roughing out a carving

[Dan S]

Hey there,
I'm starting another carving. As I was beginning the process of roughing it out it hit me just how much I dislike that part of the work. I get more stressed at this point than at any other. Do any of you have this issue or is it just me? If you have got it dialed in, what is the best way you've found.
I do use a bandsaw to cut the profile on at least one view.

Thanks,
Dan

[northwood bob]

Dan
You can cut the rough-out pattern in two views on your band saw. Start by drawing the front and side view on the block. After you cut out the first view, tape the waste pieces onto the block with masking tape. These will give you a square surface to use on the saws table. Then cut the second view. That will save you some time in the process.

I've always had the problem of determining proportions on the sketch so my roughouts are typically too large and/or bulky. Because of this, I tend to leave a bit too much and pare it down in the carving process.

I think the idea that you've stated is probably the reason that I see most begining carvers start on roughing out one area and immediately try to detail that area before going on to another. I've found out that it is much better to rough-out the complete piece and go over it in stages to finish in the detailing process. This way, you can keep the proportions correct.

Bob

[SlowMover]

I enjoy the roughout phase of carving. I cut two views on my bandsw, then the fun begins. I guess I like the roughing out because you see such a dramatic change in thec arving during this phase..from a blocky lump to a figure really fast. Also, this is probablly MORE important than the detail phase in determining the quality of the final carving. Without a great foundation to build on, you can't get a good figure. Don't scrimp on attention and care during the roughout phase, just learn to look at it as carving a foundation and try to ejoy it.

[Dan S]

I've done the two views and it doesn't make too much difference. I always stress leaving enough wood in the right places. Lately I've just been cutting out the basic outline and carving from the front. If I make a mistake I just go deeper. I agree that the foundation is critical. That's probably why it gives me so much grief.
Thanks,
Dan

[Donsexton]

I enjoy that blocking out part the most, especially with mallet and my big #10 sculptors gouge.

[Howie]

I don't use power tools, so I rough it all out manually. I start with one view, using a saw and gouge to get the basic cuts done, then use a roughing knife to even it out. I typically sand with a 60 grit to get an even surface after that. Then I start carving.

The only time it's really bothered me is when I did my flying owl and I had to rough out a 2x2x5.5 inch block between the wings.

[gtech]

Originally Posted by SlowMover

I enjoy the roughout phase of carving. I cut two views on my bandsw, then the fun begins. I guess I like the roughing out because you see such a dramatic change in thec arving during this phase..from a blocky lump to a figure really fast. Also, this is probablly MORE important than the detail phase in determining the quality of the final carving. Without a great foundation to build on, you can't get a good figure. Don't scrimp on attention and care during the roughout phase, just learn to look at it as carving a foundation and try to ejoy it.

Exactly the way I see it.

You must see it what you have in your head in the rough out. Then you add the details.

Gilles

[Sharon of the Dell]

I like the rough in and I like doing the details, it's the in between that gets me. i usually start adding detail to soon and always end up carving away the detail. I guess I'm afraid of taking away to much also.
Plus, I just start carving and don't always have a plan in mind or i hit a rotted spot and what I had envisioned has to change because of the wood defect. Every thing i carve takes a really long time because of the way I do things. Guess I'll learn someday to have more confidence roughing in and in my carving abilities.

[Josef]

I either do a rough out with a jigsaw for small work, or a chainsaw for large. I love it and hate it at the same time. Love seeing a basic shape emerge from nothing, hate seeing too much emerge leaving nothing

[Jim Arnold]

There was a recent article in the magazine about cutting three views with your bandsaw...its only slightly more confusing then doing two views sometimes, but you kind of get used to it. What helps me is to keep my sketch work tight. I'll always completely draw out two sides (including all the details of how I want it to look when I'm done carving, when using pictures everything's all there to begin with), then go back and 'red ink' the areas that might need a little more, then cut along the red ink lines rather then keeping it too tight just to make sure there's a little extra in there when I grab my chisels. I always cut the view that has the most angles (cuts) first.
Interesting thread. Thanks!

Jim