OutWestWoodCarving

It's On!!

2010-01-04T05:17:00.004-06:00

I hope you've got your tools sharp, your research done, and your ideas all sketched out. It may not be High Noon yet but that Challenge is outside in the street waiting for you to show up. From all the names received so far it looks like it's going to be a great challenge. From British Columbia to Nova Scotia, from the United Kingdom to Israel, that street in front of the Out West Saloon is filling up fast.
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Now for that "Kink" .........The kink is that there is no kink! There is a little detail on the hat that I'll be looking for so if you haven't done your research in that area you'd better go back and search some more. It's not required but you'll get extra points if it's on your piece.

So have fun and again, if you have a question just drop me a note.

- GOOD LUCK!

Early Morning Snow Out West

2010-01-03T07:52:00.005-06:00

Woke up this morning to 4 inches of fresh snow and snapped this photo of the shop and Gallery about 6:30am. Thought it was pretty enough to pass along. Shortly after taking it though I fell flat on my patootie on the way to the barn to feed the horse!! Fortunately, only my head hit the ground and not my wrist.

Tomorrow is the Big Day!!

2010-01-03T06:39:00.006-06:00

Don't forget!! The Out West Challenge starts at tomorrow. Take a moment and read over the rules once more. Hopefully, they're clear but if you have a question just let me know. As I stated in the rules we'll be carving a "Bust" and this will be considered as anything above the knees. It could be a Bottle Stopper with the head and scarf, it could be the head and the

shoulders, the head and the body down to the waist, or, like my carving, clear down to the knees. You can paint it or leave it natural but it should have a finish coat on it. It must be mounted on a base.

I know some of you have to go to work tomorrow so you can start sending me your names now if you want. Send them to:

ljdoughty@outwestgallery.com

Do not put them in the comments section of this Blog! Like I said in the rules I'll publish all the names received tomorrow on Tuesday and once that list is up no more entries will be accepted.
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So, good luck and most of all.......have fun!

Pancho Bottle Stopper – Part 6 – Mustache & Nose

2010-01-01T16:21:00.001-06:00

Finally! I’ve been at this since 6 this morning but at least part 6 is finished. So here they are. If you’’re wondering why I’m wearing my “Wellies” it’s because when we made the movies there was 6” of snow outside. Anway, have fun!

Getting Confused?

2010-01-01T10:29:00.003-06:00

If you've been into the video library and are wondering why the last few videos appear and then disappear only to reappear again in another format it's because I'm experimenting with a new program to try and find a better way of uploading things so you can gain access to them easier. I've tried MP4, AVI, and the Windows format and for some reason the program I had hoped to use uploads them in a 16:9 aspect ratio vs. the 4:3. This results in the pictures being stretched. Well, that just won't work as some of you have already let me know. Also, the MP4 format, with allows for much faster uploading due to the reduced size of the file cuts the quality way down. I've been notified about that too. So, until I find a way out of this digital morass I'm going back to the MP2 format which is gives great clarity but unfortunately very large files. Luckily, through suggestions from you we have a couple of ways to fix that problem or at least make it less of one. You can scroll down and find them. Here's their links:

- www.applian.com/asktoolbar/

- Realplayer from http://www.real.com/

I tried the first one and it worked for me. Haven't had a chance to check out the second.

Anway, I hope to get the remaining Pancho Part 6 videos up today in the MP2 format and will stick with that method until I can find something better.

Special Note: Remember......Only three days till the big event! Hopefully you've got your ducks all lined up!

Downloading Videos - One Possible Solution?

2009-12-31T05:27:00.005-06:00

I'm not sure just who posted this comment but it seems to be a good one to pass along. I checked it out this morning and it worked for me. It installs a toolbar on your computer and the process outlined below is quite easy to do. Anyway, here it is in case you want to try it:
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"I installed a program a while back that is free:
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www.applian.com/asktoolbar/ .
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Once it is installed, there is a Save Video button on your toolbar in Internet explorer. I watch the videos either from the blog or Vimeo and then click Save Video. A window opens, you select the video you just watched and click the save icon, which will let you rename it. It saves it as an MP4 file. It also installs flvplayer.exe which can be used to watch these videos. I copy the videos and player to cd or a usb drive and watch them in the garage, without being connected to the Internet. Here's the part that surprised me.... the files I save this way are much smaller than the ones on Vimeo.....Bottle stopper 5a is about a 580MB download from Vimeo that takes 20 minutes or so on a really fast connection. I watched it in about 6 minutes and clicked the Save Video... it is already cached on your PC and it saves to a file that is only 58MB in size. Perhaps there is some difference in the quality, but I couldn't tell! Might be worth checking out, since it seems to save some time."
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I think I've figured out a way to upload the files in the MP4 format which is a much, much smaller file than the Mp2 I was using before. There is a loss of quality but not so much that it prevents anything. I put a test video in MP4 in the library you can check out. I'll use this on future uploads.
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I know a lot of you are having problems with these videos and I sure wish I was a little more computer savey so I could steer you to solutions. Unfortunately, this stuff is a Greek to me as it is to many of you. It seems just about everyone uses something different than everyone else so it's almost impossible to pin down one simple solution. I'll keep trying though.
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Oh....and whichever "Anonymous" posted this suggestion....Thanks!

Downloading An Out West Video

2009-12-30T10:47:00.004-06:00

Maybe I should have let you know this first! Anyway, here's how to download a video off my blog:
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1. First, you have to join my video host site. It doesn't cost anything. Just go to http://www.vimeo.com/ and sign up for the "Basic" Vimeo account. As I said it's free and if you have videos of your own it gives you a place to store them just as Picasa or Flicker does with photos. Once you've signed up you can then download the videos.
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2. When you see a video on the blog you wish to download just click on the video title in the upper lefthand corner next to my photo and a new window will open with that video. Scroll down to the lower right hand corner and you'll see "Downloads". You can join Vimeo here if you haven't or log in if you have.
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3. Now right-click on "Download MPG version". Once the small window opens select "Save Target As.." and choose where exactly you want to save it.
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4. Click "Save" and the video will be downloaded to your computer.
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As you can see once you select a video to download they are quite large. Part 5A of the Pancho Bottle Stopper video is 429.7MB!!! I have a DSL line and download at a speed around 5.0mps and it took 15 minutes for that 7 minute video. Yuk!!! I hope to change the way I compress these videos when I upload them to the Vimeo site to where they are not so large and can be downloaded much faster. This will no doubt cut down the quality some but then there are trade-offs in everything I guess. I think the best thing is to just talk the wife, husband, Mom or Dad into letting you buy that new laptop and a wireless router so you can set the computer next to your carving station and bypass all this digital baloney. Oh for the days of the hand-cranked phone! Yes.....I'm that old!
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Anyway, I'm trying to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy this site more although sometimes it might not seem like it. And don't forget.....I'm always open for suggestions on ways to improve it so your comments are appreciated.

An Out West "Tip Jar"

2009-12-30T07:40:00.004-06:00

If you look over to the right of this post you will see a new "Donate" button under the label "Out West Tip Jar". Here's the story about why it's there:
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From the very beginning of my starting this Blog those who visit it or are familiar with my work have been after me to publish a how-to book or, since I've started posting videos, coming out with DVDs. Naturally, I'm quite flattered by that and have given it a lot of thought. Unfortunately, to do such projects would require a lot of time which is something that I seem to have less and less of each day. While I am retired and while you might think I have loads of free time on my hands, it just doesn't work out that way, any retired person will tell you. I'm busier now than I've ever been. I mentioned earlier when first starting the video projects that if I found they were beginning to keep me from my carving they would have to stop. Well, it's just about reached the point where I spend as much time here at the keyboard loading and editing video clips or answering questions about what's going on on the Blog as I do down at the shop making chips. So here's what I'm going to do.........
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Starting with the new "Pancho Bottle Stopper" videos I have removed the copy protection so you are now free to download these to your computer for your "personal" use. Future videos will be available to you also. Hopefully, you won't take this as a greenlight to make additional copies for your friends, etc. There's really no need for that as they too can have free access just by visiting this site. As for the "Donate" button.....that has been placed there should you want to make a donation for the use of the tutorials, videos, etc. on this site. Nothing is required, just the opposite.....whether or what you drop in the jar is entirely up to you. Whatever is received will go to help cover the costs of operating this Blog as there are costs involved.
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In picking the best method I could find I settled on PayPal as it's been around a long time and is considered just as secure as the checkout counter at WalMart. You can donate via a PayPal account if you have one or by credit card if you don't. My wife and I have been using PayPal for several years without any problems. It's free.
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Again, anything you wish to give is completely voluntary. This Blog will continue whatever you decide to do. It's worth it to me to share what knowledge I might have with those who wish to receive it.
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Any comments on this are appreciated.

Pancho Bottle Stopper – Part 5 – The Ears

2009-12-29T13:19:00.001-06:00

Here’s how to do the ears on Pancho.

The Out West Challenge - The Rules

2009-12-27T13:34:00.008-06:00

With the commencement of this contest just a week away I thought I'd go ahead and give you the rules that will govern it. That way if there is any questions about what's involved we can get them out of the way before the gun goes off.

- The Rules

1. Who: Any non-professional carver. By that I mean if your name appears in the back of Chip Chats under the Seminar section or has ever appeared there or in any other publication, internet site or otherwise as an instructor.....forget it! Same goes with belonging to any juried or restricted carvers organization. This contest is strictly for the non-professional who carves for the fun of it and wants to improve.

2. What: The subject to be carved is the character "Roy" Quigley from the movie "Quigley Down Under". He's a real interesting fella that's easily recognized. The carving is to be a bust under 15 inches including the base. In this case anything above the figures knees will fit that qualification. While non-wood attachments can be used the figure must be composed of at least 95 percent carved wood. Multiple pieces of wood may be used but once the figure is completed they should not be evident. The figure may be painted. left natural or a combination of the two. On completion the figure is to be mounted on a wooden base. This base can be carved, turned or may be a combination of the two. How the figure is presented and carved is completely up to the carver.

3. Where: Thats up to you as long as it's not setting next to or close by one of those who aren't eligible. This is the carvers project no one should seek help.

4. When: January 4, 2010. On that opening date All carvers participating are to forward to me via email at: ljdoughty@outwestgallery.com, their name and both their physical and email addresses. A brief note about your carving experience would also be appreciated. No entry applications will be accepted after that date. On January 5 I will publish the names of those participating. An additional mandatory requirement will also be announced on that date to ensure that nobody starts earlier than they're supposed to. The contest will run for 31 days and end on February 3, 2010. At the end of the 30th day, February 2, the carver will forward to me via email 5 photos showing all four sides of the piece along with an oblique frontal view which will be posted on my Blog. At the end of the 31st day the contest ends and no more submissions will be accepted. There will be only one prize..."The Out West Challenge" trophy for 2010.

In judging the carvings I'll be looking for three things: Originality, quality of worksmanship and overall presentation. Once the judging is complete I'll post the results on the Blog.

Should further explanation of the rules is necessary please drop me a note in the comment section below. Hopefully, if things run smoothly we'll do the same thing the following year with a different character.....sort of a "Super Bowl" of woodcarving.

So, you have a week to read the rules, sharpen your tools, do your research and plan out your project. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Have fun & good luck!

Pancho Bottle Stopper – Part 4

2009-12-23T18:05:00.001-06:00

Pancho Bottle Stopper – Part 3

2009-12-23T18:03:00.001-06:00

Pancho Bottle Stopper – Part 2

2009-12-23T15:09:00.001-06:00

Here’s part 2.

Pancho Bottle Stopper- A New Video Project

2009-12-23T14:11:00.001-06:00

Back in November of 2008 I did a pictorial tutorial on how to make a Bottle Stopper. I thought it might be a little more helpful if I did it again but as a video this time. In this first part I’ll outline just what’s needed and how to go about making your own version of my Out West Bottle Cutter. Also, I’m going to keep the video segments short this time to speed up the process of uploading them.

Anway, hope you enjoy this new project. It’s a good excuse to go out and buy a sixpack of your favorite beverage. Just don’t drink it all at one time!

Slightly Demented!

2009-12-21T14:21:00.006-06:00

I don't exactly know what happened to this wrangler. Whether he's been up at the Line Camp too long, got a hold of some bad Chili, nursed a bottle of Pulque just a little too long or maybe this is what happens when you switch back to those fancy carving knives after experiencing the joys of the Utility knife! Whatever, he's definitely gone south and looks like someone I'd suggest staying away from.

I've had this old head laying on my workbench for the past few months and thought I'd try to express my feelings about this new Health Care legislation. Maybe this is what we'll all look like after a few years of that. I sure hope there's some mental benefits in that thing cause if it's messing with your grey cells as it seems to be with mine we're all going to need some just like this poor fella. I'm not sure what your feelings are on this upcoming change in something that will affect us all but it's really got me worried.

As always, your comments are welcome and there are a few more photos in the Gallery.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-18T16:59:00.006-06:00

With next Friday only a week away we thought we'd take a moment and wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We hope you enjoy all the blessings of the season and find lots of new carving equipment under the tree on Christmas morning.

A Tour of the Out West Gallery

2009-12-09T19:21:00.001-06:00

I shot this video quite a while ago when I first bought my camera but never really considered uploading it as I thought it was kind of amateurish. But today, needing something to test a new modem AT&T just installed that would take a while to run, I thought I might as well put it on the Blog just in case some of you might like to see it. Kind of choppy in places but it gives a pretty good idea of what's inside that little red building.

How About A Carving Challenge?

2009-12-03T19:49:00.003-06:00

While I think most of you here also follow the WCI forum I'll repeat what I posted there earlier today just in case some didn't happen to see it there.

As I was jumping around the net this morning looking for new reference material I came across the photo below. Wow! Now that would make a great carving. Then I thought...Wow! That would make an even greater challenge. Here's my idea ..... Let's make it a bust, painted and under 12 inches including the base, put a 30 day limit on it, professional or recognized carvers would be excluded to give everyone an equal chance. I would be the judge and the prize would be my version of the same figure. Hopefully, this doesn't sound to egotistical as it's not meant to. The way you do it would be completely up to you ... NO extra points if you follow my methods. On the 30th day you would have to submit to me via the web 5 photos, a view of each side plus an oblique frontal view. Prior to judging I'd post a photo of each carving on the blog so everyone could see who has done what. To make sure there won't be any early starters I'll toss something extra in just before the start. Also, as a lot of you have mentioned that you're tied up with Christmas carving we'll plan on starting after the first of the year. Once a starting date is set I'll ask for your names so only those signed up will be eligible.

I think this will be a lot of fun. Hopefully, it will give you an opportunity to try something new while exploring areas of our craft that you normally wouldn't consider. From the response I've seen on the forum site it looks like quite a few are interested so it should be quite a competition.

So stay tuned and we'll see what happens.

Carving A Cowboy Head – Part 9 – Finishing Up!

2009-12-03T19:39:00.001-06:00

With this installment we’ll finish the Cowboy head and this series of videos. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did making them.

If you’re interested in the San-O-Flex sanding wheel you can get all the information at http://www.meritabrasives.com/product/sand-o-flex.aspx. I use the 320 grit refills. You won’t be sorry in getting this tool as the more you use it the more uses you find for it.

In the future I hope to do additional videos with this same head where I’ll show how to give him a hat, a bust-type body and finally, a paint job. However, that will be down the line a bit as I have to get some things ready for the upcoming Dayton show in November.

As always your comments are welcome especially as I’m trying something new. I appreciate your input.

Tex - Saddled Up & Ready To Ride

2009-12-03T06:54:00.003-06:00

I finally got old Tex over to the paint table for a little makeup. I really like this figure and some of you might recognize him if you happened to stop by our table at the Dayton show. I had his head and hat finished but completed the body Saturday afternoon while the show vacated due to the Ohio football game.

I really like this figure....think he's one of the best busts I've done. I won't call him a classic but he comes pretty close. With the base he sets about 10" tall so while just a bust he's still pretty impressive.

I hope you like him and your comments are always welcome. More photos in the gallery.

Carving A Pair Of Cowboy Boots – Part 8 – Finishing Up

2009-11-28T15:05:00.001-06:00

As I’ve received several inquiries about where I got and get my Sand-O-Flex wheel and Brass Nameplates, here are the links:

Sand-O-Flex Wheel & Inserts: http://www.meritindustries.com/mstools.htm#slr I only use the 320 grit inserts.

Brass Plates: http://signsbygwynn.com/brass_plates.htm I use size A-30 as it’s large enough to be seen but small enough to not dominate the carving. They have a 3-4 day turnaround and I doubt if you’ll find a better or cheaper product.

Yipee!! All done with this one and time to ride on down the trail to see what’s around the next bend. Personally, I think this set of videos was a lot better than the one on Shifty. I haven’t decided on the next project but have received lots of suggestions. I want to keep the first videos fairly simple and easily accomplished by a beginning carver so things might be a little boring for you advanced whittlers but stick around…..things are sure to pick up.

Anyway, I hope this has been worthwhile for you and that in some way it helped add a little more enjoyment into your carving. As always your comments are appreciated especially when suggesting ways for me to improve any future projects.

Carving A Pair Of Cowboy Boots – Part 7 – I Get Preachy!

2009-11-28T05:14:00.001-06:00

We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty with this video in that we finish up with the carving. Also, for some reason I go off on the growing use of Vet tape. But I think it’s a really important point to use the best available protection to keep from ending up in the Emergency Ward with a bad cut. So if you think I’m going a little overboard on expressing my opinions about the many aspect of carving I’m afraid you’re just going to have to put up with them as I’m much to old to change.

Only one more post to go on this project.

Carving A Pair Of Cowboy Boots – Part 6

2009-11-27T15:15:00.001-06:00

Carving A Pair Of Cowboy Boots – Part 5

2009-11-27T08:37:00.001-06:00

Carving A Pair Of Cowboy Boots – Part 4

2009-11-27T05:42:00.001-06:00