AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: James on October 07, 2011, 02:57:32 AM

Title: First time carving- work in progress
Post by: James on October 07, 2011, 02:57:32 AM

I had intended to skip the carving on my first gun as I had never done any. I changed my mind and this is where I'm at, still have a lot to clean up, but it is supposed to resemble #82 in Kindig's "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle..."


(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1217.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd393%2Ftalkingamoeba%2Fcarving205.jpg&hash=3efee654a884740624163c5d659abd7dbc380c81)

(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1217.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd393%2Ftalkingamoeba%2Fcarving206.jpg&hash=15291b13fa1f0671de2f4c00fde4c4e266f064fc)

(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1217.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd393%2Ftalkingamoeba%2Fcarving204.jpg&hash=518981ed521410ec3159c629a2a8767c0e45c6ff)

Title: Re: First time carving- work in progress
Post by: sleddman on October 07, 2011, 03:29:44 AM

Liked the photos of your work.  Nice going

Title: Re: First time carving- work in progress
Post by: draken on October 07, 2011, 03:52:01 AM

I don't have the book for comparison, but I'd say that's darned good for your first try.

Title: Re: First time carving- work in progress
Post by: alyce-james on October 07, 2011, 04:16:11 AM

The work I see in the pictures tell me you made a wise decision to go ahead and add the carving to your first build. Practice blocks before final attempt will also benefit. Take your time, use very sharp tools, after cleanup and final stain you will be surprised. Aj 

Title: Re: First time carving- work in progress
Post by: rich pierce on October 07, 2011, 04:16:48 PM

You've got a good design, good as many originals.  And you can carve.  I have always been surprised how low most of the carving from that period was.  So you might want to see if you can achieve the same visual effect with less height.

Title: Re: First time carving- work in progress
Post by: Lucky R A on October 07, 2011, 05:06:00 PM

       Looks like you are off to a very good start.  I have seen a lot of first carvings that didn't come close to the quality of your work.  Rich is correct, most original carving is rather shallow.  The illusion of greater depth is usually achieved by slightly undercutting the edges that define the pattern. 
        One tip, keep the butt plate on your rifle when you are carving and working on it.  One drop of the gun that breaks the toe or the heel will cause you to use words that you shouldn't.   

Title: Re: First time carving- work in progress
Post by: greybeard on October 07, 2011, 06:37:36 PM

Very nice  for a first effort. i agree with the butplate thingy.  Just wait till it's stained.  Bob

Title: Re: First time carving- work in progress
Post by: James on October 07, 2011, 07:09:09 PM

Thank you for the input. I didn't realize 1/32" could seem so tall. I have, much to my wife and children's dismay, cut the height back and will post when I have it detailed again. Thanks, Jim