[CV3]

I have been thinking about a group project. This is something many carving clubs do. I think it is something that could be done on the forum. We would pick a basic carving subject. This time a duck head cane or stick, your choice. I will post a pattern as a basic guide. But each person can choose his own way of doing it. It could be T handle or a topper or the top of a stick. But going for the same basic shape. Those who want to take part would post to the thread once or twice a week to show progress and get feedback. Sharing what tools are working for them and asking questions, if they have any. Say over a 3 or 4 week time. This is a good way to learn if you are new at carving. It would not be about skill level, it is not a contest. We have a wide range of skilled people from beginners on up on the forum. It is about learning from what others are doing. Something with a simple shape, like a duck head can be done with a sharp knife and some sandpaper so lack of tools would not be an issue. In responding to what someone is doing it should be based on helping them with the tools they have to use and the skills that they are starting with. I have never done this on a forum so I do not know how it will work. We can just work it out as we go. Open to any suggestions. But if we got a process that worked and was fun for all I think it could be an ongoing thing. If you want to give it a try, jump in. Even if you do not take part I hope you will share some helpful hints with those that do. Why don't we set Sunday the 8th as a start date? Every one try to finish by the 8th of next month. That should give everyone time. If there is just a few and it is over faster we can move on to other suggested projects or drop the idea.
Here is a basic pattern.

 

[MJC4]

Count me in. Great idea Randy. The duck head is a great starter.

Myself, I find doing a "topper" for a walking stick or a "T" handle for a cane an easier task than a carving on the whole stick if you are working at say the kitchen table. My other half will go along with kitchen table carving if I am not trying to wipe out the overhead table lights or the china cabinet with a 5' piece of wood!

My experience with carving a topper or the T handle is to start with a piece of wood, either found or processed, about an 1 1/2" - 2" in diameter on round stock or 1 1/2" - 2" square block by about 12" long. 12" may seem rather long but it leaves room for error and it can be cut down once the carving's complete.

Easy carving woods for me, are the soft maples, sassafras, poplar, aspen, white pine, spruce and of course basswood.

I'm off to the garage to see what I've got in my cut offs box!!

 

[cobalt]

count me in think i will need a bit larger piece than a 2x2 .

It will be lime wood for me . Not sure yet to do a topper or walking stick handle

 

[CV3]

We are on the way we have three. Hope some more of you will jump in. I will be out of reach this weekend. We have had a loss in the family and we will be out of town tell Sunday night. I will check in if I can. But if you have any questions post them There are enough experienced people on the forum to get you a answer.

 

[cobalt]

What species is the wild fowl? it would help me tp plan a finish maybe

I visited a wood turners meeting the other day they do the same thing , difference was they all had to work on a particular size and type of wood, most of these guys seemed to enjoy working on simular projects and sharing ideas.

out of 30 + people there guess over 1/2 of them went for it.The wood was supplied be a member and each person piad for the wood it seems to work well .friendly bunch

 

[Gloops]

Count me in, might not get much time at present having new windows and doors done at home starting Monday, and then will be spending a lot of time at the coast for the summer, and have limited resources there.

 

[MJC4]

Took this piece of silver maple out of the cut off bucket. I believe I will TRY to make a mallard "T" handle out of this piece. about 1 3/4" by 10" long, might be a tad short, we'll see.

 

[cobalt]

I havnt even started yet mark. just trying to finish other peices of.

I dont think the wild fowl is a mallard , its more like a black bellied whistling duck? hope someone will tell me ? even correct me Its just the shape of it makes me wonder

 

[MJC4]

Cobalt, not sure if CV3 was being specie specific with the pattern. Have to see what he had in mind when he returns.

 

[gdenby]

Just now, I'll pass on the project. With the weather finally becoming bearable, I see I have 5 sticks in process, and want to get them out of the way. Also, need to get out to do some harvesting before the sap starts running (perhaps in just a few days.)

 

[CV3]

I was not being specie specific but the drawing is from a old book and is a generic form of a duck in the mallard family of ducks. Which does offer a wide range of colors if any one wants to paint. I hope to get started today. We were gone all weekend. Need to pick the wood.

I hope some of you who are new to carving or think they would like to try carving will take part. This is not a contest. Give it a try.

 

[cobalt]

The project is straight forward , most people shouldnt have any problem doing it ,just a bit of fun. be interesting to see how people tackle it , hope every one submits photos of the making process . It should als be interesting to see what they end up with, from painting to a natural finish, perhaps a bit of burning. . i hope to start next week , need to finish of some currant work

 

[rdemler]

Are power tools considered ok in a carvers world??

 

[CV3]

Are power tools considered ok in a carvers world??

Sure. Most carvers will use power at times. But this is about walking sticks and adding to them. Its what works best for you. I would invite you to give carving it a try. or combined some carving with your power.

 

[CV3]

I am going to post as I go and keep it as simple as I can to help new carvers to get started. Use what tools you are the most comfortable using, whether hand tools and or power tools. We are ,hopefully, just having fun and learning.

Here is how I am starting this project. This is just my way, If you have not done this maybe it will work for you.

 

[cobalt]

I will have to slightly modify the size but stiil keep the identical patteren Hopefully attempt something a little different with the diagrams you posted

If i make a right b`s of it i will still post it. and there is a good chance of that

anyone started yet?

 

[JJireh]

I'll see what I can get done

 

[MJC4]

De barked, sanded and stained my piece of maple for the duck "T" handle I am attempting.

Nothing else done as I am trying to finish the bear handle cane up I started.

Trimming the forsythia bush and smoke bushes before the sap comes up on tap for tomorrow.

Anybody else got a start yet?

 

[CV3]

Glad you are in JJireh. The more the better. I was running honey do's today and did not get to the shop but I plan to get going in the morning. I will take some pictures as I go. I hope that may be helpful to some.

 

[CV3]

I was able to get started. I hope this is helpful to you if you do not have a process you already use. As I noted before I glued my pattern to my block of wood. I will be carving it all away but it makes it easy to get the form. Here is the way I cut out the duck head getting it ready to carve. Then I marked the general area of waist to be removed to form the ducks neck. Remember you can always take off more but it is hard to add back when you cut away to much.