Primitive but Effective

[davidinsarasota]

I try to do my messiest work on the porch, but securing the work without my bench vises and all can be a challenge. I was at Harbor Freight today looking for an inexpensive vise with at least 6" width holding capability, but I didn't see anything I liked. So I bought a large woodworking clamp ($7) and some big la screws, and screwed one of the jaws onto a big piece of Norfolk Island Pine I am drying on the porch. It worked out pretty good, but the piece I'm roughing out is long so I had to secure the other end with a ratchet strap.

The shape I'm after is from Ivan Whillock's excellent step-by-step book called "Carving the Head in Wood." I've done a couple of practice heads using this technique and am pleased with the results so far.

[Tom Ellis]

Keep carving David. I love how creative some people can be.

Tom

[cannuckcarver]

As long as it works....I am all for it...
I may even adopt the idea....

[Curtscarving]

good idea,learn alot on this forum.
Curt

[davidinsarasota]

Here is the head I am currently working on using this technique

[schaf]

Just great Dave.
Please keep the step by step photo's coming.

Terry

[SeaLeveler]

Good idea and good progress on the head.Tony

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Great idea Dave !

Dave

[minowevie]

Hay David, cool. but for one thing, I love the table your working on. nice piece of wood. I am learning, don't mean to make little of your work. just amazed really. at all you do. Evie

[davidinsarasota]

Thanks Evie, I figgered I might as well put that big ol' chunk of wood to work while its stabilizing. It the jaws and strap hold the wood securely, and I actually sit on it while I work the piece. I do this because I am lazy and like to sit and to stabilize the log--in that order of importance.