Soldiers coin flag 1

Comment

Comment by Benjamin Ellsworth on July 19, 2017 at 12:46am

I start off with cutting the 13 strips and lay them out for the grain and character I want for the end effect. This flag is 37" X 19.5" with each strip 1.5" wide which is asper US Mil Spec for US flags. I measure out the Union for the tightest fitting strips. I tape off the edge of the union and stain all the odd strips with Minwax water based stain "scarlett" and then re-tape to stain the Union with Minwax water based stain "True Blue". The strips are glued together and four straps are added across back. After glue removal, I have stencil sized for the Union as per US Mil Spec (you can order from TCR Engraving and Graphics if you don't want to make your own) and trace the star outlines. I use a fine engraving bit for a Dremel and then engrave the stars by hand (takes a little more than an hour due to OCD) . The coin rails are .5" thick x 1" wide with 5/8 X 1/4 grove cut via router which are glued and stapled to the appropriate stripes. With everything together I torch the entire flag to the desired distressing. 

Comment by Joseph Berger on July 18, 2017 at 10:04am

This is a great looking piece.  I think I know what I'm going to make for my son in law for Christmas!  What is the over all size of this?

Comment by Jan W. Nahorski on July 18, 2017 at 9:39am

Can you tell us what the steps were in staining/painting the various areas?  It looks like you burn't the wood to get the darker/lighter grain pattern.  Also, the stars-how did you get them so perfect? Thank You