With the body pretty much complete it's time to start working on the head. I use a 2" thick piece of wood with the grain running as indicated in the photo. We're on the downhill stretch with the horse but we still have a ways to go before we start looking for a rider.
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There are 28 new photos in the associated Gallery album along with comments. If you have any questions or comments just drop me a note.
Lynn, looking good, as always. When you order your basswood are there certain sizes you order to simplfy your type of work, or do you just basically order small boards? If sizes, what are most frequently purchased?
ReplyDeleteRon
Ron. I keep a wide selection of wood on hand from 1/2" up to 4" thick. The half inch I use mostly for bases. 1" stock is great for making animals split down the middle. 2" is good for a general sized figures but I prefer 3" for the larger size that I usually make. I probably use it all pretty equally.
ReplyDeleteI buy all my wood from Heineke now as it's consistantly of the highest quality.
Hello Lynn, sorry to hear about Ron B as well.
ReplyDeleteHave a question for you. I'm nearing the end of my first project and was wondering how you get yours to look so smooth and uniform. Mine seems to be covered with rough edges that need sanding or something. Do you sand your carvings or is the smoothness you display simply from patience, skill, sharp tools, and a lifetime of prctice? Thanks very much.
TomG
TomG...Thanks for the note. I use a Sand-O-Flex wheel as the final step prior to painting. It knocks off the sharp edges of the individual chips so the carving has a softer look to it. And, as most handling dirt is on that sharp edge it cleans up the carving at the same time. Here is the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.meritindustries.com/mstools.htm
I use a very fine 320 grit abrasive. My wheel is mounted on an old 1725rpm motor I have clamped down to my workbench.
Lynn, Thanks for a great project! Been watching since inception and have again picked up a few more bits of great information which you kindly share. Looking forward to the mounting of the cowboy on the horse. Thanks again,
ReplyDeleteJim OH
Great! Thanks for the info and the link Lynn.
ReplyDeleteTom G