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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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:
Two pet hates:
- painting
- Habitats
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.
Practise and don’t be afraid to have a go. You learn more by having a go.
What are your preferred Glues and Fillers?
- Gorilla Glue
- Titebond (thin)
Do you seal your carvings and if so what do you use?
Liberon Sand and sealer
Liberon Sand and sealer
What paints do you use and do you have a preferred make?
Golden High Flow Acrylics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The timber I chose for keels was Oak that I happened to have.