Over 22 million tourists have taken to the skies this summer in search of wanderlust and adventure. No travel plans yet? You don’t have to board a plane to ignite your adventurous spirit. Scratch the travel bug itch and make this dreamy scroll saw wooden puzzle of one of the most elegant air transportation modes. It’s satisfyingly simplistic upside-down teardrop profile pattern makes for great beginner cuts. As for more advanced scrollers, the pattern can easily be modified for a more challenging cut.

Getting Started

Tools

• Scroll saw blades:

#5 or #7 reverse-tooth

• Sander: orbital

• Woodburner with nib:

writing (optional)

Preparation

1. Print or photocopy the pattern (see above)

2. Sand the wooden pine blanks with 80-grit sandpaper, and cover the surfaces with blue painter’s tape.

3. Use a spray adhesive to secure the pattern to the tape.

PRO TIP: Be mindful of the grain! For this project, it should flow vertically.  

Cutting & Sanding

1. Start by cutting the outside shapes of each puzzle piece, then work your way through the rest of the cuts. 

2. When all pieces are cut, remove the pattern reassemble the puzzle, and sand the fronts and backs using an orbital sander. 

3. The edges should be sanded by hand, starting at 80 grit and moving up progressively through the grits until you reach 220.

PRO TIP: Struggling to cut the thinner lines? Use a woodburner. 

Finishing

1. Stain as desired; the above puzzle consists of several shades of Minwax.

2. When all the pieces are dry, apply a clear gloss finish.

For more articles like this, subscribe to Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Magazine. 

Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Magazine is published quarterly for both subscribers and newsstand readers. The editorial team passionately searches for and features interesting and creative scroll saw artists, projects, and techniques. Each issue includes inspiring feature articles and galleries showing artists stretching the art of scroll sawing, comprehensive step-by-step articles outlining the steps to recreate a project, pattern profiles to inspire more experienced readers, and reviews of the newest and most useful tools