Glue up for 4 foot giraffe

woodenleg · #1 02-22-2003, 06:02 PM

How would I go about getting enough wood if I wanted to make a four foot giraffe? I suppose I would need to glue up some wood of various kinds. Any idea of how I would do that and where I would get the glue? I would like to use basswood.

#2 02-22-2003, 06:13 PM

Having never done anything that size I think I'd start by checking out some to the carousel carving sources. I seem to remember that WCI had an article or two on carousel carving and I'm sure there are books available. Once you figure out how the glue ups are done almost any of the major basswood suppliers should be able to give you what you need. Off the top of my head, actually note book, Heinecke Wood Products (715)822 8642.

Hope that helps.

Ed

#3 02-22-2003, 08:13 PM

I'm building a full size carousel horse now. I first made a 'box' for the body from lumber and then covered it with basswood. I found the basswood 1 X 6 and 1X 8 at a local hardwood supplier (basswood is considered a hardwood !).
There is a book called 'Carving Carousel Animals' by H. LeRoy Marlow that has a Giraffe Â*in it ....
Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* ol fred

#4 02-23-2003, 03:03 AM

Wow, I'm just totally impressed with all you guys taking on such big carvings. If I can't hold it in my hand, I don't want to carve it.

Someday, maybe, when I really learn to carve.

Teri

woodenleg · #5 02-23-2003, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the great information guys! I never thought of building a frame and then going from there. That opens up all kinds of avenues.

Teri, I did some carving with a mallet and gouges and it was a real blast. The thing I like about is that it is easy to do and can be done very precisely -- exactly the opposite of what I expected. In addition, with both hands on the gouge, I am less likely to cut off my hand.

.

AlArchie · #6 02-25-2003, 10:05 PM

I just posted a pic of a rocking rabbit I did a few years ago from a glue up. I found a 6x12 beam at the local lumber co. that had been sitting there for several years, taking up space. Had it planed at the high school shop and glued it into a 12x12x48.

Check around for old beams, they are (can be) good for carving.

This one was a 16 foot white pine beam, that I managed to get for $.50 a board foot because they didn't know what to do with it. Once in a while ya luck out!

I did a large carosell style frog from that same beam, but can't find a pic of it right now

Al

#7 02-26-2003, 01:53 AM

Al, that rocking rabbit is TOTALLY cool. Very nice job!!!

Teri

Callynne · #8 02-26-2003, 08:01 AM

Â* Â* Al, I love your rocking rabbit!! Â*What a great thing that would be to hand down through the generations!! Â*Hope you find the picture of the frog, I'd love to see it! Â*Great work!! Callynne

AlArchie · #9 02-26-2003, 05:00 PM

Found the frog and posted it. Â*He is carved from a 12x12 glue up from 6x12's, just like the rabbit, only I had to glue up a third piece for the high kick leg. Â*I've got 'in progress' photos if anyone is interested, showing from the rough block to the finishing carving. Â*Sorry, nothing on the painting. Â*That is the part that failed in the gallery. Â*They put it in the front window with direct HOT sunlight and some of the pine sap vaporized and bubbled some of the finish, so now I have to scrape, sand and repaint. Â*DEEEEEEEEEEPRESSING!! Â*but hey, I learned something about sappy pine and sunlight, so all is not lost.

These are NOT new carvings; they are five and three years old now. Just put them up in response to what can be done with common glue up material.
Al

Nancy_G · #10 02-26-2003, 08:38 PM

Al - the rabbit and frog ROCK!!
Incredible examples of workmanship and creativity.