Barn Owl

[honesttjohn]

Got some new files from Scott Thompson in Alaska, so I figured I better start trying them out.  This barn owl is cut from 5/4 oak glued up to about a 15 x 16 blank and finished with golden oak stain and poly.  I think I'll make a couple different variations of this just to show what can be done with one file.  Been busy with a custom job for a Orthodox church in Chicago.  Don't know how they got my name but they did.  

[4DThinker]

Looking great, HJ.   The frame around it looks like it could be done separately from some old barn wood to really distinguish the owl scene from the frame.  Seems as though the whole thing was a scan from a frame with image.  

[honesttjohn]

Still playing around with it 4D.  Trying different things and make it look like I know what I'm doing.  Would like to paint more, but can't get enough extra money to justify the time.  Gotta be able to paint fast, which I can't do.  Also hate to cover up a good looking piece of wood.

[Grandpadave52]

Really cool John. I like the rustic frame detail and agree, hard to put paint on oak. If you do, I'd experiment with color on the owls eyes only; my $.02. Keep in mind though, I have absolutely no artistic vision or talent.

[lew]

Really cool!

[honesttjohn]

8 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

 Keep in mind though, I have absolutely no artistic vision or talent.

Me neither, Dave.  That's what makes it so challenging.

[difalkner]

Another good job, HJ!

[4DThinker]

Trim the 3D file around the inside of the frame, then pocket the frame area.  Lay in some barn wood/drift wood scraps to replace the frame.  If you like the frame texture, then run/cut the 3D frame area over the inlayed wood frame. Just a thought.  It is the grain direction across the side frame parts that make it all look less real.   

[Artie]

I really like that one, John!

[honesttjohn]

31 minutes ago, Artie said:

I really like that one, John!

That's one of Scott's files.

[honesttjohn]

Cut another one from a 2" piece of Ash slab I had here.

[lew]

18 minutes ago, honesttjohn said:

Cut another one from a 2" piece of Ash slab I had here.

Beautiful!

[Grandpadave52]

WOW, the grain of the ash really adds to and clarifies the details. 

[KevTN]

Great job John! One day I want to learn how to carve like that.

[honesttjohn]

It's not hard.  Just get a file, a piece of material, and hit go.

[KevTN]

We both know there is more to setting up 3d carving than that….

[honesttjohn]

Not really if using ready made files.  You can adjust, add, subtract, and manipulate them to your liking -  or just cut the file as is.

[4DThinker]

On 3/2/2024 at 9:19 AM, honesttjohn said:

It's not hard.  Just get a file, a piece of material, and hit go.

In between you can add... master the control software of your CNC, master the CAD/CAM software you are using, master the array of router bits available and ideal feed and spin speeds for each, get to know the differences in how each wood species cuts, then practice practice practice until you fully understand the cause>effects of all the choices you made when setting up the job. 

4D

 

[honesttjohn]

43 minutes ago, 4DThinker said:

In between you can add... master the control software of your CNC, master the CAD/CAM software you are using, master the array of router bits available and ideal feed and spin speeds for each, get to know the differences in how each wood species cuts, then practice practice practice until you fully understand the cause>effects of all the choices you made when setting up the job. 

4D

 

4D  - don't scare the poor guy.  Just start off slow, which he has done, and keep making steps forward.  I never did master that technical stuff but still manage to turn out a piece or two.  But ....... making contacts on various forums and exchanging ideas and experiences will save a lot of time and material.  I would have probably hung it up if it weren't for being able to email and talk to others as well as meeting them in person at the Vectric Conferences.  Have had some good times at those.

[KevTN]

I appreciate you guys!