AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Enfield on October 10, 2025, 09:14:40 AM

Title: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: Enfield on October 10, 2025, 09:14:40 AM

does anyone know where to maybe download patterns for carving? I am afraid that I can bring the lines realy mirror invertetd on both sides just free handed.
I think sticking paper pattern on the stock to draw the lines might be the best way? or any other recomendations?

BR Enfield

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: smylee grouch on October 10, 2025, 02:24:55 PM

I'm curious and wondering if you will be able to get a paper pattern to lay flat enuf on the stock once you get the stock to carving stage. ???  :-\

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: Enfield on October 10, 2025, 03:20:19 PM

Just sticking it on thr stock to draw the lines.. should work?

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: bluenoser on October 10, 2025, 03:36:55 PM

Speaking as one who is artistically challenged, I can tell you that it does work - but not perfectly.  It establishes a good starting point and some tweaking is usually required. 

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: rich pierce on October 10, 2025, 03:42:32 PM

I can look back at my early attempts at carving and recall how intimidating it was. Once done, there it is for all to see. What helped me was drawing a buttstock and cheekpiece, or whatever area I intended to carve, on a piece of paper. Then studying a carving design I liked and drawing it on the outline of the buttstock. Lots of eraser time. A small-sized French curve helps get rid of the “elbows.” For someone without drawing skills, it can help to photocopy a design and break it down into quadrants.  Top left, top right, etc. This helps with scale and reach of the different elements. Start with drawing the backbone, then move to the details after the backbone looks good. Do this several times with different designs. Maybe one a night. Look at your drawings the next day, compare to the pictures, and tweak the drawing until it’s pleasing.

Tracing an outline won’t help integrate the carving design into the architecture. It might give you a decent starting point.

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: Daniel Coats on October 10, 2025, 08:32:30 PM

I used to have a simple drawing software on my computer to create a series of ellipses.

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: JTR on October 11, 2025, 02:43:51 AM

I think copying from an original is a good idea, especially if you're trying to replicate a particular maker's style.
I've done that in the past, where carving was needed with a new piece of wood, when the original wood was missing. Makes it easy to get the right size and flavor.  ;D
John

(https://i.ibb.co/CkvWz7x/Dickert5a-Large.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yw5VXyL)

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: Scott L on October 11, 2025, 05:38:12 AM

This is how I've been doing it. As bluenoser said, it usually takes
some tweaking. I use tracing paper over my drawing then go
over the reverse heavily with a pencil. Tape it to the stock
then go over the lines with something pointy. The pencil lead
will mark the stock.
(https://i.ibb.co/dssy1BGQ/331-072625.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ymmJG0W8)

(https://i.ibb.co/C5rTc53g/332.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Y7rqC7Fm)

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: flatsguide on October 11, 2025, 06:40:52 AM

Pretty nice design Scott!
Cheers Richard

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: bluenoser on October 11, 2025, 02:59:37 PM

Pretty much as I do Scott.  I put carbon paper between the pattern and stock and use a tracing stylus.  Never thought of going over the back side of the pattern with a soft pencil and will have to give it a try.

Title: Re: Carving Pattern (paper) to stick to the stock
Post by: Scott L on October 11, 2025, 07:03:13 PM

bluenoser, I have also used the carbon paper technique. It works fine
but the carbon paper marks may be just a little harder to remove when
you need to "tweek." Also, I'm finding it harder and harder to find
carbon paper nowadays.