[Rob Wilson]

I'm carving (trying) to carve a miniature loon. Have cut out the body separate , in profile, from the head. Head carved also in profile. Entire cut out is 3 14 " wide. Now I need help in trying to place the head in an offset poisition i.e. not straight on. I intend to use a dowel to make sure the head is well-fastened to the body.
I am stuck as to how to cut the head from the head profile so it's about 35 degrees to the left of center.
Does anyone know of any books, articles, etc on the best way to do this? Does anyone have suggestions?
Help is appreciated.

[Hugh P.]

Rob, I'm not sure of how your attempting to do this, but, I cut out the body profile, wide at the neck area, cut out the head and leave it wide at the base of the neck. Fasten it to the body, the angle you want it, shape it out in one piece is the best help I could offer. Shaping in two pieces and putting it together just dosen't work for me. For minatures its often the practice to saw out the bird in one piece.
On my web site there is a demo for sawing out a bird with its head turned. And sawing it out in one piece. If you follow this link, Finch Redpoll* carving* painting* instruction It will give you an idea how to proceed.

[Rob Wilson]

Thanks, Hugh. Very helpful and appreciated.

[markken5889]

Hi Rob.

I've always found best results with this by changing the way I angle the cut at the neck (on the bottom of the head piece). You can then angle the degree you turn the head from there.

Mark

[Rob Wilson]

Thanks, Mark.

I sure appreciate the help that's available through Bird Carvers Online.

[Hugh P.]

Rob, Bird Carvers online, is the other place, grin. This board is Woodcarving Illustrated.

[Pablo]

Rob...Thanks for the question...I am also working on a Loon and, although I haven't gotten very far along, that is a question that I had and now it has been answered. Thanks again.

Pablo