Fur

[GuedeNimbo]

I have a question.

Does anyone know how to make realistic fur with a power carver and what attachment to use?

I vaguely remember seeing a picture of someone using a power carver with what looked like some kind of wire attachment to put fur onto a carving of a buck.

I can't find the picture or the article that went with it.
So can anyone point me in the right direction for the technique and the attachment?

Thanks.

[Claude]

I don't remember that post, but one way I have done some texturing like that is to use a 3M bristle disc in my Dremel - an 80 grit one. You have to be careful and use a light touch, just dabbing it at the wood where you want the texture. I have also heard of people using stones such as an inverted cone blue or white ceramic stone...

Claude

[Wildbirdcarver]

Frank Russell has produced a DVD set called "Fur, Feathers and Fins" (I think that is close to being right. Check carving vendors in carving magazines and most likely they will have it for about $30. I think the set is terrific and will get you going in the right direction. Dick

[GuedeNimbo]

Thanks, I'll see if my local hardware store has the bristle disk in stock.

Just for reference here is what I have so far.
Still needs a lot of finishing, but at least it made it this far.
The 5 previous attempts ended it as firewood or put back to be re-cut for other projects.

[Robson Valley]

I've done it quite by accident while refinishing window sills.
Extremely stiff wire brush (for taking off paint).
Scrub really hard and always go with the grain direction.

[Claude]

Good start on the rough out. Make sure you round all those square corners on legs, shoulders, etc. to be smooth curves.

Show us more photos as you progress!
Claude

[GuedeNimbo]

I was going to use my carving burrs this afternoon, but I couldn't find them.
Worst part about cleaning and reorganizing you lose everything for a few day

It's bass wood so I know it will get fuzzy when I take the burrs to it, but that will come out with some 220 grit paper.

I'm actually thinking of using my wood burner to add the stripes before I go in and add the fur.
All of that requires not messing up the shaping of the edges though...
I'm still learning after all, at least messing up here teaches me something and I can always start over.

[grdeno]

nice start you will be pleasently suprised once you start to fur him he will look a lot different.good luck with him.
Gary

[GuedeNimbo]

Originally Posted by Wildbirdcarver

Frank Russell has produced a DVD set called "Fur, Feathers and Fins" (I think that is close to being right. Check carving vendors in carving magazines and most likely they will have it for about $30. I think the set is terrific and will get you going in the right direction. Dick

I just got the DVD yesterday, it was a bonus to something I ordered and had no idea it was coming.

All I can say is wow!
It's an amazing lesson set, so many techniques and hints and tips I would have taken several carvings of trial and error to figure out on my own.

Now all I need is a warm enough day to go outside and apply them

[Donsexton]

Take a look at my wolf head all power the fur is coarse like it should be and with a less aggressive burr you can do it. I carved a small bear for me it was small not long ago he had soft fur all power.