Crafting Wooden Krampus Masks in China

Produce Complex Wooden Krampus Masks by Copy Carving or CNC
Workshop in China wanted for an initial order of ten masks
I am looking for an experienced woodworker or specialist workshop in China to produce an initial batch of ten identical wooden mask bodies from a carved wooden original that I will send to you. Suitable methods include a wood copy-carving machine or duplicating router, or a CNC wood router using a 3D scan of the original.
The wooden bodies will undergo further work in Lomé, Togo, where they will be painted and fitted with horns and fur. The finished masks are intended for sale in Europe. The aim is reliable, economical small-batch production, with the possibility of regular orders later.
Reference and complexity
The attached photograph illustrates the approximate size and high level of detail required. These are deeply sculpted Krampus masks with pronounced brow and eye areas, a projecting nose, a deep mouth area, individual teeth, carved folds and protruding ears. These characteristic details must be preserved in the copies.

Supplied reference photograph showing approximate size and complexity. The physical carved original sent to the workshop will be the definitive manufacturing reference.
Original and dimensions
You will receive a physical wooden original with a fully worked exterior and interior. Copies should be made at a 1:1 scale. Confirmed dimensions in centimetres are not yet available for this enquiry. External dimensions, the interior shape and critical wall thicknesses will be confirmed from the original before production begins. Please state your machine’s maximum working envelope and the assumptions used for your preliminary quotation.
 
Scope of the woodworking
The initial order is for ten matching, unpainted wooden bodies of the same mask model. You will undertake all woodworking, including the following:
• Reproduce the exterior shape, including the agreed level of detail and facial expression.
• Fully hollow out and finish the interior to match the original, producing a wearable adult mask.
• Make the viewing and breathing openings to match the original or the agreed specification.
• Carry out all necessary repositioning and re-clamping, finish machining, hand carving and sanding. These operations must be included in the quoted price and clearly itemised.
• Provide clean, burr-free interior surfaces and edges, and exterior surfaces ready for later painting. Sanding must not unintentionally round off carved details.
• Inspect all ten bodies for conformity with the model, cracks, chipped areas, loose parts and machining defects.
Supply the bodies without paint, primer, oil, wax or any other surface coating. Horns, fur and their attachment will be handled during further processing in Lomé. Any additional mounting holes must be agreed in advance.
Later customisation in Lomé
Some masks may receive additional small carved details in Lomé, such as scars, altered eye areas or other individual features. The wood must be suitable for this work. All ten supplied bodies must already meet the agreed basic shape and wood quality requirements; later customisation is an additional production step.
Wood selection by the manufacturer
No particular wood species is prescribed. Please propose a suitable carving wood that is economically available in China. The main requirements are low weight, sufficient strength including at the teeth and ears, good machinability and carvability, and careful drying. The material must remain suitable for further carving and painting after transport.
State the wood species, material quality, drying condition or moisture content at delivery, and expected weight per mask body. Explain whether you will use a single piece of wood or a glued-up wood block. Significant defects, cracks or concealed repairs must be disclosed in advance. You may compare suitable wood species with a separate price for each.
Evidence of manufacturing capability
Please apply if you carry out the woodworking yourself in China and have actual access to a suitable machine. Provide photographs or videos of your own similarly complex woodwork. Clear examples showing an original alongside the copies made from it are particularly helpful.
Describe your machine, copying or CNC process, and how you machine deep or difficult-to-reach areas. Explain which details are made by machine and which are finished by hand. Any technically necessary changes to the original design must be identified before the order is placed.
 
Itemised quotation
Please provide a clear quotation for the ten fully worked wooden mask bodies. Prices in euros are preferred; clearly identify any other currency used. Show the following items separately:
• Wood material for ten bodies, specifying the proposed wood species.
• One-time preparation for each new model, including capturing the original’s shape, setup and, where applicable, 3D scanning, CNC programming and workholding fixtures.
• Machine work for the ten mask bodies.
• Required hand finishing and sanding.
• Protective packaging for the ten bodies.
• Total ex-works price for ten bodies and the resulting unit price.
• Shipping to Lomé, Togo, as a separate item if you can offer it. State the transport method, what your delivery service includes, and any additional costs.
• Unit prices for reorders of a model already set up, and for an order of 20 bodies of the same model. State any new setup charges separately.
Lead times and possible repeat orders
State the production lead time for the initial order, starting from receipt of the original and agreement on the specification. Also state lead times for repeat orders and your available monthly capacity.
As an indication of potential future cooperation, approximately 20 mask bodies per month may be required. Orders may involve repeat production of existing models or new carved originals supplied for copying. This monthly quantity is a non-binding indication; specific quantities and models will be ordered individually.
Process and documentation
A separate sample-mask order is not initially planned. Convincing evidence that you can copy similarly complex wooden parts is sufficient for supplier selection. The order for all ten bodies will be placed after you have examined the original and the material, specification, price and lead time have been confirmed.
Before shipment, document the finished bodies with clear exterior and interior photographs, a short video, and dimensions and weight. Pack each body individually, protecting the teeth, ears and other projecting areas in particular.
Handle the supplied original with care. Any necessary modifications to it must be agreed in advance. Arrangements for its storage or return will be agreed. The original and any model data generated may be used solely for the commissioned production.
In your application, state your manufacturing location in China, your own role in the workshop and your experience with comparable copying work. Include evidence of your previous work and your itemised quotation.