[Woodshaper]

I recently downloaded a software program that I have found useful for making carving patterns. The 3D program is from Daz Studio and is a free download from www.daz3d.com. There is a wide selection of content that can be downloaded from a number of sources. Some free and some you must buy.
The program allows you to load human or animal figures and objects and then pose them in the configuration that you desire. A large number of costumes are available for the figures but few are useful for my purposes. Almost all body parts can be moved to get the desired pose, then you can view the subject from different sides. Views can be saved and opened in an image editing program where the images can be sized, edited, and printed.
Printed image can be used to rough out your wood blank. You will need to adjust your image to allow for changes in clothes or different hat style for example.
This is much easier than searching for a picture of a person in a given pose but it does take a certain amount of computer knowledge. Daz Studio has other programs that are probably more powerful and user friendly but this one is free.
Attached are photos of images and completed work. Hope some of you find it useful.

[BobT]

Wow, that is really neat. Thank you so much. I am downloading it now.
Bob

[susieq]

Woodshaper, that is very cool... I am overly cautious though. What operating system do you have? Windows 98, XP or Vista? Have you checked out all of your other programs since downloading this and are satisfied that there are no conflicts? Sometimes new software just isn't compatible with what you already have so it pays to be careful. How long have you been using this?

I may have to go check it out but I will hang tight until I hear others report how well it worked for them....then I will go and get it.

[mark yundt]

That's pretty cool. Somehow the figure reminds me of a G.I. Joe doll. It might also be possible to get one of those "action" figures and pose it in any position you might like and tweak it till it looks right. Then simply photograph it from the same distance ,front ,back,sides and simply print out the results.Blow it up or shrink it till it's the size you want. It just might give you a decent enough pattern to follow and you have a model as well to use as a reference. Sort of like the wooden artist dolls that are available at art stores,,,,just cheaper and a fully clothed figure with hands and face. A variety of costumes might also be available. I haven't been through the toy sections lately but indians,cowboys or other figures might just as easily work with a bit of imagination to get the pose or movement you are looking for.

[Woodshaper]

Reply to questions and comments on software.
I have used this software on Windows XP (Home & Professional) for several months and experienced no problems other than a few quirks in the Daz program itself. If you are hesitant to download the software, I believe you may be able to order a disc but you need to check the website. There is a learning curve in using the software so this program is probably useful to only those who like to tinker with design, CAD, or image editing programs.
I actually tried using the toy action figures without great success. The body types and limited ability to pose them were negatives.
Another plus for the Daz software was the animal figure (I have dog and cat) content available. You can pose them just as you can pose human figures. A lot of the content available for download is just plain weird or I am getting too old. Use what you can and ignore the rest.
There are a number of sites from which you can download content. Caution is always advised.