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[dave.keele]

If you're looking for a realistic pattern, I doubt you'll find anything better than those made by Denny Rogers. I bought a set of life-size bald eagle patterns from him in the 1980's. Did a search and don't believe they are made any more.... however.... this is:

https://www.amazon.com/...

[dave.keele]

+1 on all above. They are wood supplier at John Engler's Ozark Woodcarving Seminar in Springfield, MO. Good wood and good people.

[dave.keele]

Have a friend who had a similar problem... In his case, the blade that came with the saw had a narrow tooth set. I think this may be a common issue with smaller bandsaws ...?

In my opinion, a narrow tooth set, on any size blade, will make a narrower kerf than a blade with a wider set....

[dave.keele]

+1 I have these books also and would recommend Lori's.

https://www.amazon.com/Carving-Award.../dp/1565231821...

[dave.keele]

Apparently not a very popular topic. Don't know if this helps, but I like Super Sculpey. It's easy to use, it's re-usable, and holds detail well. Bake it in the oven when you have something you want to keep. Attached pic is made of SS, with a wood core (approx 8" tall). Plenty of Youtube videos...

[dave.keele]

Another nice one, Mike! Really like how you did the water. Did you use Super Sculpey? You going to be at Mountain Home in May?

[dave.keele]

Daroc,

You won't be disappointed with the Pfeils. They come ready to use. I have many of them (head count... 45+) 4 sets of palms, 18 pc set of intermediate, and several full-size mallet tools.... plus many other brands I've collected since 1980. (Don't tell my wife ! ) Not trying to impress...

[dave.keele]

Well.... not really. Respectfully, without asking for specifics, since you are/will be carving with gouges... may I assume you have use of both hands and arms? If so, you have no handicap in my eyes.

I am not a fan of jigs that hold tools to a specific angle.... (I know a lot of carvers...

[dave.keele]

Jimmy,

When you work on slabs cut perpendicular to the grain, you end up carving the end grain. This type of slab is probably used mostly by painters, wood-burning (pyrography) artists, power carvers, etc. I would say most relief (plaque) carvers would choose wood blanks with the grain...