[Thomp]

I dont care what folks say, its not easy to catch all this carving biz by looking at it.

to be safe remember a bandsaw pulls the stock downards to the table. whether your cutting flat or round stock. Although, roundstock will pinch the blade kink it throw it off the tires or break the blade so we cut it in a v cradle.

same goes for cutting out patterns from blocks, put your pattern on 2 sides of the block, a front side and a side view.
insure the patterns side and front align in heigth on the blocks by checking that nose ear chin eyes and top of head ate on simular planes across the blocks.

cut out one view.
then re-assemble all the scraps and the pattern into the block and package tape it all back togather, making a solid as possible block that will cradle the pattern you just cut out.
turn in for the side view and cut it out as before. but of the bundle of scraps break apart, reassemble the bundle as soon as you can to be safe.
finish up the sideview and your done.

here is a better idea in picture and text i did hope it works for ya.
http://picasaweb.google.com/thomp51L...nAndCuttingOut

[tucker1931]

Thomp, thanks so much for the excellent pix and tutorial. The only difference between yours and Leclairs, he suggests to keep it in one piece and stop cut every once in a while rather than taping it together. However, I do like your idea better. Thanks again.
Cliff

[Thomp]

this might be the long version on things already covered but...

only problem with not completely cutting through, is if you don't turn off the bandsaw while backing the blade out of the cut its liable to pull the blade off the tires and cause other problems like the teeth raking on the project or breaking the blade, if you was to do it running..

if your using clear tape it won't hinder you in seeing the pattern, its cheap, but you need to turn off the saw anytime your making any adjustments to the block or pattern just to keep it safe.

the 4 sided patterns are used mostly for when your carving so you don't have to guess where to put the ear on the other side, leg position or other hand - arm position,

because your only winding up with a front and side profile outline, you still need the patterns so you can redraw the features back on the project.. keep them visible while carving and refer to it often ...

beside interrupting the pattern to the project block - rough sawn project,
unless otherwise instructed as which step to take or sequence of carving you will have to discover how deep to cut and where, leaving room for cheeks nose mouth chin waddles and other things that if left unplanned for you will remove too much wood to make them effective in the scale you have cut out...

i always cut bigger than the pattern, by 1/8" on big things or 1/16" inch on mini's...
this allows some room for mistakes like the project inside the block shifting unseen.
and it gives you leeway to remove all the saw marks.

if you break it down , using a duplicator, scrollsaw bandsaw or chisel and mallet is just a way to remove bulk stock and get to the carving faster...

[Ashbys]

Good and not a dumb one it is asked a lot.

Welocme to the fourm

Ash

[gene messer]

Thanks for the ideas Thomas .. You said it about the best anyone could have ..

Gene

[tucker1931]

Thomp, thank you so very much, all of you're suggestions have been taken to heart and I truly appreciate your input. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving here in Canada this weekend and I shall give my family a thanks to you minute before our dinner.