Tried something different.....

[Steve Reed]

Bif,, whatever works. For me it depends on what I'm doing. If I'm making an entire set of something, I use the same approach as you. if, on the other hand, I have a general idea of what I'm doing, I just grab the wood and go. Excited to see what everyone comes up with!
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Nice work Wayne! Fisherman, Santa, Hippie...….I think a challenge has been thrown down, LOL
Steve

[Steve Reed]

You can get blocks at Michaels or Hobby Lobby, but the basswood is hit or miss quality-wise. If you have a club near you, check with them for other sources.
Steve...

[Steve Reed]

Ok folks, that's it, the list is closed. I'll be sending the names out tonight or tomorrow. Remember, we're planning for the ornis to be in the mail by 15 Dec, no pics posted until Christmas!
Have fun people!
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Thirdcoastcarver, got your PM, you are added.
Thanks
Steve

[Steve Reed]

We just had another sign-up, thanks Darion. Again, if you want to be part of the exchange, leave a note HERE, and PM me your information. We have 3 slots left.
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Very well put Di. As a vet myself I appreciate so much what you do for our brothers and sisters. God bless you

[Steve Reed]

Look for Moore roughouts on the web. Also a lot of the well known carvers have roughouts for sale, i.e. Floyd Rhadigan, Steve Brown and others.
Steve...

[Steve Reed]

drhandrich, here is an example of a Catalpa "Log Santa"
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Depending on the size of your carving, a glue-up may be unavoidable. Do some research on here and the web to see larger carvings. Personally I work nearly exclusively in basswood, but have also used butternut and catalpa. Catalpa carves well when it's "green", but you need to dry your tools...

[Steve Reed]

Good eye Joe! People ask how long does it take you to cave that. My response, depends on what's on TV! LOL
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Thanks everyone for the comments! Rodster, yes it was carved from a triangular piece. Bob K use a square block I believe, but I had a triangle scrap on the bench, so that's what I used. didn't measure him but I think he's about 4 1/2 to 5" tall. Thanks to Bob K!
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Great job, as always Eddy. I know they bring smiles, not just for the gift, but for the thoughtfulness!
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Nice job Rodster! I agree with Claude's comments, the only thing I wood add is to make your arm crease on the front of the arm instead of the side. Excellent flat plane guy!
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Got the inspiration for this little guy from Bob Kozakiewicz' article in the current WCI issue. Took his fisherman guy and made him into a primitive Santa. Not really my usual style, but thought it looked interesting. As always, comments are welcome. Pardon the messy bench...,.
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Relax, they don't need to go in the mail for a while! Enjoy life, the season and football (my wife is an aggie). Me, I'm a Gator guy!
Steve

[Steve Reed]

Guess I'm the adventurous type. I have a Delta 3-wheel bandsaw, and I stand the block on the diagonal, using the slot in the table as a guide. I've seen arrangements where the block is put on a "sled" and done that way, but guess I'm used to doing it my way. Still have all my digits!...

[Steve Reed]

Thanks Nikki, got it all worked out. Insurance took care of all the damage, and now I have a new basement!
Steve

[Steve Reed]

We use square for shows. We do carry some cash for the shows, but I thinks we make more sales if we let the customers know that we can take credit or debit cards as well.

[Steve Reed]

Martin, no, it was a guy from a couple of ears ago. Found the email, but thanks!...