beggining my first project

[Stanley C]

I am beginning a bust of a cowboy, my first attempt. I have the blank and it has been roughed. I am in the process of cleaning and I am concerned about taking off too much wood. Is there a rule of thumb, or a technique to use?

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Just take off what doesn't belong there!Apple

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Chances are you won't take off enough. It is the usual mistake made when first starting out.

[Mitchell]

Ed's correct. Most beginners do not take away enough wood. Specifically, they fail to make the carving "round" and leave corners, instead putting features on top of relatively flat surfaces (best way I can describe it).

As far as techniques, I don't know of any real trick that has not been covered in the tutorials and instructions posted on other threads about carving faces. Just make sure that you round the head and face to get a more realistic appearance.

[brent]

To learn, you might start out with a roughout. They really can help a beginner learn to remove enough even though a machine has done most of the waste.
That is why I use some of them.....just to learn a particular part.
FWIWWink

[Nancy-ID]

Originally Posted by Stanley C

I am beginning a bust of a cowboy, my first attempt. I have the blank and it has been roughed. I am in the process of cleaning and I am concerned about taking off too much wood. Is there a rule of thumb, or a technique to use?

Stanley, a skinny cowboy with definition and detail is going to look better than a fat one that you can't find his nose Being afraid of removing too much wood is as the others said the curse for beginners, been there done that. Go for it, even roughouts have way too much wood left on them. Try keeping in mind that carving or sculpting is the process of removing the wood that doesn't belong there. Show us photos of your progress. Have fun.

[carver6]

Stanley,
Just as the others have said you probably won't take enough off. Having said that, just remember.......You're starting wood carving at the best time of year. If you do screw it up........build a fire in the fireplace with it. There's always more wood where that came from. Wouldn't be the first to feel the heat.
Garon

[Stanley C]

Thanks everyone, I'll let you know of my progress, I am in southern ca. so no fireplace, though

[Nancy-ID]

Originally Posted by Stanley C

Thanks everyone, I'll let you know of my progress, I am in southern ca. so no fireplace, though

Stanley, where in So.CA? I lived there for 30 years, just moved to Idaho in Sept. I was in the Pioneertown area. We had a fireplace, brrrr.

[Stanley C]

Nancy-I live in the cochella valley, we have a motor coach we call home