new Santa

[oldbearx2]

Here's the start of one of the large Santa's I do for Christmas. I usually do at least four a year, one for each daughter and one for wife. They 11 high by 6 1/2 x 6 1/2. Tried a different approach to glue up, cut out the front view, then glue up, the glue joint is on the side so doesn't interfere with the face.

[Doug R]

Re: new Santa

Can't wait to see the completed piece, keep posting.

[Sharon of the Dell]

Re: new Santa

I look forward to your progress. What kind of glue do you use?

[SlowMover]

Re: new Santa

That is a large block, show it to us again when he is finished please.

[Bob K.]

Re: new Santa

Looks like quite a hefty project. Keep posting your progrss!

[oldbearx2]

Re: new Santa

Thanks for the comments, what I usually do is carve from the top down, leave about 2 inches of the bottom square so I can clamp it in a vice. Then use a long dill bit to hollow out the center to lighten it up, then carve the bottom. Sharon, I use Titebond ultimate #3 glue. I use it for all my woodworking, great thing is it's waterproof, I put it on let it set for about five minutes, put the pieces together then clamp. Doesn't seem to slide around a lot then. Have to start him sometime next week, will keep you posted.

[susieq]

Re: new Santa

Looks like a great project.... I will be following your progress. Gluing up is always a "thought" process.....where to have the glue joint on the piece.

The last large Santa that I glued up for, I decided to try 3 pieces of wood. The thickest piece in the center and then 2 thinner pieces, one on each side. I was trying to get the glue joint out of the center of the face and relocate it/them to the shoulder area instead. It worked out well and from now on, that is how I will do it. That also allows me to get by with 2" stock for the side pieces....easier to come by than the larger stuff. The joint is still on the front but is easy to disguise. I have never tried putting the glue joint on the side of the piece before....

Of course, we all prefer not to have to glue up at all but you can't pass up good basswood these days, as long as it's at least 2" thick...LOL

Keep us posted on this. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

[kdispoto]

Re: new Santa

Go for it Harold!!!

[Sharon of the Dell]

Re: new Santa

Thanks Harold!

[artolver]

Re: new Santa

Looks like a great project. Can never have enough Santa's! Looking forward to the progress!

Dorothy & Art