First go at breaking away from mushrooms

[Azza]

Hi guys this is my first post on arb talk so forgive me if all isnt quite right .

 

So here's my first attempt at something other than a mushroom.

It's (supposedly) an otter leaving the water still have more shaping and sanding too do!

Would really appreciate tips and thoughts ... Thanks!

[dervishcarving]

its a dam good start

[abercarver]

looking ace!!

 

Once smoothed over and some little detailing people will be looking twice!

 

Good job

[dervishcarving]

getting the water-look right is difficult. wants to be smooth with radial ripples.

[Woodcrafter]

Great start. Well done. 👍

[FriarsGorse]

I would be chuffed with that so far ... well done... you certainly have the shape and form just right. I wanted to post a headline of "HORNY OTTER FLATTENS UNSUSPECTING RAMBLER !!" but I didn't want to cause any offence ... its difficult to get perspective from just one photo.

Dervish is right you need some ripples...if you look back at Woodsculptors fantastic "Down by the river" may give you some idea (I'm not suggesting any direct copying but we probably all borrow an idea or two from the best carvers) When I moved on from mushrooms I just found the need to really take my time and cut carefully (still do) so that's the only tip I could offer.. Keep the pictures coming of your progress .. WELL DONE:thumbup:

[Azza]

Thanks everyone:biggrin:

 

Is a angle grinder with a sanding disc the norm technique to get a smooth finish ? And for the ripples I did try put some radial ones coming off the tail with the saw but they don't look right will they form as I sand and smooth it down ? Thanks for the posts guys:thumbup:

[Azza]

Ha yea it is a rather big otter with a sort of rambler stalking frame lol. Il be sure to check out their water techniques . Do people use saws for the whole process or do other tools get used for stuff like detail .. Cheers!

[Stephen Blair]

I think that's brilliant!!!

[dervishcarving]

yep, angle grinder + flap disc sander. i also use a power file (black & decker, great tool). DONT go getting yourself a lancelot or similar, way too dangerous. no wonder no suppliers in the UK. use a wire brush to clear the sand-disc regularly to avoid it burning the wood.