The Chestnut log so far...

[knothole]

I have never attempted to do anything this size, it seems to be coming along pretty good considering the tools I have are a detail set that I use on my wood spirits. I need some input so what do you think??? I`m planning to put a civil war kepi on his head. Thanks for looking...Knothole

[Tom-H]

Well Knothole, as I was trying to look at your chestnut log carving, it stared me down. Those eyes have a lot to say. You've done a great job so far, especially those eyes. Keep it up, and keep on sharin. I'll learn something here for sure. Tom H

[Irishman]

He's turning out nicely. I prefer carving the larger pieces of wood myself so you might find you are going to start getting bigger gouges at some point. I imagine the detailing will show up real nice when you start treating the wood. You have lots of wood there for hair as well. Careful with the work on the peak of the cap....as I had a few that started with much larger peaks only to be reduced due to wood coming off in chunks.

Patrick

[tnartist05]

So Far hes looking really good! His eyes are penetrating which is great!
Doing a great job so far!!!

[Joy]

He looks terrific so far. Keep sharing.

[knothole]

Originally Posted by Irishman

He's turning out nicely. I prefer carving the larger pieces of wood myself so you might find you are going to start getting bigger gouges at some point. I imagine the detailing will show up real nice when you start treating the wood. You have lots of wood there for hair as well. Careful with the work on the peak of the cap....as I had a few that started with much larger peaks only to be reduced due to wood coming off in chunks.

Patrick

Thanks Patrick I was thinking about the cap also and did notice that on some of yours the bill has more thickness and I will keep that in mind when doing the cap. I was also wondering about what kind of finish to put on the piece someone told me to use boiled linseed oil that it would really bring the chestnut color out. What do you suggest??? Thanks again...Bruce

[Irishman]

You probably read a number of threads about double boiled lindseed oil. I've used it in the past but moved to pure tung oil about a year ago, and quite please with it. Certain woods really takes this oil well. I usually start with half and half pure tung oil and thinner to increase the absorbsion and the drying time, second coat is a little thicker, and then I usually go with just the tung oil wiping off the access once it had time to sink in. I started to use a satin sealer to help protect the wood...but it all depends on the wood. Everyone tends to have their own recipe so I encourage you to experiment until you get what you like. Good luck with the finish.

Patrick

[Mottles]

I really like your progress I like the realism of the facial features. Do you have a specific image your working from or just carving with the creative process. I hope you will continue to let us follow along. You have done wonders using a detail set of tools. I think you would enjoy some standard tools. Get ready though they aren't cheap...I've been building my mallet set of Henry Taylor gouges and they aren't the most expensive but will work for me. I do think it will be worth it in the end.
Keep up the great work!
Kathy

[knothole]

Originally Posted by Mottles

I really like your progress I like the realism of the facial features. Do you have a specific image your working from or just carving with the creative process. I hope you will continue to let us follow along. You have done wonders using a detail set of tools. I think you would enjoy some standard tools. Get ready though they aren't cheap...I've been building my mallet set of Henry Taylor gouges and they aren't the most expensive but will work for me. I do think it will be worth it in the end.
Keep up the great work!
Kathy

Thanks Kathy, sorry about the delay I hav`nt been on the computer for a few days. To answer your question I`m kind of doing the creative process and a little study of Jeff Phares work as with the eyes. I will be purchasing a set of standard tools within the next couple of months these small ones are wearing me out..LOL..Thanks again Kathy...Bruce

[knothole]

Originally Posted by Irishman

You probably read a number of threads about double boiled lindseed oil. I've used it in the past but moved to pure tung oil about a year ago, and quite please with it. Certain woods really takes this oil well. I usually start with half and half pure tung oil and thinner to increase the absorbsion and the drying time, second coat is a little thicker, and then I usually go with just the tung oil wiping off the access once it had time to sink in. I started to use a satin sealer to help protect the wood...but it all depends on the wood. Everyone tends to have their own recipe so I encourage you to experiment until you get what you like. Good luck with the finish.

Patrick

Thanks Patrick, I`m still not sure what I`m going to do once the piece is finished, I do like your idea though. Thanks I do appreciate it...Bruce