Cottage Clock-Cutting the Crest Outline

....and finishing with a little sanding. 

I use the fine/medium sanding blocks found at the local wal-mart.  They run around $2 each, so are inexpensive and are also re-usable.  Be careful if you use them around the scrollsaw table.  The grit particles come off and may scratch the table or your next piece if you don't sweep them off.

Higher quality blocks have a coating that is supposed to not clog with dust as easily; also the grit doesn't come off as easily.  They are a little more expensive.

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 Now we need to peel off the pattern. It will usually lift easily, leaving some paper where the adhesive adhered more.  Since I did this cut-out over a week, the adhesive had time to get stronger (like that masking tape you left on too long).  This is still not a problem, as the adhesive is easy to remove with mineral spirits.  

Since I put tape on top of the pattern, it is important to get most of it off prior to using the mineral spirits.  This will make it soak through the paper much faster.
I use the cheap stuff by the gallon.  For a little more money you can get the scentless stuff; the regular doesn't bother me that much.  You will want to do this in a more ventilated area though.

I soak a paper towel and rub it over the paper.  If the pattern doesn't come off right away (it usually won't), I'll then leave the unfolded towel over it. In a few minutes the pattern will lift right off.  Then refold the towel, re-wet it if necessary, and remove the last traces of adhesive from the crest.

Use the sanding blocks (Medium, then fine; I also use an extra fine 320 grit) and go over both sides of both blanks.

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The cutting is done.  Next step: finishing.

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