Jack even with 20/20 vision you will need magnifying help, I use an Opti-visor, and some sort of oblique light on the subject I am working on. I would suggest starting with 20-22 lpi, get 2 handles, a single line cutter and a Left or right single line spacer, it's a pain having to change cutters all the time. I am right-handed and spacing to the left seems to work best for me, that way I can see what the cutter is doing. Start with just a simple diamond layout on a flat surface, 2 1/2 or 3 to 1 ratio looks best to me. An old stock is good for practice on the sides, if you can find one that is english walnut you will see that it cuts the cleanest. Space the pattern one direction, one line at a time, don't cut the next line until you are happy with the line you are working on, then finish the pattern the other direction. Next go over the pattern with the single line cutter, it may take several passes to finish it. you will find that cutting over a curved surface is more difficult as you must pay attention to the spacing at all times. just remember that the lines should be straight and parallel and the diamonds the same size. It gets easier with practice, trust me!!
Jim
