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Roger Francis - February 2021 Mystery Carver

​I am Roger Francis, my home is in Longwell Green, which used to be be a small village on the east side of Bristol and I am 74 years old. Since senior school I have always been interested in wood working and took up wood turning, stick making and Longbow carving. When my lathe was stolen I was at a loss for something to work on and by chance, on a visit to one of WWT bird fair weekends I came across Severn Wildlife Carvers and got chatting to them. Having been a birder (some might say obsessive birder) and worked with animals all my life it seemed an ideal opportunity to bring two hobbies together, so at the first chance I turned up at a group meeting and was welcomed into the group.
​What was the first bird you carved?

My first carving was when I was eighteen I carved an interpretive crane at a woodwork night school class for my mum.​
How often do you carve and where?

As often as can get away with it​
​What type of wood(s) do you use?
​

Primarily Jelutong, occasionally Lime, but I really like carving Yew and Holly.
What is your favourite tool and why?
​

​I prefer to carve with a knife rather than electrically, two favourite tools are my flexcut detail master, and my drawknife.
​What are you currently working on?
​

​A miniature flying Swan
What is your preferred style of carving (Realistic, Decoy, Interpretive etc.) and what draws you to this particular style?
​
​I prefer trying to produce realistic birds getting the jizz for that particular species, and really enjoy burning the feathering in.
What is your favourite bird to carve and why?
​

​Not sure that I have a favourite, but I do really enjoy carving waders
What is your favourite carving book and Why?
​

​If I had to suggest any book to a newcomer it would have to be Ros Leach Daiseys Shorebirds, her explanation of the process is easy to follow from start to finish. 
Do you have a carving pet hate, if so what is it?

​Two pet hates:
  1. painting
  2. Habitats
​I struggle to create the habitat relevant to the species.
If you could pass on one useful tip to your fellow carvers what would it be?
​

​Practise and don’t be afraid to have a go. You learn more by having a go. 
What are your preferred Glues and Fillers?
​
  1. ​​Gorilla Glue
  2. Titebond (thin)
If I have to fill I try to use the same wood and either insert a small piece or use the sawdust created mixed with glue to fill holes. 
Do you seal your carvings and if so what do you use?
​

Liberon Sand and sealer​
What paints do you use and do you have a preferred make?
​

​Golden High Flow Acrylics
Do you consider yourself a competitive carver and if so how successful have you been?
​

No, I carve for my enjoyment.​
Do you sell your carvings and will you accept commissions?
​

​Yes to both, but I prefer carving what I want to, otherwise its becomes a task. 
Do you make floating ducks and if so what methods do you use to hollow them?
​

I have made a few. Some I hollowed using a forstner drill. ​
Do you weight them inside or out and what do you use as a weight?
​

I  have weighted them using Wheel balancing leads, and I have also weighted the keels with
Lead.​
Do you use a different timber for the keel?
​

The timber I chose for keels was Oak that I happened to have.​