Harley refsal book..confused about suggested size?

[invasion1973]

I now have a copy of Harley Refsal's book Scandinavian style wood carving. I am really pleased with this book, and cant wait to get started. My lime arrived last thursday and I have my flexcut tools

I was going to try carving Oskar Now in the text in the book it says..choose a block of basswood at least 6 1/2" x 61/2 " x 2"
Now I cant see why I need to have 6 1/2" when he is no more than 2 1/2 " across his width ??
Any reason for the size mentioned in the book ?

Also can I ask should the grain run along the length of the figure ( I assume it would ) ??

Thanks

[mdallensr]

That must be a typo. The grain nomally runs from head to foot. Mike

[invasion1973]

Thanks for that I thought that might be the case, or something I was missing lol

Thanks again
Adam

[Dileon]

books suggest a size but can reduce or add what ever size you want.

[invasion1973]

Originally Posted by Dileon

books suggest a size but can reduce or add what ever size you want.

Hi,
I realize you can scale a pattern up or down, that wasnt what I was confused about.
The fact that it states a minimum size of 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 2" that is just silly.

The pattern is in the same book and the figure is 6" tall so unless he is going to be really really..really wide 6 1/2 is way to much, and you would waste so much wood.

Must be a miss print as already said

[kevindominguez]

Originally Posted by invasion1973

I now have a copy of Harley Refsal's book Scandinavian style wood carving. I am really pleased with this book, and cant wait to get started. My lime arrived last thursday and I have my flexcut tools

I was going to try carving Oskar Now in the text in the book it says..choose a block of basswood at least 6 1/2" x 61/2 " x 2"
Now I cant see why I need to have 6 1/2" when he is no more than 2 1/2 " across his width ??
Any reason for the size mentioned in the book ?

Also can I ask should the grain run along the length of the figure ( I assume it would ) ??

Thanks

Dude, you must've missed out something there. I'm sure the book is right. I've read good reviews about the book.