How to attach a carving to the base

[carving farmer]

Hello: I just finished a carving for my son for his high school graduation present. He is an avid hunter so I made a hunter based on one of Harley Refsals patterns of a duck hunter holding a shotgun with two decoys all on a flat base that is painted to look like water and mud. What is the best way to attach the hunter and the decoys to the base so the parts dont get separated? The decoys could be easily glued on but I dont see how glue would be very good for attaching the hunters boots to the base. There isnt much surface area for the glue to work on considering the size, about 10 inches high, of the hunter. Thanks in advance. Jared

[mwilleson]

Jared,

You can check out Lynn's Blog to see how he attaches his characters to their bases. Here's a link directly to the photo portion that shows his technique:

http://outwestgallery.com/gallery/beans15

[Ron Davidson]

How about drilling small holes up into the feet and the base and use small dowel pins or even wooden toothpicks. Or better yet talk to Lynn he's the expert!

[Ashbys]

They attach trophys by drilling and adding either a piece of all thread or a double sided bolt. then drilling the base large enough for a nut to be treaded on to the screw and then they cover the bottom with felt so you can see the attachment.

You should eaisly be able to use a 6/32 screw into the carving leg to make the attachment. I would get a woodscrew on one side that converts the base side to a machine to a machine blot. Lowes , and an hardward store should have them in a size you need .

Ash

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

depending on the size of the carving, I either use a screw in from the bottom of the plaque or sometimes dowels...have even used the round toothpicks with glue for very small items. Smile

[Shimmy]

I bought a package of the bamboo skewers for $1 . they are strong and make a great dowel.Toothpicks are not as strong.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I use 1/8 dowell to secure my carvings to a base. It's quite easy and foolproof if you use the following method..
Drill 4 holes in the feet of your figure, assuming its a human. One in each heel and one in each sole. Carefully turn the carving upright, you want to retain as much sawdust from drilling inside the holes as possible, and carefully set the carving down on the base exactly where you want it. Now the secret.....Holding the piece firmly in place, lightly tap each foot to dislodge the sawdust inside the hole. Carefully raise the carving, holding your breath, and you will have four little piles of sawdust on your base where the holes should be drilled.. Circle them with a pencil before you exhale! Thats it! Easy and foolproof!

Now glue the dowels in the figure and then into the base.

[Mark Gargac]

Great tip Lynn, ingenious! Thanks, I will have to give that a try.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Wouldn't a trained termite be better?

[squbrigg]

Great explanation Lynn, I do a lot of attaching in my models, and I think your method has a great application for me too. I've been drilling and inserting supporting sticks of all diamaters, depending on the item, for years and usually just glue the peg in the piece and dry fit, marking the base with a pencil. I like your idea better!
Smile
Bob