Blackpowder Man

[Merle Rice]

I didn't lean toward using bought roughouts before, but I sure changed my mind. This is Mark Gargacs roughout of his Blackpowder Man and what an experience it was to do it and see the results. I spent about 20 hrs. doing it. I would spend about 3 -4 hrs. a day, I was in no hurry. The hardest part was the first cuts. I looked at it for about 1.5 days before starting to cut, after that the fun started. About 14" tall with Walnut base. Finished with Teak Oil, Polyu,and Watco Dark Wax. I tried to just carve the eyes and leave natural but got over ruled by Wife and Daughter. After Burning the eyes this morning I got apporval from the Wife. Excellent job Mark Thank you. Merle

[Dan Wegiel]

Great job Merle, he looks fantastic. Even though I personally always leave things natural, your wife & daughter were absolutely right, the burn brought him to life.

Dan

[feb]

Great job merle, the burning does bring out the eyes. I've never tried a roughout, maybe now I will.

Feb

[Merle Rice]

Hi Dan, Yes the Wife checks all my pieces and puts the OK or nay on them. I don't like to admit it but she is right most of the time. Ha,Ha. Merle

[Merle Rice]

Hi Feb,I can't do all roughouts because I have small stack of Basswood that needs to be carved. I think you will be impressed when you give it a try. Thanks for your nice words. Merle

[tnartist05]

I more than agree with your wife and daughter,its one fine looking carving my ole friend you did! Super nice work and I like the finish you applied on it also!!

Keep up that great work Merle!!!

Forrest

[urbansheepdog]

That's stout work Merle! Well done! I bet those first cuts were the scariest!
Great finish by the way! Thast'll be a talking piece definately!

[BrandantR]

Great job Merle. I really like the abstract portion of your carving, it sets off the great looking mountain man. Great job!!!

[Soggy]

Merle on a scale from 1 to 10; that's at least a ........12. You captured every little detail perfectly right down to and including the powder horn.
Thanks for sharing
Wayne

[Old Woodcarver]

I'm pretty new to wood carving and have a lot to learn so bear with me and tell me how I can get to the tutorials etc to see how to carve or is that allowed old woodcarver