[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Well there is always the trusty coping saw.

[Just Carving]

Draw the cutout line of the pattern on the side of the block of wood. Use your largest chisel or gouge that will safely remove the most wood until you reach the cutout line. Draw cutout line of the pattern on the front or back of the block of wood. Use your largest chisel or gouge that will safely remove the most wood until you reach the cutout line. You now have a cutout. Continue penciling in the pattern as you remove more wood. Look at the pattern as a reference as you carve. Finish carving.

No other suggestions other than like you said--elbow grease--and of course, patience, and time. That's what makes carving great--no pressure, no rush, and no hassles other than keeping the tools sharp and dealing with an occasional piece of wood that's being a pain.

[Eddy Smiles]

Good advice! Thanks for your help.

[leavyc]

I'll try again, I don't think it posted last time. I too have an odd size band saw ( an old Crane that takes a 98" blade, but cuts great) I order my blades from Acme Electric out of Fargo North Dakota. They custom make them and have different tooth options. The welds hold up good and they are great for shipping them out quickly. I find cutting blanks a challenge. I use the masking tape method too, but only cut two sides. Even so, sometimes I need to use my imagination afterwards to make the wood work. They never seem to be exactly the size of the pattern, but thats ok. Plan to keep on working at it.

[Mary-Ann Jack-Bleach]

Being new to this message board I have read through all this advice and enjoyed it.
One thing for sure is that everyone is different and have their preferences. I used to believe I needed to carve everything away until I realized using a band saw was quicker, and I also had more time to enjoy the carving.
A TIP: to help those who are challenged with conceptualizing their projects once they have cut them out. You look at it and staring back at you is this odd shaped wooden thing which doesn't resemble your nicely outlined subject from the pattern. People assume they have cut it out incorrectly or struggle to know where to start carving the piece. What has happened is you have temporarily lost your landmarks (the outlines and detail) which identifies the piece as a recognizable object. It can really throw new carvers for a loop.

If you find yourself in this position, what may help is tracing the outlines and a few details onto see-through vellum paper (available in graphics stores). It is fairly stiff and resilient to abuse. Cut whichever views you want (side view is essential). Hold these views up to the side or top of the piece at the appropriate points and immediately the shape becomes recognizable again. Then you can see where to draw a few lines back onto the blank to help you "relandmark" the subject matter.
I do this for most of my 3D carvings especially if they are intricate. Also as you carve away wood you can quickly lose the sense of "what is this thing I am carving" and do I have enough wood? Using this see through template with basic outline and details on it can restore your peace of mind. If you have cut away too much wood.... well make some tea and then change the design. Hope this tip helps.
Mary-Ann

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

[quote=Eddy s]Gentlemen and Esteemed Senior Carvers....

All this discussion of band saws and blade lengths... What's a body to do if per chance they do not own a band saw



Thats easy Eddie........buy a bandsaw blade, hold it tightly with both hands, and move it back and forth as fast as you can lol

[Eddy Smiles]

Hi-Ho!!! Now what in blazes do you think I've been doing all this time??? It doesn't work too bad especially if you've got a real large gap between your front teeth to steady the blade with!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by Eddy Smiles

Hi-Ho!!! Now what in blazes do you think I've been doing all this time??? It doesn't work too bad especially if you've got a real large gap between your front teeth to steady the blade with!

ROLFLOL

[BobD]

Sorry Eddy,
This area is moderated...meaning your posts need to be approved by a moderator. We've got some authors subscribed to the threads here, and we moderate it to keep them from getting spammed.

I've approved your first post, but not the second...since it was nearly the same.

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

lol, I approved also then deleted the duplicate...geez ain't we 'ficient tho?