[Keoma]

Good Morning! I wanted to show you my latest treasure! completely HAND CARVED My awesome old timer. She is solid Maple and took me ages...but the smooth glassy finish was worth it! I did cut off my outside knuckly of my index finger while carving the wings. Think next time I will use my gouges and chisels...and a glove. The picture was taken right before i got blood all over everything...geez, anyone remember that Stephen King Movie The Mangler? Or was it The mangle...? Anyway...a part of me was definately Imparted into this little creation!
It is also my second bird...(my first, of the same pattern went to my husband for our 10th Anniversary) It came from the books I sent out in a swap and is supposed to be a chickadee...but I could not resist the fantasy disney-esque bird. It is very much sle eping Beauty or Snow White...which is just what I wanted so yay!

[Sharon of the Dell]

I like your little bird. the bright colors are real pretty.Yep, wear a glove.Next time could be worse, an artery or nerve damage,the concerned husband that stands over your shoulder and questions the way you are carving. sharon

[MelNM]

It came out nice Keoma, I've never carved maple. Sounds like you had a fun time with it. I cut the the lower inside of my index finger to the tune of 4 stitches a few days ago so I feel your pain.
Take care
Mel

[Ron T]

Hi Keoma,

That bird does indeed look great, I especially love the colors.

Your package is on its way and if you didn't get it today, it should arrive by tomorrow, I would think.

[Keoma]

Thank you both very much! maple is not easy to carve for me, but I sure love the outcome! I have to start with a bandsaw rough out and go from there.

[Just Carving]

Nice birdie! I've carved maple and I find that the secret to carving any wood that is really hard is to take less off with each pass. It takes longer but than again, so what? It's for fun and psssing the time, right? So, think "shavings" rather than "chips".

Bob L

[Keoma]

Thanx Bob! Great to know! I will keep that in mind for next time!

[Jim-Iowa]

Keoma how did you find the maple to carve?
I ask because I have vacation in a couple weeks and plan to take down a Silver Maple(soft maple) that has suffered extensive storm damage.
I can hardly stand to cut it all up for firewood.
I also intend to prune a couple more and save the sticks for future projects.

[Keoma]

I actually loved carving it. It took off little curls when I did it right, and little chink chunks when I am pretty sure I was doing something wrong. I definately think light touches are the key. But I should also say that I layed my index finger open as well. It was Hard Rock maple...and I forgot the rule of thumb...the hatder you push...the harder your blade will hit your stupid finger thats in the wrong place anyway
But it was very much worth the effort. I have something that will last for decades, not just years.
Doesnt firewood sometimes break your heart? I am the fire builder in the winter so I always set aside the choiciest bits. By mid winter I have a good size pile set aside to work, but come Feb...I am not so picky and my work pile dwindles a bit
Oh-I had set aside some silver maple bows a year back, I picked one up to trim the other day and it was totally soft at the center. Maybe if you seal the ends that won't happen? Enjoy your vacation...sounds like a bit of work

[chuckt]

Hey Keoma - nice job on the bird. LOVE the bright colors. Reminds me of the little birds the fly around Cinderella in the Disney classic.


ChuckT