A blowtorch is one of those things that is instantly recognized for what it is, even by those who haven't seen one before. Produced from the late 1800s into the 1950s, they show up in antique malls and flea markets, and have become highly collectible. Their enduring brass and bronze construction mean that even the oldest blowtorches can be cleaned and buffed to look like new. When shined they are real attention-getters, and as such they have a following of dedicated collectors. Here is information collectors want regarding blowtorches: who made them, how old they are, what they were used for,...

An exciting new subject for woodcarvers is shared by one of its foremost artists. James Fliger introduces fish carving by presenting four projects: the rainbow trout, the bluegill sunfish, the black crappie, and channel catfish. A graphic artist by profession, Jim has created beautiful patterns and drawings to help the carver. The book is further illustrated with black-and-white photographs showing the carving techniques in the step-by-step fashion that is so helpful to wood carvers. For the all-important painting steps, color graphics are used with photographs to give the readers an accurate...

Here is a comprehensive look at the carving and painting techniques needed to create a beautiful and lifelike representation of the green-wing teal, one of the most colorful and easily distinguished of ducks. Master carver Jeffrey Moore starts with a preshaped, duplicated bird to simplify the rough carving process, then demonstrates the use of burning and high speed texturing equipment to achieve remarkable carving detail and realism. Detailed instructions accompany each color photograph, with variations in carving the hen and drake clearly shown and explained. Tips for carving the feathers,...

Accomplished carver and teacher Mary Finn shows how to create all kinds of charming animals, each "born" from a commercially available wooden egg. Egg animals can come out of the egg in any direction and can be made standing, sitting, or lying down. Here, step by step instructions and color photography illustrate carving techniques for a crouching rabbit, sitting bear, chubby pig, and fire-breathing dragon. Readers will learn how to orient the egg, establish the basic outline, complete eyes, ears, feet, and other details, and paint the finished animal. These projects require only minimal...

Follow along with master carver Jeffrey Moore to create a dramatic and lifelike representation of the striking blue wing teal drake. Jeff starts with a preshaped, duplicated wooden bird to simplify the rough carving process, then demonstrates the use of burning and high speed texturing equipment to achieve wonderful carving detail and realistic features. Once the carving is completed, the book takes the reader through each aspect of the airbrushing and brush painting steps needed to complete the teal's body, tail, head, and outstretched wing. In addition, Jeff demonstrates how to create...

The Northrop YF-17 holds a special place in aircraft history. The YF-17 was one of the two prototypes tested in the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Fighter competition, a program which attempted to reverse the trend of increasing cost and complexity of new fighter aircraft, and which resulted in the selection and manufacture of the F-16 as the next generation free world fighter. Even though the YF-17 lost the USAF competition, it was the prototype for the U.S. Navys F/A-18 aircraft. Don Logan is also the author of Rockwell B-1B: SACs Last Bomber, The 388th Tactical Fighter Wing: At Korat Royal Thai...