Started My carving today. Made modifications based on your suggestions.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

This is my first go at carving on a piece of wood that I actually care about.  I have been practicing but this is the first go for me.  My concern is if I went deep enough with it. I know it is hard to tell from the photos, but here they are:






Coryjoe

[rich pierce]

The wavy molding carving looks deep enough.  I like the "gouged out thumb catch hole" (what do you call it?) deeper so I can be sure to get a good grip to remove the patchbox lid regardless of conditions.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Rich, I am not sure what you call it, but I see your point.  Thanks.

We can just call it the thumb catch holey thingy.

Coryjoe

[Acer Saccharum]

I agree with Rich. The thumb catch should go deep toward the aft end to provide a good grip. Maybe 5/32 to 3/16 deep. That makes a nice ridge to push against with your thumb.

I'd also start the scallop cuts more to the right, which will help make a bigger pocket for more thumb to drop into. Maybe another 1/8 to 1/4, depending on your design.

Tom

[Mike Brooks]

I'd like to see the thumb hole thingy deeper too, not from any functional stand point but more of an artistic look. The carving loooks good.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Hello all.  After reading over everyone's very helpful suggestions I worked on the patchbox lid a bit more.



I also began my molding on the cheekpiece and the design behind it.  There will be more to it, but this is the start.  Lots of clean up to do on the lines to make them flow better.  I have figured out how to do that, just decided to stop for the day.



Thanks everyone

Coryjoe

[wattlebuster]

I think your doing a fine job so far

[Robert Wolfe]

You are well on the way, but be sure to take a little time to work the kinks out of your volute.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Thank Robert and Wattle,

After I posted these pictures I fixed up my desk lamp at an angle to the wood and saw all kinds of spots to fix and clean up.  I was going to work on it today, but was too lazy. 

Coryjoe