Thread: Torso

Very Stylish Rob and a nice finish too.

Isn't huon nice!

Can I ask what glue did you use and what finish?

Nice work Rob - she scrubs up pretty well.

If I may, and it's only opinion, but the way the shoulders recede without being too defined...sorta makes me think amputee. (Which is fine - Google Marc Quinn amputee).

Did the clay/plasticine model help?

Well done Rob. Good on ya for having a go. I've not worked up the courage yet.

Nice work Rob

You have a whole lot more courage and self-confidence than I do. There's a slim elegance that I like in the overall shape.

It's also a very good example of the forethought that must go into the placement of the glue line. This is most reasonable. Anywhere else would have looked poor.

The glue line adds the symmetry/asymmetry of the human form.

Nice work.

Good work !

Thanks for the comments folks, Featherwood the glue I used is called Titebond, I got it at Carbatec and find it very good. The finish was 2 coats of Sanding sealer & 2 coats of Danish oil sanding between each coat, I aimed to get a fairly glossy finish with this one.
Raav, The peaked shoulders were to match the peak on the half head, well.. that's my theory anyway. Yes I think it helps to make a plasticine model first, gives you a feel for what you are about to carve and it helps to get the basic shape right and then you can refine things from there. It's the first time I've done that so others may like to comment what they get out of making a model first. I'll keep doing that in the future. How are you enjoying the Huon?
RV, naturally my preference would be not to have to glue but finding decent blocks is pretty hard, especially Huon Pine. I'm fairly pleased how that worked out.

Thanks Rob, always value info on Huon.

Never tried laminating huon, might give it a go next time I want to make a bigger carving.

I make quite a few models in the size that I want the finished carving to be if the carving is intricate or complex. I can then make a pattern of the front and side silhouettes which I then draw onto the block of wood which I then cut out with the band saw. They also give me a better perspective from all angles and help me determine where to carve out large sections and where to be careful.

But I make them out of the white potters clay so I have to keep them wrapped in glad wrap as when they dry they shrink.....which probably spurs me on to carve faster.

I guess doing a clay model you can keep it if you ever want to carve another the same, I only used plasticine because I'm a tight fist and can squash it up and use it again. I wish I could fit a bandsaw in my shed somewhere but I don't have the room so I have to make do with a jigsaw, hand saws etc.

I have a similar whole in my life that a bandsaw could fill. Thinking the Men's Shed is the best option.

There is a clay called Chavant. It doesn't dry out, costs a bit more, but that's countered by it's longevity.
Plasticine does a decent job. I just use it for general reference, not too detailed.

When I dragged a not too sharp a chisel across the grain of some Huon...I knew we were going to get on just fine.
But that stuff's endangered and a plague on all who use it!!!!!

Men's shed is not a bad idea Raav, just curious, are you entering anything into Sculpture by the sea this Year? Starts in March at cottesloe I believe.

I'm having a solo show later in the year so no time for much else. Really happy working small scale right now!!!

Originally Posted by raav

I'm having a solo show later in the year so no time for much else. Really happy working small scale right now!!!

Good stuff, don't forget to inform me when and where and I can get a first hand look at your work, and we will get to meet.