Info needed on carving an Owl

[John T]

I am carving my first Owl (second one in progress ) I have carved the outline of the feathers in with a V Gouge but now I am not sure how to finish the feathers off. Would I use a wood burner ? or just leave them as is. Any suggestions would be appriciated. I also understand, how much time I want to put into it. Come spring I will finish them off with stain. I'm sorry I cannot show any pictures as I do not know how to post them. Also on the top of the head of my second Owl the wood is rotted ( cedar) about 1" in diameter and I think it goes into the wood a fair bit,any suggestions on what to do with this and what product to use if any. thank you

[Big Wood]

Hey John, when you post, look for the paperclip icon, click on it then you can browse files of your pics, if uploaded to your PC, then click on your pic, then upload and then submit your reply. It would be great to see your pics.
Jay

[Rwenzoski]

Hi John, Would like to help you out also but really need a few pics to go by & Jay has explained pretty clearly how to post them here so if you can do that will help us out to help you out also.
Thanks, Robbin

[jefftaylor]

hey john, i havent chainsaw carved an owl but have carved one out of soaptone. i found this website a while ago and its really good for reference pictures. The Owl Pages - About Owls - photos, calls, books, art, mythology and more.
hope this can help

[Big Wood]

Jeff thanks for posting the great link.
Jay

[Rwenzoski]

Hi John, As far as the hole in the topof the head what I use & works well is the Elmers Polyurethane glue & mix it with the fine sawdust from your carving & pack the hole full of it & at room temperature it takes about an hour to stop it's foaming reaction. During this time keep packing it down & what I find works best is like working with bread dough, just keep adding a bit of sawdust onto the top of the glue as it foams up & pack it down again & once the reaction has subsided it will harden like rock & you can sand or carve it to blend it in to the rest of the carving, permanent fix done!
Hope this helps you out?
Thanks, Robbin

[schizoidlogger]

Long strand body filler (automotive) has cut up fiberglass in it - works great and sets up quickly. Only down side is that doesn't like too much moisture.

[John T]

Thanks everyoe for all of your great info it helps alot

John