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Today, was very productive for me outside of guitar building. Needless to say, there was not much I could do with the time I had. It was raining a lot so no wood cutting. So I sat in the kitchen and noticed I had all this space on top of the peg head. I had planned to cut it short, but as I looked at it, I just got this feeling like hey I am gonna cut it off anyway let me play with it.

I didn't look at any examples, research into it, measure anything, basically I didn't think about it. I just took two chisels and started carving out something on the top. I really should have planned something out but I wasn't going to really keep whatever I carved. While messing about with it, I kinda liked where it was heading. Mind you I have zero experience with carving anything Into wood like this, never tried it. I am having some difficulty cleaning it up any suggestions? Should I just botch it off as go with the original plan or take this further? Anyone have any experience with carving wood sculpture? It was for fun and that's why I did it, i just stopped where it is wondering if I should stop messing with it

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In the Courtnall book there is a carved peghead done by Hauser.

Some inspiration from Chris Paulick!!! One day, I am going to try to do something like this. So amazing.
I know there's a thread on here about it but here's one on the ANZLF, http://www.anzlf.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5503&sid=498bbbecfeb6da6254a2d65be16127ea

Looking at Chris's I think I will just burn the whole neck.

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Michiyuki, considering you have no carving experience, and considering you were carving end grain, I think you did a lot better than you imagine. Don't get too discouraged. Just keep practicing. Note, too, that Chris's carving was mostly along the grain, rather than across end grain. You might try that as you practice. Of course, sharp carving tools are a must. Keep at it and don't give up!

Patrick

+1 ... I can't imagine a first attempt going much better. Keep practicing!

Thanks for the encouragement. I figured this is my test guitar so what the hell. If I go out, I go out big I guess. hopefully it looks a little better, again never did anything like this before. Sure it's a bit messy, But I thought about what you said about end grain and realized why it was much tougher to clean up nicely. When I looked at Chris's design you could tell everything was integrated well. So I had to add something in the face to make it work. I added my family crest and then some lines around it. Maybe I will add some embellishment if I feel even more foolishly risky.

Kinda thinking I should look up some YouTube vids in how to carve stuff. Maybe it will give me a better idea.

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That's looking pretty good, Michiyuki! Chris Paulick is very talented, and not just at carving, and I'm sure he's happier to inspire someone rather than set the bar so high that we are afraid to attempt anything.

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

Agreed. Looking good. Nice to have your family crest on it!
Get some carving tools to finish it off, like a gouge or scoop or whatever those things are.
Get a cheap set on eBay and see how it goes.

In case you aren't a member and couldn't see the pics on that ANZLF thread, here are Chris' carving tools...

I did grab a set of chisels since I only had two. The new chisels definitely help with different things. It is a little improved. Tomorrow I will look into fixing the top leaves more so they look in more. kinda got lost while doing it. If you have any suggestions let me know since I have no clue what I am doing lol.

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I can see a lot more carving in your future, Michiyuki! Getting lost, or getting "into the zone", while you work is a great feeling. A 90 year old relative of mine started carving in her 70s and loves it... Shame she's 6000 miles away (South Africa) or I'd learn from her.

You've inspired me to have a go, too. so far, I've gone with quit basic headstock shapes because I wanted to focus on the construction, but the sooner you get into it the better.

I would tell you to try and draw something first. I was just messing around with it , so in retrospect I would lay some kind of design out first instead of just free handing everything. Let me know if you find any tricks out though it is pretty fun to do. Waiting on some calipers to arrive so I can get my sides ready at a good thickness. So in the meantime this is keeping me busy.

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The way I work, I'd have probably done 40 very slightly different drawings before starting!
Guess that says something about our respective personalities?

Michiyuki, looking good!!!

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Carving scrap is a good way to learn your tools. It allows you to take chances without risk.

For a first attempt it looks good.
I'm not an expert at all but I think with carving it's vital the learn control of the chisel (obviously!). If you're right handed this means using your left hand for control. Right hand pushes forward, left hand holds back.
Don't try to take too much wood at one time. Smaller, controlled strokes better.
getting a clean edge is as much about experience as a sharp chisel. Also the right shaped chisel is important for getting into the grooves. Try to stay clear of sandpaper.
Keep on going you're doing fine. I'd agree, practise on scrap.

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We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at guitars.

I like your carving - keep at it. Check this youtube page out for inspiration and some great tutorials on hand carving. Mary May is one of the best at this.

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbn9V_U62LCmxWTiT7DI5eA/videos

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John Lewis
Wannabe builder owned by 2 crazy dachshunds

Thanks all. I got a little overzealous on the backside but oh well! I kept picking at the messy areas and used a knife to clean it up more. Some new scoop chisels work well for different things. If you look at the pic below I put these small tiny circles by twisting the small radius scoop chisel over the wood. Found that out by accident as I hit the wood and had to make it look better. Hehe. Still a ways to go but it is looking a little less like a 4 year olds project.

One question, why try and stay away from sand paper? I found it smoothed something out very nicely on the top leaves. The face not so much.

Again thanks for the input. Started by accident and I am happy I did keep going. Learning quite a lot about carving just by practice.

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Definitely looking better. The back looks good.
Obviously sandpaper has it's uses. Perhaps my statement was too final, especially as I'm only a novice. But I do find that sandpaper can round the edges too much and make the bottom of grooves look messy and can obliterate fine detail. A well cut surface should be a better finish than a sandpapered one.

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We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at guitars.