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Obviously, trees differ. The species I chose is Yew (taxus baccata) which has a chunky bark and white sapwood surrounding a lovely rich brown heartwood.
So, first things first, I needed to remove the bark and sapwood and get down to the real stuff. See what I've got.
Watch out for the 'tool event'! The tang on my favourite sculpture gouge, one that I've had for over 40 years and has passed through several handles, broke - around 3:20 I pull it out of the handle. By the time you read this I will have repaired the tool and it's good for another 40 years - even if I myself won't be... Carrie filmed the repair so keep an eye on the monthly bulletin to catch it when it appears.
| 21 May 2018 17:08
I be great full for Ur speedy response. ThankU Chris Pey
Blessings from chict
| 21 May 2018 16:00
Joseph - I think most people forgive the look of the wood for these sorts of carvings. My surname for example, comes from the old French for a magpie and I've though about using that as a logo, or just carving the bird. But where to get black and white wood!? I think the best thing is to find a wood somewhere in the region of the subject if you can. So my tawny owl has a browny red wood. A barred owl - well, you won't find barred wood as such but brown would surely be a mistake; so a light wood, even if not grey would be much better.
Or possibly Butternut? If you head over to the 'Sharpen My Gouge' website at Butler Hardwoods, I know they've just got in some lovely, well-seasoned Butternut.
| 21 May 2018 15:54
Edward - I never measured it! I suggest you make your model first and then look for the log (or glue up) that is 'just right'...
| 21 May 2018 00:57
You mention the color of the wood being similar to the color of the owl. The owl I'm carving is more gray - in America is is a Barred Owl...more gray. I don't know a gray wood for carving. Is it critical to match the color or is it just helpful when possible?
| 20 May 2018 17:36
What size is the log
Edward Thomas
