Split the line

[dgman]

When I'm cutting fret work I like to split the line. That is I cut down the middle of the line.
How about you? Do you split the line or do you cut to the outside of the line or to the inside of the line?

[boxmaker]

If I am cutting just a line I will cut right down the middle, but If it looks like I am going to be close to an open area on the pattern I tend to steer to whatever side of the line to give me a little more material between my line and the open area. If that makes any sense.

[sp_343]

I go right down the line.  I think of the blade as an eraser cutting away the line.

[MadHatter]

i cut mine the same way as boxmaker. but remember even if you do stray off the line, noone will actually know unless you point it out to them. it is easy to be your own worst critic though, at least it is for me.

[Rapid Roger]

I try to get close to the line but, it doesn't always work. 
I have cut patterns where I took a ballpoint pen and changed the lines to some degree just because I thought it looked better than the orginal pattern.
The scrollsaw police hardly ever notice. 

Rog

[northie66]

I do same as boxmaker... but i also do what rapid roger does and manipulate the pattern.

[Russ C]

I cut down the middle of the line. In construction I have always cut to the right side leaving the line. Makeing the piece just a little tiny bigger. 

[Rightarm]

    On the line, unless I see that I need to leave a little more wood for support. Dave

[GrayBeard]

I am SHOCKED!
Manipulate the pattern?!?!?!?
I thought I was the ONLY one who did that!!!!
AND I also leave a little extra when I think it will help strengthen an area.
Others do that also?
I thought I invented all those tricks!

~~~GrayBeard~~~

[JohnS]

We're s'posed to follow the lines?  No wonder most of my stuff looks so funky.

[GrayBeard]

Sort of like 'cooking'!
A recipe is a great starting point but to make it YOURS you have to improvise a little!

[daneklund]

I also always try to split the line.  It is really necessary to get good tight fits when doing intarsia.  Sometimes that is much easier to say than to actually have happen.