First Ball in a Cage

[Dicky]

Lookin' good. Keep at it and in no time you'll be putting four balls in a cage. Just take it slow one little chip at a time.

[mikeg]

It looks like you're off to a reasonable start. Make sure you keep your knife sharp! That makes a big difference.

mikeg

[R-OLDS]

I've seen some great carvings done with only a knife so it can be done, just keep it SHARP as this helps alot..

[vacation212]

You are doing good.Try to stay inside the line[s]

[blueskat]

Thanks for the tips & encouragment everyone !

Started last night to carve away bits of the edges that will eventually form the ball.

[gene-messer]

So far so good .. keep it up .. your following your pattern very well

Gene

[CuttinUp]

Looks good so far. Carved a few of those myself using the same type of knife. Gotta keep it sharp...Usually from the factory, the angle at the blade is too steep. I modified my blade angle (redefined it) to a more shallow angle and the knife cuts much better. Keep up the good work and keep us posted...

Just my $0.02

[pallin]

You're off to a good start. At the risk of confusing you, I've included a link to a photo in my gallery: This one is carved of butternut.

Ball in Cage - Wood Carving Illustrated Photo Gallery

I usually bore through the blank at both ends and in both directions. Then I leave those curved openings as part of the ends. You can also embellish the corner posts and the ends. I like to leave the ball loose but tight enough to "stick" in the middle. It emphasizes the "ball-in-cage" aspect.

[rbtjawjaboy]

ok i've heard so many stories about the ball n cage but never seen one does the ball actually move? i want to take a go at this tonight. i just started carving a few months ago and really love it already i've done 2 mountain men but want a new challenge

[jmischel]

The ball does indeed move in the cage. There are several sites online that tell how to do it. Here's a reasonably good one.

How to Whittle a Ball in a Cage (with pictures) - wikiHow