It's been awhile since I've done anything in a wood carving. This is a photo of a flag pole topper, in cast iron, that I thought of reproducing in wood. The carving would be between 10-12" tall and carved in basswood. I want to do a 3 dimensional carving and then mount it on a round pedestal. The eagle would then be gilded in gold.

Following along with this one!!

Looks like a challenge

After some problems with the bandsaw blade, the eagle is cut out. I'm going to carve the backside first, then the front.

Did you create the template?

Yes, I enlarged the photo(see above photo) to the size I wanted and then cut/traced it out on the basswood.

Finally catching up. Gonna be a great project Rick.  I'm definitely following along. 

The carving has started and I'm carving the back first. It's been so hot in the shop that I can't carve for very long in the afternoon.

2 minutes ago, FrederickH said:

The carving has started and I'm carving the back first. It's been so hot in the shop that I can't carve for very long in the afternoon.

 

Looks like the original eagle flew in circles 

1 minute ago, lew said:

 

Looks like the original eagle flew in circles 

Remember, that this is in Pennsylvania and everyone keeps a loaded gun by the back door. The eagle was lucky to have lost only one wing!!!

9 minutes ago, FrederickH said:

Remember, that this is in Pennsylvania and everyone keeps a loaded gun by the back door. The eagle was lucky to have lost only one wing!!!

Finally getting around to carving the front of the eagle. When this is done, I'll work on the plinth, detail both sides, before the gilding begins.

WOW, great progress Rick. Really has taken shape. Hope all is well.

Edited August 9, 2025Aug 9 by Grandpadave52

I've found some time to do a little carving on this eagle. The carving is a bit "fiddly" at this point but the end is in sight. I'll flip this over and glue a carving block to the bottom and finish the back/details.

Looks like it is coming along nicely!

Good to see the progress Rick. Hope it's cooled down some out your way.

Carving completed, except for some touchup details. I'm trying to work out how I'm going to carve the feathers.

Very nice job

The entire carving is so far beyond my ability, I don't feel qualitied to give advice. All I can say is I Like It!!

13 minutes ago, lew said:

The entire carving is so far beyond my ability, I don't feel qualitied to give advice. All I can say is I Like It!!

 

Same here, way beyond my skillset.