Wooden ducks are very rewarding carving object becuase they are relatively simple and they make great decorations. Wooden Ducks also are used as decoys for the water foul hunter. So there is a well established market and supply ofdecoy ducks. Most ducks used in hunting are no longer made of wood but despite that the duck making industry is large and thriving.
My home has several carved wooden ducks that were here when we purchsed it.
So the steps to carving wooden ducks are as follows:
Ten Steps to A Wooden Duck
Step one, obtain your example duck. If you have a certain duck that you’d like to pattern a wooden duck after get a photo in hand. It is not necessary that you copy the duck exactly but it is nice to have an example pattern duck to go by.
Step two, obtain your wood, click here to find what tyes of wood are ideal for a project like this. For this exmple I plan to use pine wood from a tree removal project in my front yard. To do this you can purchase wood prepred for carving or just use wood that you already have. In my case I am using a pine log.
Step three, prepare wood by removing the bark and blocking the wood for easy transfer of the duck template.
Step four, draw the duck onto the wood from sides and top and bottom and front views. Sketching the duck onto the wood is a critical step for the beginner.
Step five, make the large cuts and the larger wood removal steps. For example cut out the wood behind the head. Large cuts can be made with power tools if wanted. .Tools like table saws or hand saws can be used to rough cut and remove large amound of wood. Major rounding around the body, around the head.
Step six, begin to carve with a sharp carving knife, this is where the duck begins to take shape. It is critical to have sharp blades during these steps. It is also helpful to re-draw your duck shape as you remove wood, take your time.
Step Seven, once the duck has taken shape and you are satisfied with its shape and have done the fine carving and feather lines. Begin to sand your duck.
Step Eight, move between sanding and line carving and making your finishing touches.
Step Nine, Paint and or Varnish the duck.
Step Ten, take photos, learn from your mistakes and do it again.
Share a picture of the duck you carved below. If you get brave try to carve a wooden duck with a chainsaw, it can be done. This article from my friend can get you started.