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Showing posts from December, 2021

All Saints Christus Rex - Finishing the Cross

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  Here are some photos showing the finish process on the cross and the assembly of the cross with the processional staff.    First, a water based pre-stain was applied to the cross. Then, multiple coats of dark walnut stain were applied to get the right depth of color. After the stain, three coats of polycrylic are applied over the stain to protect the finish. The four carvings on the ends of the cross are painted white and gold. The frames of these carvings are also painted with gold.  After the base painting is done, three more coats of polycrylic are applied and then the same stain used on the cross is used to create shadows and greater definition to the carvings on the ends of the cross.   We designed a custom turned and cut staff head to connect the cross to a brass pole. Here is the staff head before any finish is applied.    The staff head was finished with the same dark walnut stain used for the cross and then three coats of polycrylic were applied to the staff head.    The sta

All Saints Christus Rex - The Cross

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   Here are some photos taken during the carving and assembly of the cross for the Christus Rex. The cross is made from poplar and will be stained dark before all is done to give a better contrast with the figure on the cross.   The vertical and cross bars are cut out and the ends cut to shape with a coping saw as shown in the last post . In this photo, I'm finishing she edges and surfaces with a hand scraper.   Lowering the background for the lamb carving on the left end of the cross bar.    Here is the nearly finished lamb carving.    Carving the chalice and host for the right side of the cross bar.    Now the dove is nearly done on the top of the vertical bar.   Carving the blessing had on the bottom of the cross.    With the carvings on the ends of the cross done, it is time to join the vertical and cross bars. I'm using a Japanese pull saw to make the cross cuts for the joinery.   The joint is cut and ready for assembly.    Dry fitting the cross to make sure the joint is j

All Saints Christus Rex - Hands Fitted and Starting Cross

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  Since the last post on the Christus Rex for All Saints, a lot of work was done on refinements and the hands are finally fitted.    The carving of the figure is now close to its final form.    After ripping the cross members to width, I cut the shape of the ends with a good old fashion coping saw.      Here the cross bar is just resting on top of the vertical with the paper pattern of the figure so we can get an idea of how it will look after they are joined together.   More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label.