How to carve a Mini Cooper from a block of wood

[solidmodeler]

Thanks TomiL.

A Land Cruiser from the 1960s?

[TomiL]

Originally Posted by solidmodeler Thanks TomiL. A Land Cruiser from the 1960s?

Heh, yeah. Same model were also in 70s. It would be really hard to carve from solid block of wood.
Anyway. Keep us updated with your mini

[solidmodeler]

Carving a little detail in the wheels. I took measurements from the drawing and transferred them to the model with a compass...


Beveling the edge of the tire. This is the first step in giving it roundness...


This step was difficult because the wheel is so small, trying to cut a circular V-shaped groove...


Using a file to smooth the knife-cuts...


Using a small round grinder mounted in a hand drill to make an indentation in the center of the wheel...


Here is another grinder profile to refine the V-shaped channel. I am not spinning the grinder like a drill, but rather using it like a file, making light passes over the rough areas...


Almost but not perfectly round wheels...

[thegodofbigthings]

Originally Posted by TomiL This is really amazing. The favourite threat at the forum

Was that intentional??

anyways, this is amazing.
Good photography too

[solidmodeler]

Thanks. I am thinking about a color scheme this week.

[greenvampire]

looks outstanding! cant wait to see it with some colour on

[solidmodeler]

Two coats of primer, much sanding with 400 and 600 grit paper and a little filler. I am etching some "panel lines" in with a knife and small files...

[greenvampire]

really nice man,

question about the primer, does that act as a wood sealer too for future paint coats.. or did you seal the wood first to stop the primer absorbing in?

[multimediaman]

what on earth scale is this car, 1:48th?

[solidmodeler]

Scale is 1:32. The Mini is a small car to begin with, probably one of the smallest around. The carving is around 4-inches (10 cm) in length.

The primer does act as a filler and it does not really soak into the wood at all, except for the larger cracks or a deep grain. I've been using it on wood projects for a few years with no problems (yet). I will probably use enamel paints for the final colors.

[EFFalcon]

when thats painted it'll be damn hard to tell its originally from wood!

[MarioHebing]

Excellent work. I have two Minis, they are the best cars ever!

[solidmodeler]

EFFalcon, maybe I could leave the bottom unfinished.

Thanks Mario.

[greenvampire]

Originally Posted by solidmodeler Scale is 1:32. The Mini is a small car to begin with, probably one of the smallest around. The carving is around 4-inches (10 cm) in length. The primer does act as a filler and it does not really soak into the wood at all, except for the larger cracks or a deep grain. I've been using it on wood projects for a few years with no problems (yet). I will probably use enamel paints for the final colors.

cool thanks for the info and daaaaaaaaaamn.... only 10cm!!!! that makes it even more incredible

[tom120934]

I'm speechless, you really did a stunning job on this one. Would love to try it by myself, but that would require extra skills that I'm far from having

[solidmodeler]

Thanks Tom,
I think the most difficult part of the project was stopping to take photographs for each step. In looking back, I failed to explain a few small details along the way, especially carving the shape of the hood. Next time.

I've begun painting the Mini. I will post some photos this week sometime as it progresses.

[B.W.A.]

Woodcarving is fun to watch.

Basically you start with a block of wood and carve away anything that doesn't look like your subject.

Before plastic kits were developed model kits consisted of roughly pre-shaped wood blocks and some detail parts.

[davecox]

This is awesome! Box modelling FTW

[praphulpa]

very helpful to the modelers following box modeling. Very interesting. Thanks

[solidmodeler]

Thanks, maybe I could learn something from the other box-modelers out there. I am guessing you mean the digital variety?