difficult, but you will have to have some patience when working with a jigsaw and adjusting the model components to each other. 
Napkin holder – “Grape leaves”
This item is in the form grape leaves will always come in handy household for its intended purpose - for napkins, and for storing, for example, sheets of paper of the selected format: 
Vase, stand for pencils, pens, brushes
Drawings of a plywood vase, from which you can easily cut out a craft of the size you need: 
Plywood panel
It is the ease and simplicity of cutting out plywood sheets of various configurations with a jigsaw with different sizes, installation of them various designs, allows you to perform a variety of decorative panels for the walls of our home. Any panel made carefully is an excellent gift for family and friends. 
Drawings of a plywood panel, which also serves as a shelf in the household: 
Some useful tips and warnings:
- When transferring patterns and drawings onto plywood, use the thinnest and sharpest pencil lead. It's even better to use a used ballpoint pen, then the lines will always be the same and the copy paper won't be torn by the ballpoint. It is convenient to transfer drawings to plywood using a laser printer.
- For better fastening parts, where possible, it is recommended that the width of the grooves correspond to .
- There are two types of files with large and small teeth. It is more convenient for beginners to learn how to use a thick file, and cut out small parts with a thin file, already having some experience and skills in using a jigsaw.
- The files must cut from top to bottom, so pay special attention to the correct fastening of the file in the jigsaw.
- Files can easily break, so cut carefully and do not allow parts to hang on the saw blade.
- When purchasing a file, make sure that the teeth are sharp, and that the file itself should not bend easily, but rather be firm. It’s not the flat ones that are easy to use, but the so-called “twisted” files – they can be used to make cuts in any direction.
- For those whose cutting of structures from plywood sheets is a hobby, there is no need to purchase band saw, just buy a jigsaw. Although everyone is an amateur, some craftsmen still often resort to a hand jigsaw when they “need to get a feel for the material.”
conclusions
- Before choosing, purchasing and directly working with the material from which you will cut models, panels, construction kits and structures, familiarize yourself with its types, classification according to construction documents(GOST).
- For sawing, purchase quality tool, equipment and accessories for it.
- Take a responsible approach to choosing high-quality plywood. Do not limit yourself to a visual inspection, tap it for internal voids and delaminations due to poor gluing of the veneer layers.
- Before working with a jigsaw, optimally equip your workplace. Special attention Give it good lighting so that the cut and markings are clearly visible and your eyes don’t get tired. It’s not a bad idea to use a strobe light to illuminate the area where you’re working with a jigsaw. Convenient and comfortable sawing!
First of all, you should properly organize your workspace. Despite the apparent formality, this is quite important condition. A properly equipped place provides not only comfort and convenience, which is important when working for long hours with a hand jigsaw, but also directly affects the quality of the project being implemented.
A special machine-table is used as a thrust structure, behind which the name “dovetail” is assigned. It is a small rectangular board with a wedge-shaped cutout that turns into a working field for sawing. Dovetail attached to the edge of a table or workbench using a clamp.
They work with a hand jigsaw while sitting or standing, placing the workpiece for cutting at a level of 30-40 cm from the eyes. The light source is placed in front at an angle to the working plane. Compliance with these rules will allow you to control the cutting line as accurately as possible, thereby improving the quality of the cut project.
Which jigsaw should you choose?
Despite the simplicity of their design, modern manual jigsaws have a number of features that you should pay attention to when choosing. It is better to avoid models with a frame made of sheet iron and choose a jigsaw made from metal tube. This option provides better tension on the blade and eliminates its distortion, so the file will not “lead” during operation.
The file is fixed in the frame by tightening the upper and lower wing nuts. When choosing a jigsaw, pay attention that it is equipped with blades made of high-quality steel with wide ears. This will significantly increase the ease of use of the tool during work.
How to properly prepare a tool for use?
The file in the jigsaw is fixed strictly vertically, with the teeth down. The canvas must be stretched. The degree of tension is regulated by compressing the frame: the tool is rested against the edge of the table or squeezed by hand, after which the wings are tightened, if necessary, tightening them with pliers. By straightening, the frame will ensure proper tension on the canvas.
To cut out small parts, figures with sharp contours and complex wood patterns with a hand jigsaw, small files with a large number of teeth per inch are used. They do not jam when turning, creating a thin and neat cut without leaving chips. To create large plywood products and long straight cuts, blades with large teeth are used, which cut much faster.
Let's get down to business. How to cut out plywood and wood with a jigsaw?
To get an accurate and neat cutting line, you should follow a number of basic rules:
- The hand with the jigsaw should only perform vertical movements.
- Up and down movements are made without sudden jerks and with maximum amplitude in order to use the entire working length of the blade.
- The second hand smoothly turns and moves the workpiece during the sawing process.
- There is no need to press the file onto the workpiece or apply lateral pressure to the blade.
- Sawing occurs only at the moment when the file moves from top to bottom, so the reverse movement should be performed freely without pressure.
When working with a hand jigsaw, it is guided not along the line of the pattern, but along inside contour, since even the thinnest blade leaves a cut, the width of which should be taken into account. This is especially important when cutting out products with precise fitting of elements, for example, or.
When you're done, don't forget to loosen one of the clamps so that the jigsaw frame doesn't lose its elasticity.
What about practicing basic techniques?
The most intricate patterns are always based on a number of basic shapes and elements, after working on which you will be prepared to carry out complex projects. It is advisable to do this on thin plywood up to 3 mm thick.
Obtuse and right angles : the jigsaw moves smoothly without pressing on the workpiece, as if idling; at this time, the second hand slowly turns the wooden piece to the desired angle.
Inner circular outline : to do this, a small hole is drilled in the inside of the figure through which a file is passed. When cutting a circle, the cutting line is drawn along inner contour drawing. The stroke of the tool should be of medium intensity; the workpiece unfolds in proportion to the movements of the jigsaw.
Oval outline : when cutting out such a figure, increase the stroke of the jigsaw in steep areas, turning the workpiece faster in this place.
Sharp corners: a neat sharp angle without chips or other defects is obtained by bringing two cuts together.
Advice! When sawing out complex openwork patterns, start working from the center of the wooden workpiece, evenly moving towards the periphery. This will significantly simplify the cutting process and avoid breakage of the fragile work at the finishing stage.
You have gotten a good feel for the jigsaw, have achieved smooth movement and are maintaining a neat cutting line, but then the movement of the tool becomes difficult and the file jams in the workpiece. This is a typical situation that arises when carving plywood with a hand jigsaw. It happens for the following reasons:
- Overheating of the file - when long work the canvas expands due to heating. To avoid such situations, take short breaks or periodically wipe the canvas with a damp cloth.
- Features of wooden blanks. The movement of the jigsaw may be difficult due to the fact that the file has run into a denser area: a knot, a lump of glue in plywood, etc.
- On long cuts, the saw blade can become pinched between two nearly separated pieces of plywood. You can continue sawing comfortably by pinning the separated ends together with a clothespin.
What kind of plywood is needed for cutting with a jigsaw?
Practice shows that best material for working with a hand jigsaw - birch plywood with a thickness of 2 to 8 mm. It is affordable, easy to use and highly durable.
To create small details or "dense" openwork pattern It is more appropriate to use three-layer plywood up to 3 mm thick. It is easy to saw and at the same time quite durable. The likelihood that you will spoil the sawn curl when the blade jams again is significantly lower.
When choosing material for crafts, pay attention to the fact that the plywood is smooth and without large quantity knots. Examine the end for presence air chambers, their presence indicates uneven application of the glue. It is better to refuse such low-grade plywood, otherwise you will not avoid a large number of chips that will spoil the appearance of the product.
What if you use wooden blanks?
For all its practicality, plywood does not have such an expressive texture as board. By sawing projects from planks, you can take advantage of these advantages: play on the difference in colors and shades, the orientation of wood fibers (as in intarsia), etc. Crafts made from wood have a more attractive end (without a layered structure like plywood) and are much easier to treat with a finishing compound.
For sawing with a hand jigsaw, workpieces from soft and hard rocks up to 10 mm thick are used. When choosing a material, give preference to tangential cut boards. Blanks radial cut use is not recommended, because they have parallel located tree rings, which, due to their hardness, will lead the jigsaw away when sawing.
What to do if chips keep appearing?
The number and size of chips depend on the type of plywood used, the quality of the blade and how correctly the master saws. A few tips and professional tricks will help you cut with a hand jigsaw without chipping:
- using low-quality plywood that is prone to chipping, saw more intensively, installing blades with fine teeth;
- use a saw blade with a reverse (reverse) tooth, designed to minimize chipping.
- glue the cut lines on the back side with tape or masking tape;
- moisten the back of the workpiece.
How to transfer a diagram to a wooden piece?
There are several convenient options transferring the printed drawing onto a wooden base:
- using carbon paper and redrawing the template by hand;
- gluing the sheet with double-sided tape;
- gluing the picture onto glue, the remnants of which are rubbed off with sandpaper at the finishing stage.