The latest issue (issue #57, Holiday 2011) of Woodcarving Illustrated Magazine has a pattern for a stylized bird that makes a great little tree ornament. I thought it would also be a good way to learn how to use my new Foredom power carver. So I spent some time with the bandsaw, cutting blanks from different types of wood, then took them over to the power carver and started shaping.

From left, the woods are mesquite, Osage orange (also known as bois d’Arc or “bodark”), mahogany, black cherry, and cedar.

I also cut one from mimosa, but already gave away the result. I gave it to the guy who gave me the wood. Fortunately, I have more of that.

The figures are about four and a half inches from beak to tail, and stand a little over two inches tall.

With the exception of the cedar, none of these woods would be considered easy to carve with edged tools. The Osage orange, though, is especially hard. I used up two sanding sleeves carving that one. But it sure is beautiful. And, yes, there’s a big crack in it. Adds character. I’m not going to throw out a perfectly good piece of wood just because there’s a crack or two in it.

I’m not about to give up my knives, but I am enjoying the power carver. Still trying to master the tool, though, and having a little trouble with symmetry. And with finishing. The pictures reveal some pits and scratches that I should have smoothed before I applied the finish. I might have to start taking pictures when I think I’m done. The pictures reveal things that I just don’t see when looking at the carving in my hand.

Debra says she wants one bird of each kind of wood I use. I wonder if she realizes how many different birds she’s going to get. I still have a piece of mulberry that I need to carve up, and there are a few other types in my stash. I’m sure there’s some walnut, at least two different types of oak, and I’ve forgotten what all else.  She might end up with a dozen birds.