Cut Out Blanks

[Vanmack]

I usually cut out blanks on my 9" bandsaw. Although it works ok it has its limits. Occasionally if I want to do something that is too large for my bandsaw or something like an animal that I've never done before, I will order a pre cut blank.
These blanks are usually cut to show a profile only. The "helpful drawings included" usually show only a profile too.
Now I have a profile in wood and a profile on paper. My visualization is pretty good ( I was a draftsman {manual then computer} for 30+ years), but I could still use a little more help.
If I had drawings of the side, top, and front of the animal it would be much more useful. If the guys that sell blanks could include these drawings I would surely appreciate it.
Thanks,
Van

[E George]

Van,

I first suggestion is that you contact the person or persons who produce the blanks and ask about additional views for the rough out.

I haven't used rough outs but I do use patterns from books. Before I begin a carving, even one from a pattern, I collect pictures of that animal or flower from the internet. Google has a Image search that is great for downloading images. I than group some of the images on a sheet of paper using my word processor and refer to that sheet while I'm carving.

Another technic that I have used is to make a maquette or small model from plasticine clay. I found that this helps you get the anatomy right and show where the difficult areas to carve are. This clay never hardens and can be used over again.

If you like carving animals I suggest a subscription to Zoo Books which is published by The San Diego Zoo. Though aimed at young people, it has excellent anatomy
information. Each magazine presents a specific animal or group of related animals Check it out on the internet.

And of course, if budget and space permit, get a 14" bandsaw. I started out with a small three wheeler bandsaw that finally give up the ghost.

Have fun carving.

[Coker]

Another good place to get patterns are from coloring books. I have made several carvings from them, bugs bunny, elmer fudd, tazmanian devil, and yosemite sam. They are usually small enough for a 9 inch bandsaw to handle. Plus there is not a lot of detail in the pictures, but you can add the detail that you want in your carving.

[chuckbolton]

id suggest you find the following books

HOW TO DRAW ANIMALS - Jack Hamm

AN ATLAS OF ANIMAL ANATOMY -- Ellenberger -- Baum

i think both books are in print-- but i bought mine used at abebooks.com

i live in missouri and the conservation dept produces a fanatastic monthly mag full of pictures- you might check with your local state for something similar,


good luck and have fun

[cgm]

I wood sugest google with the image setting. Or try googleing detail anatomy of what ever ur loking 4
Carl

[BeaverDon]

Originally Posted by Coker

Another good place to get patterns are from coloring books. I have made several carvings from them, bugs bunny, elmer fudd, tazmanian devil, and yosemite sam. They are usually small enough for a 9 inch bandsaw to handle. Plus there is not a lot of detail in the pictures, but you can add the detail that you want in your carving.

I was going to suggest the very same. All I would add is that there are also coloring books that have more realistic proportions. They're not all cartoons and widely available for download, so you don't have to scan things. Here are some to look into.

Animals Coloring Pages
Print N Go Coloring Book
Wild Animals Coloring Book

[chipmunk]

hi,there u may could go to the libery get some big books of pics of animals or what ever a want to carve blow it up maybe there have more then 1 veiw of them for the real big things u could use a elec chainsaw to cut away to get it down to something u could work with the elec. goes a little slower then gas just a idea!