For the Folks that want to see how I carve a call, here's little photo tutorial. I typically start out with a finished call on which I'll do a carving.
Here’s a Cherry/ Walnut laminate call that I sketched a coyote profile on in pencil
Here’s the tools I’ll be using: A SCM Air powered engraver with the assorted bits I’ll use for the carving.
I wear safety glasses, and use an Optivisor Magnifier over those. I find the Magnifier helps tremendously.
First I outline the entire drawing with a #27 fine tapered bit. Or you could use a #16 bit.
After doing the outside, I’ll go in and lightly scratch in some of the detail and transition lines. Here you are looking to make the various contours stand out a little for later detailing.
Next I use a flat bottomed straight bit to broaden the outside line right up to the carving. This provides some clearance and a “stop cut”.
At this point I could use a knife or gouge to remove the surrounding wood right up to my outline cut if there was a lot of material to remove. Here I am using a “round” bit to remove the excess wood.
Next I’ll use a “diamond football” bit to smooth out, and get right up tight to the carving.
I continue to use the football bit to lower and shape the carving.
I use a “fine point” detail bit to outline the eye. Treat the eye like a “three sided triangle”. Gently curve the sides of the eye triangle to give it a rounded shape.
At this point, I start stippling the area around the carving. This really makes it stand out. I use a small round ball bit for this. I like to use a random pattern, lightly tapping the bit in a random motion. Try not to be to orderly. Otherwise the stippling pattern will look too mechanical.
Now it’s time to do some detailing. Here I use a very fine pointed bit to lightly cut in the hair pattern. Try and establish a “flow” when carving in the hair. Use small cuts, generally working in one direction. I’ll use some “stab” cuts in the areas where the hair flow transitions. This makes it stand out.
One important thing I learned is to “not” texture the areas on a carving that are “white” in color. Ex. The white muzzle portions on a coyote… Just lightly smooth, or sand these areas. Later on when the carving is finished, these non textured areas will stand out, and take on the appearance of being lighter in color. The textured areas will darken significantly.
The carving complete, I apply some Watco Teak Oil to the carved areas, and the entire call. I’ll let it soak in, then dab off the excess with a shop towel.
Notice the “non- textured” areas on the carving. See how they stand out portraying a lighter color. That’s what we want.
Well that’s all there is too it. This process can be used with any animal, or bird, etc. So don’t be afraid to give it try. Remember, the human eye can only pick up, and notice only so much detail. So don’t get hung up on the fine details…Concentrate on the big transitions in a carving. They will set the stage for the rest. Happy Carving!
HuntnCarve
Dave
