Pugilist Final Update

Well, the Pugilist is finally completed. He is carved from basswood and mounted on a walnut base. He measures 7" tall and the base is 6 1/2" wide and 8" long. The only finish is Howard Feed N Wax. I see a few things that I would do differently next time. But that is how we learn, always strive to make the next one better. Thanks for following along!

Pugilist #5

I decided to woodburn the mustache and eyebrows. I also finished carving the hands. If you follow my blog, you know I don't like to paint my carvings, except for Christmas projects. So I applied a coat of Howard Feed N Wax to all the pieces. The first photo was taken before applying the wax. All that is left is to make a base from walnut and mount the carving.

Woodcarving Illustrated

Well, look who made it into the magazine. I'm pretty proud of this article.

Pugilist Update #4

At this point I have sanded with 220 grit and carved in the details. Also, I have carved the eyes and wood burned the irises. Still need to sand with 320 grit. I am not going to paint him, I'll finish him with wax. But I can't decide if I want to wood burn the moustache and eye brows, apply a black wash or leave them as is.

Pugilist Update #3

I have hand sanded the pugilist with 80 grit and followed up with 150 grit. I will carve in more detail and then a fine sanding. I've also started roughing out his hands.

Pugilist Update #2

I worked on his ears today. Since he is a fighter, he suffers from cauliflower ear. Too many shots to the head.

 

Pugilist Update

Found some time to carve, here's an update on my current project. In the top photos I have roughed in the nose and ears. The bottom photos I have roughed in the eyes, mouth and chin. Also started to define the neck.

The Pugilist

Started a new project from basswood. I drew a basic sketch and attached the front and side views with spray adhesive. Then cut out the blank with a band saw.

Here's Cecil

Well I finally found a source for two-part wood bleach.
http://www.hardwareworld.com
You only want to mix up what you can use. Once applied to the wood, it will continue to whiten until you neutralize it with water. I am pleased with the results. I have applied three light coats of Deft Satin Lacquer. I will apply a coat of wax after a few days.

After bleaching.

After lacquer.

Wood Spirit

I started this cottonwood bark carving at a carving demonstration with Northland Woodcarvers. The bark is 16" long by 4"wide and 2 3/4" thick. Finished with Howard' Feed'N'Wax.

Native American Bust

Trying to get a garden in and keeping up with yard work this spring, has really cut into my carving time. But, I was finally  able to finish this carving. If you have been following the progress, you know he is carved from a 7" butternut log. He measures 16" tall. I finished him the same way I have other carvings in butternut. I applied a mixture of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits, allowing a few days to dry. Then several coats of Deft Satin lacquer.

Before oil

After applying oil