Still Sketching......

[JohnTyg]

Jim,

Adopted elements from your first sketch that was based on my original drawing.

That being said I do recognize, and can appreciate, that your second sketch shows improved design and composition, and is more critically correct (i.e. less folksy).

Chose the former as I think it fits the overall feel of my rifle.  Its hard to get away from the folksy elements when it's your first major effort.  Did try to fold the upper leaf downwards somewhat to keep the flow around the scroll. 

Think I'll look at it a bit before I carve.  Do think it is still a significant improvement over my initial drawing.  Thanks again.

John

[Jim Kibler]

Looking pretty good John.  I like how you curved the top bit around with the scroll a little more.  Definetly an improvement.  One area you might want to work with a bit more is where the line for the upper scroll starts.  It starts about the same point as the little leaf like feature on the scroll below.  It's good to have these staggered.  Try adjusting one or the other so they aren't in line and see if it looks any better. 

Jim

[JohnTyg]

Funny I was just looking at that, also thought that the upper volute could be more delicate/smaller as well.

One problem with this forum is that as I progress, I'm learning so much, there is a visual progression, or discrepancy, of the quality of work on this rifle.  Would love to have done some early things differently.  Guess I'll have to build a 3rd one.  And on, and on..... as Acer put it.

John

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I really like the drawing with all of the recommendations so far.  I'd go ahead and carve now.  Your rifle is going to be very nice indeed.

[davebozell]

I really like the sketch now.  I'm looking forward to seeing the finished results.  (I wouldn't mind some in-process pictures either!)

[KLMoors]

These threads are great.

So  much to learn, but this having to make a living thing keeps getting in the danged way.

This design looks really nice. I'd stagger those ends at 10:00 as Jim suggested and run with it.

Thanks again.

[JohnTyg]

End of the weekend and my short vacation.

I'll post the progress to date since will have to set it aside again until I've more time.
The volutes don't quite match on each side of the cheek piece.  That's OK (it's folksy).

[Ed Wenger]

I think you've got a real nice start there, John.  The rest of you're carving looks nice and sharp as well.


           Ed

[JohnTyg]

Thanks Ed,

I don't think I have too much trouble with the workmanship part, ..... it's the designing and concept part that is hardest and results simply from lack of experience.  I think borrowing from the experience of others on this forum is a great way to go for a beginner!

I've learned a lot.  Some of the architectural problems with the rifle stem from how I set things out early on.  The position of the butt plate could have been better, tilted back with the flat of the plate more perpendicular to the axis of the butt of the stock.  Next time I'll be more careful with the placement of the lock bolt and trigger guard pin so as not to limit how slender I can make my lock plate panels.  I think the ramrod groove should have been deeper with a thinner web.  All things I will be well aware when I build the next rifle.

As to the carving it's my first, overall happy with it, but obviously it is not being done as an overall theme or concept,.... but rather piecemeal with each part of the rifle done as separate designs.  I think it shows, but that is the learning experience.  I'm learning as I go.  Those volutes on each side of the cheekpiece look don't look balanced,  but I'll probably fudge the lines as much as I can to match them up a little. 

Think I'm over all the major hurdles.  Hope to be able to finish it up soon and post it for critique.  I had a second stock, with better curl, made up at the same time as this one, hard sugar maple.  Can't wait to start on my next rifle and hopefully make only half the number of mistakes.   Great fun! 

[Ed Wenger]

Sounds like you're hooked, John!  I struggle with carving/engraving design and I certainly agree, input from the forum helps greatly. 

It sounds like you've done well at identifying areas that you think could be improved upon, that's a big step, and greatly reduces the learning curve.

Look forward to seeing the finished piece.

[JohnTyg]

Have pretty much finished the carving except for modeling and cleanup.  Same goes for the rifle itself.  I'm thinking that the final sanding/scraping cleanup will seem to take forever as I am anxious to stain everything and see how it looks, but don't want to hurry this part.

Here are some pics, hopefully more folksy than funky (folksy would be an unschooled attempt at art with a degree of charm, funky the same but without the charming aspect).