Making A Cutaway

Creating the Cutaways

How does the submarine that compiled one of the most outstanding US submarine records of World War II and the most heavily damaged of all the vessels in Battleship row become a cutaway? The creation of our cutaway begins with locating original design materials for the world's most significant artifacts and monuments.

Original construction blueprints, photographs, deck plans, books, and even advertising brochures are used to guarantee the accuracy of each cutaway. Over the years, we have collected an enormous variety of research materials which are used in the design of each item. Of course, additional research and reading add to the accuracy of the final three-dimensional cutaway.

The Design

Approximately two months is then devoted to drawing the original multi-layer template for each item. Once the design work is complete, a computer-controlled laser is then used to cut and mark specially selected layers of basswood. After we cut each layer, it is cleaned and carefully mounted to the baltic blue matte board. A total of six layers of basswood are hand-assembled for each cutaway. When the cutaway is complete, it is then sealed behind glass in a cherry finish hardwood frame.

For those that choose the brass or silver finish option, the basswood has an engraving finish (2-ply film/ metal finish) we apply to the wood before being cut. After we cut each layer, it is cleaned and carefully mounted to the black matte board. A total of six layers of basswood are hand-assembled for each cutaway. When the cutaway is complete, it is then sealed behind glass in a black hardwood frame which gives a contemporary look.