[santagibbs]

I am starting on a new Santa roughout. It is pretty strange looking but he is bent over with his head on the side . It is really hard to carve as it is hard for me to figure where the grain is as there are so many ripples from the machine. I am having a time getting his nose big enough. I have lost his eyebrows twice from spliting of the grain.. I don't know why I can't seem to get the nose big enough. I have a Endow stick that has the stages of Santas face but still have a time with the nose.. I guess I don't cut back far enough to start with..Thought I did though.. This is hard trying to make a face on the side of a Santa.. Any sugestions when it is on the side like that or am I just too duhhhhh to see it? Oh and here is a better shot of the cat in the rocker .. Thanks for any suggestions. Charlotte

[santagibbs]

Here's the other view .. It kept coming up too big..Charlotte

[santagibbs]

I give up.. I keep sizing it to 480 tall and 640 wide but when I send it ,it is too big.. Well.. I am sorry..Charlotte

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

well not being able to see it doesn't help ha ha....but as for the chipping mist it with rubbing alcohol....it helps....

[Claude]

Sand the bottom of the roughout smooth and then wet it. The wet wood should clearly show the grain.

[santagibbs]

Thanks guys. this is the first time I have not been able to see the grain. It cuts soft and I like that.

I will look for something to spray with . that will be great if that helps . and about the bottom there is a pretty good size hole in the bottom but I will sand it down and see. I will have to mount it on a base to cover up that hole. If I cut it off, there won't be much for him to stand on in the snow.. Thanks a lot for the suggestions. Charlotte

[Mitchell]

You can use a wet cloth - anything to get it wet so that the grain will show.

[whitecree]

It may be that where your Santa face is, is a coarse patch of grain. This is common on most types of cedar. What sort of wood is your project?

When I hit a spot like that, if the project is going to be painted, I use a thin mixture of white glue and water. Paint it on, let it dry, then carve with a freshly honed knife.

[santagibbs]

Thanks Mitchell for the wet cloth tip.
Whitecree, it's basswood..and thanks for the glue and and water tip.

Hi ho , I did try your alcohol tip and it was great.. I used it on the nose and around it and it really made the wood soft and I could shave it thin and get results.. Can I spray it again if I need to, or will the one spray do it?

Thanks everyone I really appreciate it. Charlotte

[Kenny_S]

Yes, You can spray it again.
Neat roughout. Looks like Santa is carrying a heavy load for sure. Seen that stance many times at Philmontgoing over the hump.