Using Roughouts

Merle Rice · #1 11-01-2007, 07:49 PM

When I see Roughouts in Mags. they look good, but a

always comes to my mind; After completing the piece do you get the same satisfaction as you do when starting from a block of wood. I don't want to suggest it's Cheating, so PLEASE DON'T GO THEIR. Just interested in hearing different comments. I guess the only way for me is to buy one and find out. Just woundering. Merle

Jim OH · #2 11-01-2007, 08:05 PM

Hi Merle,
I get as much satisfaction using a roughout as I do carving from scratch. I think the reason, in my case, might be is that I do not try to intentionally copy the original carving. I like to change them up as much as I can.
Jim OH

Eddy Smiles · #3 11-01-2007, 08:15 PM

Merle...

This discussion has been around the block a number of times. In the first place if you gave 100 people the same roughout and then told them to try and duplicate the model identically you'd end up with 100 different looking carvings. No one carves the same so in affect what ever you do is your work. Secondly, some folks prefer roughouts, some prefer starting from scratch, and some prefer a combination of both. It's all in the preference. What ever makes you happy works! There ain't no right or wrong here!

Mitchell · #4 11-01-2007, 08:40 PM

I carve rough outs, but enjoy making my own patterns more.

The rough out is "easier" because most of the heavy work is already done. My favorite rough outs still have enough wood for me to modify them according to my intrepretations. I should clarify that I carve for relaxation - it's truly a hobby for me. By using rough outs, I'm able to get more enjoyment from carving because time spent solely on removing wood is greatly reduced.

A tip - don't try to copy the original (as stated, it's really difficult to do anyway) - change it to suit what you want to carve or let it develop as you carve.

Coffeeman · #5 11-01-2007, 09:27 PM

I agree with all three individuals above and would like to add:

Its a big time saver with the bulk of the unnecessary wood removed, and since we need to buy a piece of wood anyway, why not make the investment in a roughout and get down to actual carving that much faster.

Granted, there is a higher personal satisfaction in designing your own pattern, cutting it out, then begin carving, but, roughouts certainly give me much satisfaction in accomplishing my goal of "carving".

To each their own I guess, I will continue to have fun carving with both mediums, roughouts and own design. Bill

gene messer · #6 11-01-2007, 11:42 PM

I dont carve many roughouts .. but I must admit they are fun to carve ...

Like Jim and Eddy said .. it's not cheating because usually everyone ends up with someting different ..

Whats a lot of fun is to see how many characters you can make out of one simple roughout .. It is amazing how much you can change on a basic pattern and create something else ...

Besides .. we also have to understand that alot of new carvers and those that dont have a bandsaw yet .. Roughouts are fantastic .. It especially gives the new carver more time to work on his detailing without all the roughout time ..

And dont forget they are the best teaching tool for seminars because a teacher doesnt have the time to cut out all those blanks for a class ..

Gene

Kenny_S · #7 11-02-2007, 09:56 AM

Simple solution, If you don't like roughouts, don't carve them. Problem solved!

Merle Rice · #8 11-02-2007, 10:07 AM

Kennys, I didn't say I didn't like Roughouts. My

was; Do you get as much satisfaction from roughouts as you do with Carving from SCRATCh. Just a simple question,didn't mean Cheating or anything negative about Roughouts. Thanks for your input on the subject, I'll try to remember it. Merle

BobD · #9 11-02-2007, 10:13 AM

I think it's a great discussion question Merle! You got some great answers here.

I've got a couple roughouts that people have sent me (Mark Gargac sent me two as a thank you after working on his first article). I haven't even touched them...I guess I'm intimidated knowing what the origional looks like. I also don't want to start carving, and mess up and ruin the roughout <GRIN>

One of my college professors (theatre) was taking her first watercolor painting class. Since the paper was so expensive, she had her ruler out, and was lightly drawing in pencil lines to organize her painting. When her teacher saw that, he came over, picked up a brush loaded with paint..and smeared it across the paper. He said "There, now the paper is ruined. Paint something on it!"

I keep that in mind...but still can't pick up those roughouts <GRIN>

Bob

Merle Rice · #10 11-02-2007, 10:24 AM

Thanks BobD, Point well taken. I like your example story,makes sense. Merle