New guy's first challenge

achaundy · #1 09-12-2007, 07:40 PM

I just started working on one of my first carvings. This is a teapot clock that was featured in Woodcarving Illustrated Magazine #39. Barry Mckenzie was the carver. I think I can do this... and hopefully it won't get all messed up.The pot is eastern pine and the face is basswood, already had some problems with the pine.

GeorgiaCarver · #2 09-12-2007, 08:28 PM

Way to go! Jump in there and just go for it. You will love this project and I am sure it will turn out well.

Keep us posted.

Greg

Thomp · #3 09-13-2007, 12:16 AM

keep them tools as sharp as you can get them and 90% of your problems will be illiminated,
the other 10% of problems is keeping your hands out of the way, and learning controll

keep them chips small...
thomas

Thor · #4 09-13-2007, 08:27 AM

That looks like you already have woodworking skills, and are just adding carving to the mix. Please show more pictures as you progress.
Thor

Just Carving · #5 09-13-2007, 09:16 AM

I find that when carving pine, it is either "heaven" or "hell" to carve. Meaning that I'll take a practice swipe at the wood, and it will either carve easily, or it will rip and the cut in the wood will begin to splinter, rip, stray or as I say "Got to all hell!". So, once you know which way the wood cuts with the best results, stay with carving in that direction--or at least keep an eye on which way the wood carves the best since the grain can change--and then you will be in "heaven" when carving pine! And isn't the smell great? LOL Enjoy!

Eddy Smiles · #6 09-13-2007, 05:26 PM

You're my hero for just trying. Don't get discouraged. I'm sure it's going to be an award winner when you're done!

achaundy · #7 09-13-2007, 07:02 PM

Thanks everone for the encourgement ! These things always look easy when someone else is doing it first.
After retirement I didn't think there would be anything left to get excited about, not true... carving is great !
Thor yes; I was a carpenter before I became a Heavy Construction Estimator.
Skip
"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."

kitaye · #8 09-14-2007, 06:19 AM

It looks good so far. Your layout lines are so neat and from the picture look crisp. How did you do that?

Are you going to make the spoon pendulum too?

achaundy · #9 09-14-2007, 09:04 AM

Kitaye

I tried to make a pattern by making a copy with heavy paper,just didn't work out. I partially cut thru the lines with exacto knife and pencled in thru the cut lines. This ended up being too sloppy. So I just put everything in with a compass.
I wish I could do my cuts as easy as it is to draw the lines. Cutting circles is very tedious. Oh well I guess a little sanding will fix it. Only have to answer to myself ha.
Yes I plan on using the spoon pendolem.

Skip

"It is impossible for a man to learn something that he thinks he already knows"

Eddy Smiles · #10 09-14-2007, 10:44 PM

Skip... That's your problem.... you were a bonified "guesstimater!" Too many WAG's! Now you have to be precise... Sorry !!! Couldn't help myself! Just trying to be cute! As I said before it looks great and by the time you get it completed, sanded and finished it's going to be a family heirloom!

P.S.... It takes one to know one!