Post #163691 by Aaron's Akua on Sat, Jun 4, 2005 10:10 PM

Swanky, I've carved lots of stuff with flat chisels, but the "v" can really help sometimes. But if you haven't gotten one yet, you might also consider picking up a 1/4" shank burr or burr set to clean up after the rough chisel cuts. The cheap chinese ones will work for starters, and you could even improvise & use a drill with them in a pinch. Hey, whatever works till you've built up your tools - it all takes time.

As others have said, it's good to do the features all the way across the face. I find it impossible to do it all at once, but at least take a feature like the stylized brow all the way across. Do it all rough, then come back with a second and third pass. That will keep everything symetrical. Same with the eyes, etc. My current piece is easy in that respect, 'cause it has only one eye.

I think it will look good. You're going deep on the carving and you've got a nice design, and it's bugging the shit out of you cause it's not coming out perfect right off the bat. That's all good!

Welcome to the club.

Aaron