Let’s talk about woodcarvingAdministrator2020-02-03T16:00:40-05:00
Discussions on this forum are membership-run. I (Mary May) will monitor conversations and will try and contribute as needed. However, I can't guarantee that I will always have time to keep up with the discussions. Please feel free to contribute, as the only way this forum will be successful is if members get involved! I will also be the "judge and juror" with inappropriate, rude, or offensive behavior, so play nice!
Getting rid of the "fuzzies"
MaryMay@marymay
453 Posts
Quote from MaryMay on August 22, 2017, 8:13 pm
One of the most common things I hear from beginner (or even experienced) carvers is how to get those inside corner fuzzies to disappear. This is often caused by making 2 or 3 or more cuts to reach that inside corner, where it is best to make one solid definite cut. That one cut would certainly help eliminate the fuzzies, but when first starting to carve, it's normal to take several cuts to achieve this - just the normal process of getting to know the tools, the wood, and what pressure is needed to reach the full depth of cut. So once these fuzzies (or little wood fibers) are there, and they really like to hang on, how to you deal with them?
I like tiny, sharp riffler or needle files, but this can also change the texture of the wood. Not so critical in inside corners, but if these are scraped along the surface of the carving, the surface definitely is changed. Or compressing wood fibers with pointed pieces of wood (bamboo skewers or toothpicks).
Anyone else have a clever way to de-fuzz?
One of the most common things I hear from beginner (or even experienced) carvers is how to get those inside corner fuzzies to disappear. This is often caused by making 2 or 3 or more cuts to reach that inside corner, where it is best to make one solid definite cut. That one cut would certainly help eliminate the fuzzies, but when first starting to carve, it's normal to take several cuts to achieve this - just the normal process of getting to know the tools, the wood, and what pressure is needed to reach the full depth of cut. So once these fuzzies (or little wood fibers) are there, and they really like to hang on, how to you deal with them?
I like tiny, sharp riffler or needle files, but this can also change the texture of the wood. Not so critical in inside corners, but if these are scraped along the surface of the carving, the surface definitely is changed. Or compressing wood fibers with pointed pieces of wood (bamboo skewers or toothpicks).
Anyone else have a clever way to de-fuzz?
Matthew Mizner@mattm
242 Posts
Quote from Matthew Mizner on August 24, 2017, 9:48 pm
I've used a hacksaw blade before. Trimmed the tip to a pointed angle to allow for clearance, and lightly sawed upwards. Guess you could think of it as a robust file. I still struggle on those inside corners less than 45 degrees...I hate them.
I've used a hacksaw blade before. Trimmed the tip to a pointed angle to allow for clearance, and lightly sawed upwards. Guess you could think of it as a robust file. I still struggle on those inside corners less than 45 degrees...I hate them.
Tim Rauch@timrauch
49 Posts
Quote from Tim Rauch on October 22, 2017, 2:44 pm
I find the fuzzies to be a little more co-operative after the wood has been sealed with shellac or the first coat of whatever finish you are using. After a coat of shellac they sometimes glue themselves down and can't be seen or they stiffen up and are easier to slice away. This approach can also help with the floor of deep recesses.
I find the fuzzies to be a little more co-operative after the wood has been sealed with shellac or the first coat of whatever finish you are using. After a coat of shellac they sometimes glue themselves down and can't be seen or they stiffen up and are easier to slice away. This approach can also help with the floor of deep recesses.
Chuck Schroeder@schrocw
7 Posts
Quote from Chuck Schroeder on November 22, 2017, 6:43 pm
One method I had been introduced to maybe 25 years ago was to use one of those small -- maybe 3" x 3/4" fingernail brushes which you can use to clean under your nails and works on cuticles. I have been out of carving for many years. I have just joined and will be trying it out again in the next week
One method I had been introduced to maybe 25 years ago was to use one of those small -- maybe 3" x 3/4" fingernail brushes which you can use to clean under your nails and works on cuticles. I have been out of carving for many years. I have just joined and will be trying it out again in the next week
