Carving an architectual volute

[dtoggs]

Sad Need some step by step advice on how to 'bock out' a scroll-ie similar to a bass scroll. this will be for a corbel. I have had some advice from the luthiers,but too much was assumed of my carving background. I'm having trouble with how the spiral ramps up and sorta flares out. Will greatly appreciate info. on how to,or direct me to book,video or???. Thanks,pw

[Old_Gord]

dtoggs, When you say the advice from the Luthers assumed too much about your carving background, I'm wondering was it verbal suggestions or graphics that they provided.
If it was verbal then maybe this graphical web site will be of some assistance.
http://www.violins.demon.co.uk/making/carvescroll.htm

There are a few books published on architectural carving techniques but it's not much sense my suggesting a book that might also assumes you have the required carving ability/experience to follow their instructions.
BTW I'm assuming 'bock out' means block out?
Not trying to put you down, but I just don't know what your level of carving experience is to advise what publications might help you.Smile

Cheers.

OG

[dtoggs]

Thanks Old Gord, I am too, retired. Yes I meant 'blocking' instead of bocking. ha ha. Pls assume I'm a beginner at carving-architectural relief especially.
My prupose is to make some corbels using a bass type scroll motif. The acanthus flowers and vines, I will buy glue on placques.
The problem I have is as I stated,blocking out the turns of the scroll. I can do this in clay,but as yet no joy in wood. I will look at the site you mentioned,probably already have.but thanks.pwSad

[mdallensr]

There is an excellent tutorial in Frederick Wilbur's book "Carving Architectural Detail in Wood". If your libray doesn't have it, they should be able to borrow it for you. He has a whole chapter on volutes.

Another book with a similar treatment is Mike Burton's "Architectural Carving".

Our good friends here at Fox Chapel Publishing sell both books if you can't find one at a library.

[dtoggs]

Thank you for the info,BUT I need to talk to someone one one,so they can explain how the turns are layed out and blocked out on a violin,viola or bass scroll.Yeah,anticipatiing your suggestion to ask luthers-been there. I now exactly what I need,just someone learned on this type of carving. Thanks,happy carving pw

[Frank Seeley]

In Fred WIlburs book "Carving Architectual Details in Wood" he gives the formula for creating volutes of all sizes. I have used it and it is very easy to use. You can find a copy on "Bigger Books.com, or there may be a used copy on Amazon.com
Frank

[dtoggs]

I will try to find it. Thanks pw