Wax On, Wax Off!

Now the rifles are coming into being.
As you recall, they began as a wooden template, which I carved and sanded with a Dremel, to fit the proper scale.

Then I dipped them in wax and carved and shaped-- putting wax on and taking wax off, subtly refining the rifle stocks through the additive and subtractive process.

my lamp and metal bowl forms a "hot pot" to melt the wax. The heat gun helps keep the wax workable.

I think the color of the wax adds a special touch to the miniatures' stocks, as is quite similar to the original finish of the 1903's stock.

Now it's time to begin putting on the barrels, receivers, etc. to make the rifles complete.