My 3rd project - Enlow's Missouri Mule

[Patrick]

Well, here we go with my third project which is Enlow’s Missouri Mule.

As I started the carve it was going slow but fairly well when I began to struggle with the knife as I tried to reduce the neck area into the head and shoulders. At that point I decided to try a new Drake tool I received, a #2 sweep fishtail. I liked it and it seemed to get me moving again. I know you more experienced folks are probably smiling and maybe one of these days I too will be more adapt with the knife, at least I hope so.

Anyway, off and running and enjoying another attempt at improving the carving skills. Fingers crossed. Please jump in with any suggestions or pokes in the eye.

Pat

P.S. I also received a Drake #3 sweep bent gouge which I used to help with defining the mane. Both tools had great edges on them.

[tnartist05]

Hes looking good already!! Will keep ckn on this old ginny.

Forrest

[Claude]

Looks like a good start, Pat. I can't tell from the photo, but hopefully the grain is running up and down through the legs. If not, and one breaks, don't give up and throw the mule away. Just use some white glue or the yellow carpenter's glue. Give it a few hours to dry, and continue carving. A tip: assuming the legs are cross grain and delicate, where possible, carve toward the body on the leg, and not toward the hoof. Also, sharp sharp knife and take little chips and you should have no problem with breakage.

Claude

[Patrick]

Hi Forrest,

Good to see you and thanks for checking on the old ginny.

My grand mother would have been interested in this one I think. Somewhere in my old Kodachrome slides I have a picture of her riding her mule Judy side saddle. She knew something about those kind of things being a Tennessee girl. Light years ago in another time.

Pat

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by Claude

Looks like a good start, Pat. I can't tell from the photo, but hopefully the grain is running up and down through the legs. If not, and one breaks, don't give up and throw the mule away. Just use some white glue or the yellow carpenter's glue. Give it a few hours to dry, and continue carving. A tip: assuming the legs are cross grain and delicate, where possible, carve toward the body on the leg, and not toward the hoof. Also, sharp sharp knife and take little chips and you should have no problem with breakage.

Claude

Thanks for that heads up Claude I really appreciate it. I did block the mule out so the grain is running up and down through the legs. Enlow made a pointed comment in his book to do that. I'm sure cross grain in the legs and ears would have been an ugly thing to deal with.

Thanks again for pointing that out and the fix and encouragement in case of one of my blunders.

Man, this stuff is fun but then I don't have to tell you all that.

Pat

[Mark N. Akers]

Patrick:
Very nice start, keep up the pictures, would love to see the progress.

[gene-messer]

Looks like a great start Patrick .. keep it up

Gene

[Mark Dellinger]

Patrick,
You seem to be on a pretty good roll. Keep the good work.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Old Codger]

Patrick looks like it's going to be a fun project! Besure and keep us posted on your progress...I haven't tackled one like that, so will be interested in how you do and any problems/questions you run into... Don't you just love the Drake tools! I have several of his knives and bought Pfeil gouges and now wish I had bought Drakes...oh well...I'll just have to buy some of his! Ha! Again, good luck and safe carving!
Kenn

[Patrick]

Mark Akers, Gene, Mark Dillinger, and Kenn,

Thanks very much gents for your encouragement. Good to have you all checking out the progress and be sure to add any suggestions you like. The old Mk. I computer is trying to be a sponge and sop-up all it can from this talented gathering of folks.

Note on the Drake tools: Not having any experience with carving tools before so hard for me to judge how they compare with other brands but I’ve got to say I really like these gouges. I can see more in the future. Now to learn to put them to the strop.

Go for it Kenn, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed at all.

Pat

P.S. To Claude: Thanks for the tip too. That one’s been running through the gray matter since yesterday evening. Even woke up thinking about it. It makes a lot of sense.