Making a Gargoyle Cane article discussion thread

[BobD]

Hi Gang,
Here's the place to discuss Shawn Cipa's article on Making a Gargoyle Cane.

Woodcarving Illustrated - Making a Gargoyle Cane - Summer 2009 Issue 47

Bob

[jpsowers]

This is a beautiful cane head. I was disappointed to see that the pdf pattern was a thumbnail though and not the real pattern.

[BobD]

Thanks for the heads up. That was the wrong attachment. I've uploaded the
correct attachment.

Best Regards,
Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[WhiteShaman]

I have one question and one comment.
Question:
Why is it important to have the grain run in the direction of the shaft, so much so that you would use two pieces. I assume it was equally important to have the Gargoyle grain run lengthwise....why?
I'm new at this and this has me intrigued because I haven't considered grain at all in my limited time carving.
Comment:
I recently finished attaching my first carved top to a cane shaft and when I showed the finish product to an old woodworker, he explained that when they use to build stairs and stair rails/spindles, that they would leave plenty of clearance between the male and female joints and use "Bondo" to fill the gap so that they could move the two pieces into position with ease and accuracy without trying to make them match perfectly by shaping the joints.
That seems like a great idea to me and I think I will try it next time. What do you think?
Thanks for sharing and thanks in advance for answering my questions.
Very helpful article!
Blessings,
James

[vin]

It is OK now I made a copy and it is 100% dia. 1.5 inch I might make one and do a a vrevision to be original Thanks Vinc