This video shows the entire process of carving the convex Newport shell. There are 6 episodes with 2 hours of video total and shows the technique of lowering down the area under the shell, shaping the shell, carving the convex and concave lobes, and carving the center fan detail.
- Lesson Contents: 6 episodes; template, tool list, photo, and written instructions available in Episode 1
- Type of Wood: Mahogany
- Dimensions: 9"w x 4-4/8"h
- Tool List: 5 to 8mm v-chisel; #1, 10mm; #1, 25mm; #3,6mm; #3, 14mm; #4, 12mm, #5, 5mm; #7, 14mm; #8, 6mm; #8, 10mm; #10, 5mm
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Casting Available: Having a 3-D reference is tremendously helpful and allows you to get an accurate assessment of the carving's size, shape, and depth.
= More Lessons at the Advanced Skill Level =
I have been carving small (five inch) Newport convex shells for the Townsend document chest. Plans are from Allan Breed. My question is how to remove or blend the facets on the convex rays. The rays seem too small to use sandpaper. Have you heard of using pumice to blend the facets?
Thanks in advance for your help..
Howard Steier
Hi Howard,
I have never used pumice, but have heard it can work. I simply use very small pieces of sandpaper. You can also take fingernail files and cut them into different shapes to get into tighter areas.