This is a brief introduction to "Carving an American Rococo Shell."
This 3 episode lesson is Part 2 of the "Colonial Charleston Fireplace" series. The lesson teaches how to carve an historical reproduction of a colonial, American Rococo style shell for the center panel of the undermantle (flanked by the acanthus leaves from Part 1).
- Series: Part 2 of the "Colonial Charleston Fireplace"
- Lesson Contents: 3 episodes; template, tool list, and photo in Episode 1
- Type of Wood: Mahogany
- Size: 6-1/2"w x 6-1/2"h x 1-1/4"d
- Tool List: 6mm v-chisel; #3, 14mm; #5, 6mm; #5, 14mm; #7, 6mm; #7, 14mm; #8, 10mm; #11, 3mm
- Skill Level: Advanced
Lessons in this Series:
= More Lessons at the Advanced Skill Level =
Great amount of detail, Mary. I love the way you use the back side of your carving tools for rounding edges. Is the skill you learned on your own or
taught by another carver? Does the sharpness of the tools back side require
a different approach when you sharpen all your tools?
Hi Ralph, it’s difficult to say whether this was learned from someone, or it just became a very convenient and efficient way of shaping wood. It was many years ago and I don’t really recall an “aha” moment, but it just evolved over the years. My guess is it was a combination of watching various master carvers and developing my own technique that works the best for me.
When you talk about the “sharpness” of the back side, I’m assuming you are referring to the bevel angle? They ideal angle for carving gouges is 22 to 23 degrees. More than that and the tool is lifted too high off the wood. Less than that, the tool runs too close to the wood to cut comfortably. With a few exceptions, they are all very close to this angle.
I hope this helps.
Just completed this carving, along with the corresponding acanthus leaves. The carving was not as large (about 3/4 size) and I set the thickness to 5/8″, as the carving is going onto the lower skirt of a dressing table I am constructing.
This was the perfect piece for my “carving project” – your videos were quite helpful.
Thanks
Joe
Thank you!