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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
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    Perth
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    7

    Default 1st try at carving

    Hi,

    Recently made a box for someone and wanted to put a carved frog on top as it has special meaning for my friend.
    Anyway used some Karri wood from Pemberton WA. It was really hard wood and I used the sanding disc of a hand grinder to make the whole thing, hence some of the burn marks which I left 'cause I thought they looked ok.
    Just thought I'd stick a pic on here so you guys could give me some tips on what I could do better next time, or if you thinks it's alright.... or not lol.

    Sam

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
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    MEL VIC AUS
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    Default

    l always get into trouble when people ask what l think

    to be honest the diffrents with the frog being OK and really good is time and tools ,the shape of the frog is great all that needs to be done is the finishing of it
    to do this is to get a good sharp chisel and get rid of some of the lumpy bit around the legs and fix the feet up ,a easier way for a beginner is a rotary tool you can get them cheap for around $50

    the burn marks are OK but the front feet not so much

    the frog should take as long to make as the box if it is going to be stuck on top like that
    hoped that helped

    ps.as a 1st time very good job

    please don't yell at me (joke)
    smile and the world will smile with you

  4. #3
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    Jul 2009
    Location
    Perth
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    Default

    Hey thanks for the tips! Do you think it would be easier... better finish if I used a softer wood? Most of the carving tools I had just got bent using them on the Karri.

    The CC is always welcome... I won't yell! lol

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    MEL VIC AUS
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    59
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Scosam View Post
    Hey thanks for the tips! Do you think it would be easier... better finish if I used a softer wood? Most of the carving tools I had just got bent using them on the Karri.

    The CC is always welcome... I won't yell! lol
    softer wood would be a lot easier
    smile and the world will smile with you

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Lambton, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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    Default

    I think he's pretty cool, I quite like the angular qualities which makes him a little abstract rather than being too neet and perfect. Well done.
    Instagram: mark_aylward
    www.solidwoodfurniture.com.au


    A good edge takes a little sweat!!

  7. #6
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    Jul 2009
    Location
    Perth
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    Default

    Thanks alot!

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Yarram
    Age
    63
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    2,207

    Default

    yeah I think it's pretty cool too, I have isthues with anatomically correct, picture perfect renditions of whatevers.

    I suspect that no commercial carving chisel is made specifically for Australian eucalyptus and think you would find more enjoyment in carving softer woods let alone talking about how less punishing on your tools they are. Not to say that hardwood carving shouldn't be attempted but I would suggest you develope your style on easier softwoods of the tight grain variety.

    From what I've experienced, it's very important to consider in the design how to achieve a firm grip on what it is your carving. For me this means that one of the last things to remove on my work is the stub of wood which was clamped or held in a bench vice. Investigate a good holding system for your work so you can concentrate on your carving technique.

    Thanks for giving us a look

  9. #8
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    Oct 2007
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    Default

    opps I forgot to say he does look a bit out of water sitting on that flat surface but at the same time there's something about the contrast between the style of the pin stripped box and the frog I like also.

    I remember, inland northern NSW, lying in a hut with plenty of openings waiting to go to sleep when all of a sudden a suction cupped frog landed right in the middle of my face say know more, you can imagine the rest

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    nth coast nsw
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    1,557

    Default

    The frog works for me Scosam
    the form is right and the rough and readyness doesn't take away from that,
    sandblasting would remove those grinder burns and might make for an interesting textured finish.

    what if the hokey pokey is really what it's all about?

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    lismore nsw
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    Default

    Hey top job ,I wouldn`t be to worried about perfection SCOSAM ,nothing in the world is ,and nature is a prim example of this ,always changin , some ideas of what`s right is someone elsesidea of boring to me ,i carve and not to worried about the outcome cause i never know EXACTLY what`s coming or how ends,the frog is a cutie ,a bit abstract but you captured the essence ,and that is good enough.I don`t have any true carvin tool`s so i use the ones i worked with me whole life,hard ,soft it don`t matter,just time is involved,1/4 width bladed chisel ,firmly held,sharp as,job secured,patience patience patience ,then make it happenthey laughed at DALI I wonder what could be said of a CANE TOAD carving ,good ,bad or uglyGood on ya danny

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Waitpinga
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    All I can say is that if that's your first go and you used an angle grinder to cut it out, you have a brilliant future ahead of you! I would have thrown my first pieces away except my wife, who's a bit of a horder wouldn't hear of it. Good thing I realised later cause it lets you see how far you've come.

    As for the comment about holding down your work... have you ever considered trying something like that in a 'whittling' style. Whittling is definded as woodcarving in which you hold your work rather than having it bolted or clamped. It requires some special techniques to do it safely, but once these are mastered it makes carving a lot more versitile and portable. Get a lesson or two in technique and have a go. Tools are easier too. I find a good quality 3 bladed pocket knife does about 90% of my work. The other 10% come from half a dozen Peil chisels.

    Of course larger stuff needs different tools and techniques.

    I have to agree that softer woods are easier to carve but as a rule, they also have less interesting grain and colour.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Yarra Junction Vic
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    280

    Default

    Nice frog, has plenty of LIFE though I do agree with Spirit about the front feet

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