Making a base

[GeorgiaCarver]

I have been searching past post but no luck....

How do you make a base for a carving or where do you buy them?

I assume (dangerous) that you can use a router and make the base but not sure of the technique to make an oval or oblong.

Any advice would help

[Bill]

I went to Hobby Lobby in the picture dept
and had them cut me a mat so that I could use it for a pattern, oval. Then used the band saw to cut it out, and then used a router to groove the outside edge.
hope it works for you.
Bill

[Anthony Filetti]

Here in NY its the Michael's store, it carries several sizes all made of basswood. So almost any interior decorating or hobby store should have them.

[Callynne]

Hubby has made me a couple bases. I draw up a pattern first out of paper to get the shape just how I want it. Cut the wood out then he routers around it. That has worked out pretty well, we aren't too skilled at it but with lots of sanding they turned out good.

I know of two places you can order them from if you want to do that, it's what I would have done if the sizes had been what I needed. MDI has them www.mdiwoodcarvers.com and so does Little Shavers www.littleshavers.com

Hope this helps! Deborah

[AlArchie]

You can also use those basswood rounds available at the hobby stores. They come with the bark on (usually). Ihave one like this for the base on my bass project that is developing. I happened to pick this one up from a friend who has access to a local mill, so they are cut fresh and need to be sanded, but the hobby shop ones are ready to finish. Just make sure that you put several coats of a good quality sanding sealer on all the surfaces, bark included, to make sure there is no bark separation and that the little lichens on the bark are properly secured.

Al

[GeorgiaCarver]

Thanks for your replies. I may try the picture mat as a pattern, and then router out the pc.

For now I may order a couple already made.

I would like to learn how to make my own bases out of oak, walnut, pecan and other woods.

Again, thank you for your feedback.

Greg

[Donna_T]

Hi Greg,
This is kinda late for a reply, but here's additional thoughts. Natural wood bases compliment carvings--oak, walnut, etc. I like to cut unsymetrical shapes for added impact for some carvings...and some I like to taper the thickness for variety.

Another line of thought, and just plain ole pine 2 x 4 or 2x6 (or more) wood will work. Cut your shape, sand it really well, then spray paint it with a good Krylon paint and when dry, spray a high gloss finish on it. I have made really good bases like this. Black is exceptionally good. You can even put a another base on top of it--natural wood, Corian (I know that's not spelled right but it's what cabinet makers use and I wish I knew a cabinet maker who would save his scraps for me!!), marble, etc. for even more impact. The big thing is to come up with a look that won't detract from your carving, but rather compliment it.

Donna T