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Thread: Rocking Horse Documentary

  1. #61
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    Feb 2003
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    Austin, TX
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    That's a great idea to use an earlier photo to mark progress, keeps up one's spirits and the like. I've run out of good things to say about this work, so someone else should definitely chime in about now.

    Pam

  2. #62
    Pam,

    I'd like to say something but have no clue what. The work in progress is terrible, the light on the pics is gorgeous, the speed is fantastic. I daily return to Louis' shed and look how he unveals the horse out of the wood. No definitely, I have nothing to add or write, only sitting here and admiring

    Marc in Luxembourg

    P.s.: Bought my first carving gouge this saturday, only to have a hint of the feeling

  3. #63
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    Sep 2004
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    Etobicoke, Ontario
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    Pam, I'm not in it for the glory (else I would have prefaced my post with "wooden horse porn"). But thanks for your continued patronage...I just hope I'm not boring the potential "project undertakers". The only reward I hope to gain is the glimmer in my son's eyes as he rides this noble steed.

    Mark, thanks for the kind words...and I hope you enjoy the feeling you experience when using your gouge...keep it sharp!!!

    Cheers,

    Louis
    Louis Bois
    "and so it goes..." Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

  4. #64
    Louis,

    Please keep updating the progress. I love this project. I wish I had your carving skill/talent. I would love to build a rocking horse for my kids. At the rate I finish projects, if I start now, I might get one made for my grandkids (my kids are 3yrs old and 10 months old).

    Wendell

  5. #65
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    Sep 2004
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    Wendell, don't worry...I plan to take this to completion...in front of your eyes...one way or the other.

    As for my skills?!? They're no greater than most of you...I consider my greatest skill to be my "patience", which is constantly being put to the test by a very demanding, almost-3-yr-old, and a working staff of very demanding middle-aged 3-yr olds!!! I'm conviced that ANYONE can do this. Pick up this book and tackle one of the early projects (which aren't too shabby, by the way). There are great projects in there for kids of all ages. Better yet, go to the library and peruse the pages of the book before you consider buying it...or any other book on carving for that matter.

    As to the finishing rate of projects...did you notice the workbench in the background of those photos I've been posting?!? 4 years and counting...still haven't put the top caps on the tail vise. It's a silly thing that just doesn't seem to get done...it's always pushed down the list.

    All I can say is that the rewards justify the means...there's no rush, except the rush we impose on ourselves...speaking of which: ONLY 34 DAYS LEFT!!!!!
    Louis Bois
    "and so it goes..." Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

  6. #66
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    Sep 2004
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    I hogged away a bit more material around the neck/shoulder area. It's difficult to tell in the photos, but I removed almost half an inch of material.

    You'll also notice that the back is still quite flat with only the edges slightly rounded. This will be my next area of attack. I'm not going to round it entirely at this point as it's easier to clamp it down to a work surface while there's still a flat area for stability.

    This stage of the game can be a bit depressing as material is removed quickly, yet the overall effect is still very "boxy". Not to worry...this will soon change...mmwwaaahahahahahaha....

    There is much material yet to be removed from the sides as well...so I need to start defining the musculature where the legs meet the body...stay tuned for more from: THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE PIT THINGY WHERE THE SUN RARELY SHINES!!!!

    OK...I'm tired and it's showing...zzzzzz
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Louis Bois
    "and so it goes..." Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

  7. #67
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    Jan 2005
    Location
    St Thomas, Ont.
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    I have not been replying lately Louis but rest assured I am watching every step of the way as you post with great interest. Hope that doesn't make you nervous, hundreds of people out there in cyber space, watching every post you make. Well there must be at least a dozen or two, carry on and thanks for the efforts.

    I mean it is bad enough you have to do all this work with the boss looking over your shoulder, or around your waist, as I assume he is not that tall, but then you have to sit down and post the pictures and commentery as well.
    Craftsmanship is the skill employed in making a thing properly, and a good craftsman is one who has complete mastery over his tools and material, and who uses them with skill and honesty.

    N. W. Kay

  8. #68
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    Hey, did you carve the model on your bench?

    Pam

  9. #69
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    Sep 2004
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    Yes Pam. I'm making a small one for a friend as a prop for her sculptural puppetry character displays. This one will be on traditional rockers as opposed to a safety swing stand...hence the extended front and back legs.
    Louis Bois
    "and so it goes..." Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

  10. #70
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    Mar 2006
    Location
    Burlington, WI
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    Wow,

    I don't venture to the Neader forum enough. I definitely will be from now on, if not only to check up on the progress of the horse. This is truly fascinating to watch. Great tutorial.

    I am working on some dominos for Christmas gifts.....blocks of wood. That's about my skill level. What you're doing....amazing. I can't wait to see more. (I'll be sending you papers for my adoption, btw, my birthday is in November, so you'll have plenty of time for my horse.)

    Seriously though, keep up the great posts and "wooden horse porn".

  11. #71
    Louis, what James said.
    I am still checkin'in and things still look great.
    Keep up the super work, and thanks for posting


    Howie

  12. #72
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    Sep 2004
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    Etobicoke, Ontario
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    James, my boss has given me some slack...considering he wants to make sure I can reach Santa to give him "the wishlist"...and all those people watching over my cyber shoulder simply add to my paranoia.

    Jerry, welcome to the neander side...but there's more to it than just this little old thing...aw shucks...

    Thanks again Howie...

    ...and on to tonight's progress.

    I've shifted my focus back to the neck...don't know why exactly except that I was in the mood to do it. I also took 2 of the legs closer to finished shape to see how they would flow into the body.

    I've reposted some of the old pics for comparison to make it easier to spot the changes. I'm amazed at how much material I'm removing on a daily basis.

    Cheers.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Louis Bois
    "and so it goes..." Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

  13. #73
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    ...and a couple more...
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Louis Bois
    "and so it goes..." Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

  14. #74
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    Sep 2003
    Location
    South Carolina
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    Louis,
    Just wanted to offer more encouragement. I look forward to each new installment. You are too modest. This is truly a skill. I have used that line before...Aww, it's not as hard as it looks...when someone comments on a small boxor something, but this is in another class altogether!

    Mark

  15. #75
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    Etobicoke, Ontario
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    Thanks Mark...but it's really not as difficult as "all that". I still firmly believe than 90% of the members of this forum would be able to pull off a reasonable one of these...really! The trick is to be able to visualize in 3 dimensions. If you can't see what you're trying to carve, the process becomes a lot slower as you have to refine your vision with every step of the process. It can still be done, it just takes more time. I find that sketching guidelines during the whole process helps keep that sense of balance...I do ramble on, don't I?
    Last edited by Louis Bois; 12-20-2006 at 9:01 AM.
    Louis Bois
    "and so it goes..." Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

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