Only the "foot" will look familiar to a sewing-machinist. The remainder of the machine has been extensively modified. In particular the bobbin mechanism has been removed and replaced with a small cam, shown left, which opposes the stroke of the chisel-shaped needle, providing resistance as the cut is made.

Gerald has modified the reciprocating mechanism to reduce the stroke of the needle so that it only just clears the top of the two-veneer pack at the top and just nicks into the cork under-mat at the bottom.

Then all that is needed is gentle pressure on the foot "throttle" and a steady hand to guide the cork pad around, always keeping the needle edge in line with the line of the cut.

After cutting right round the work piece the last few fibres are nicked through with a scalpel to release the pieces.

As both veneers are cut at the same time the "waste" pieces fit together as tightly as the work pieces.

Gerald has an ingenious way of keeping the picture tracing in register, even though it isn't attached to the work. He sticks it to the guide board (shown left) which has a raised top and left side. The cork mat is placed firmly into the guides and the tracing is therefore in register with the picture, which itself remains taped to the cork board.

The insert veneers are placed under the picture veneer for cutting.

Gerald isn't the only member that old sewing machines need to fear! Inspired by Gerald's work Ken Shemilt has also built himself a cutting engine.