[tucker1931]

Please don't laugh people, but, as you know I'm new to this and I really am stuck.I have Pete Leclairs books here and want to do a caricature in the worst way. QUESTION is....I have a front view and a side view. Do I trace on all 4 sides? I've tried cutting (band saw) (after damn near cutting my thumb off 3 weeks ago) and by cutting two sides it just doesn't make sense to me. What am I missing? Please....all replies are welcome. It seems, in my case anyway, the older ya get the smarter ya get, wrong, the older I get the thicker I get (smile)

[mikeg]

Nope, you only need to do one side and the front or back. Once you cut out the side and the front, you'll have shaped all 4 sides.

Which of Pete's books are you using? I know he has at least 3 out. If you want to skip cutting out a blank, get his "Caricature Carving from Scratch". You start with a rectangular piece of wood and start carving.

mikeg

[Mitchell]

it may be easier to get it right if you only cut out one side and then work the other side down with a knife or gouge. If you don't (can't) align the two sides (front and side) up correctly, you will not be able to duplicate what you are trying to carve.

[tucker1931]

Thanks Mitchell, I have his, Head and Faces and his Busts, and I just bought Caricature Carvers showcase yesterday. Thanks for the info you passed on I sure appreciate it.

[Robert Cahill]

Originally Posted by tucker1931

Please don't laugh people, but, as you know I'm new to this and I really am stuck.I have Pete Leclairs books here and want to do a caricature in the worst way. QUESTION is....I have a front view and a side view. Do I trace on all 4 sides? I've tried cutting (band saw) (after damn near cutting my thumb off 3 weeks ago) and by cutting two sides it just doesn't make sense to me. What am I missing? Please....all replies are welcome. It seems, in my case anyway, the older ya get the smarter ya get, wrong, the older I get the thicker I get (smile)

Too bad I don't have a digital camera, My caricatures are done in the worst way.

[gene messer]

Tucker .. I have never had much luck in cutting the side view and then drawing and cutting the front view .. I usually end up cutting off too much ..

So like Mitch said .. I usually cut the side view and form the front with my knife ..

That's only the best way for me . but Iam sure others might do it different ..

Gene

[tucker1931]

Gene, maybe I'm gonna try it that way as well. I however did discover where some of my problem may have been. I'm using a new band saw (actually my first ever in all my years, the one I damn near cut my thumb off with) and now that my thumb is finally better I got the book out and found a possible reason why they weren't cutting right. There's a wheel on the top that the blade rides on, now I discover there's also one on the bottom as well and it was no where near the blade. Tomorrow I'll try another and just maybe the problem will be solved and things will match up. Thanks for your tip.

[gene messer]

Tucker .. Please read the instruction manuel carefully on the saw .. I own a 14 inch Delta and it sounds like you didnt have the saw blade true that it would ride in the middle of the two pulley wheels .. or the tension on the blade wasnt tight enough ..

A bandsaw is a great tool . but it takes time to set up and follow your owners manuel carefully .. Even though it's a great tool .. it will also take a finger off in a second if you not experienced with one ...

Iam not trying to scare you or make you feel uncomfortable .. but i have been working with bandsaws since I was 15 years old and I still respect them each time I cut with them ... I have had blades break on me and a number of things happen .. but if you always respect them and are careful .. your do fine ..

God Bless

Gene

[North Wind]

In Pete LeClairs book carving caricature heads and faces on pages 4,5and 6 he shows you how to do it with the band saw and for PETES sake BE CAREFUL.

[North Wind]

To add to what Gene said be sure you have the blade guides adjusted properly.