Suggestion for Authors

[therenow]

I have followed the Pro carvers on U Tube and elswhere and truly appreciate their contributions and asistance as they share their talent. Several times I have wanted to purchase a DVD to "carve along" but the cost iwith the rough out is prohibitive for me. So, May I sugesst providing a profile pattern that can be traced to a piece of wood, cut out on a band saw and then we could carve along with the DVD?

[Tom Ellis]

One other thing that you have to watch for is that the picture you are working with is straight from the front, and straight from the side. If the picture was taken from a slight angle, it totally changes the outcome of your cutout efforts.
When I first started carving I bought an Harold Enlow book. Great patterns, but there were only about 8 pictures to get you from start to finish. The newer books have like 65 pages, with 5 pictures per page, and every cut you have to make. Plus painting instructions. What a huge, and wonderful change.

Carve Safe, Tom

[cowtown]

I agree with a Lynn D. post that many carvers put too much emphasis on the band saw pattern rather than the actual carving. Maybe its the lack of experiece and lack of confidence in where they are trying to go. I have seen beginners try to bandsaw every little bump, nook and cranny detail on a pattern. Their blank was confusing even to me as an experienced carver
Bandsaw and duplicarved blanks are just a beginning. Don't try to carve with the bandsaw. A general shape is better than a too detailed blank which will restrict your carving style. Leave a little extra wood foryour own touch. Most of us can't carve well enough to exactly duplicate another person's carving anyway .Who would want to anyway? Our unique carving style is what makes woodcarving so special.
Bigboy