What do you do to carve something BIG?

[Hooked on Carving]

I want to carve an almost life size carving. I have only carved on the small scale, 4X6 basswood blanks. I imagine I would have to glue up another wood underneath and then add onto the outside with carving wood or would I have to use half a forest to create my blank. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by Hooked on Carving

I want to carve an almost life size carving. I have only carved on the small scale, 4X6 basswood blanks. I imagine I would have to glue up another wood underneath and then add onto the outside with carving wood or would I have to use half a forest to create my blank. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Ya, all the above and then some....

Why not get a large chunk of tree trunk......trying to glue up a piece that big will be a real chore indeed. But then you can order your big blank from one of the carving wood suppliers, but it's going to cost quite a lot....Check with Meinecke Wood Products.

How do you plan to carve this 'monster' piece.....I'd say that you'll have to use a chain saw to rough it out then finish with chisels.....frankly I think this project is far too big, for some one with your limited experience.

[mark yundt]

When you say "life size" I imagine a person as in a statue?

I do quite a bit of carving larger pieces. Full size statues, crucifix's, ( up to 16 ft ) trees that are 9 ft tall and 10 ft wide and 2 ft deep to a current project of carving Wisteria to cover a desk 5 ft wide 3 ft H and 9" deep and door panels 5 ft wide and 6 ft tall.
Personally I have never nor would I ever use one large chunk of wood as in a tree. I feel that would be a mistake. I always glue up my pieces which has many advantages.
Cost? Depends on what you're carving and just how big it is W X D X H. and if it's possible to not make it solid but hollow. And also what wood you're using ( assuming Basswood) Also the widths you can get. For bigger pieces I try to only get at least 2 inch stock 12 inches wide X whatever length you need. Wood this size is fairly cheap ( though that's a relative term)
To do it properly you should have access to a table saw, at least an 8" jointer with long bed, and a planer. I buy all my wood rough and finish it to my specs. Don't forget a large collection of clamps. My last glue up required 70 clamps of lengths from 12 inches to 36" plus some bar clamps 5 ft long.
Then again it depends on what you're gluing up.This is just my experience of what I have done.

[Hooked on Carving]

Thanks for the help! I'm inclined to glue up and make a hollow piece for the main reason a large tree trunk would be more inclined to split. Second reason is it's lighter to carry. My dimensions would be 5x3x9 and one piece about 3.5 high. Who sells basswood in 5 foot lengths? My lumber yards in the northeast don't. I would rather use basswood because it is great for detail. This is only in the planning stage for now.

[mark yundt]

I'm in Pa. and the places around here have lengths up to 20 ft long if you want it.Most are 12 -14 that I pick up.