I have been learning to do some bark carving and I was trying to figure a way to hold a long irregularly shaped piece. I solved the problem by flattening the back, and screwing it to a piece of 2x6. Then I set it into a Black & Decker Workmate my husband had. It was perfect. This might work in some relief carving instances
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for that great suggestion. One caution - I have carved into screws before, and it isn't very nice on the carving tools. So if you're still figuring out the design and are not sure of the depth or where you will be carving, be careful!
I've always LOVED the craftsmanship and talent seen at wood shows and local woodcarver clubs. I tried chip carving, but my arthritis and scleroderma (tight skin) limits my grip and motion. I recently learned of the palm tools, which feel easier to use, and am just discovering lighter forms of carving- outline on a painted surface, shallow relief, and what I just saw on this site- intaglio. I planning on attending the Woodcarvers show in Millersville, PA soon, and am looking FORWARD to all the tools and instruction in a simpler, less physical forms of carving. I also just learned about reciprocating blades. Can't WAIT to try it all, and someday be in a show. I found your site on Chipping Away.com Thanks for all the info!! Lisa T. Lisathompson609@yahoo.com
Hi Lisa,
So glad you are getting involved in carving! There are many options out there - knives, full-length and palm size gouges, dremel tools. Ask a lot of questions when you are at carving shows and you will get a lot of different answers and suggestions. Have fun discovering!
Thank you, Mary. Very helpful. I especially appreciate that you show us the entire process, even cleaning up and your catches, rather than skipping the little stuff.
Two questions. First, do you have a video that helps non-artists with other hints on perspective?
Second, what is the angle of the V tool you use--60º, 45º, what?
Hi Mary...I am just now enjoying flat carving and your videos are wonderful and will be a great assist as I advance. My first carving was going along fine but I noticed as I progressed with relieving the wood to form the design (About 1/4 to 3/8 inch from a 3/4 inch piece of basswood) that the blank began to bow or become concave. Do you have any suggestions to prevent this from happening...Tim
Hi Tim,
This doesn't happen often, but can happen if the wood is not fully dried. Try to moisten the wood with water and lay something heavy and flat on it (or put it in a vise to flatten it). It may flatten out, but there is no guarantee. Good luck!
From Ruth Harrowing on Preparing to Carve - Beginner Lesson #1
Go to comment2018/03/06 at 1:47 pm
From MaryMay on Preparing to Carve - Beginner Lesson #1
Go to comment2018/03/06 at 5:55 pm
From Lisa Thompson on Carving a Maple Leaf
Go to comment2018/03/01 at 3:39 pm
From MaryMay on Carving a Maple Leaf
Go to comment2018/03/03 at 10:56 am
From Tim Sursely on Carving a Shell & Acanthus Leaf Design - Episode 5
Go to comment2018/02/28 at 9:32 pm
From MaryMay on Carving a Shell & Acanthus Leaf Design - Episode 5
Go to comment2018/03/03 at 10:54 am
From Edwin Womack on Carving a Country Scene - Episode 2
Go to comment2018/02/28 at 3:38 pm
From MaryMay on Carving a Country Scene - Episode 2
Go to comment2018/03/03 at 10:54 am
From Tim Lassen on Preparing to Carve - Beginner Lesson #1
Go to comment2018/02/26 at 8:59 pm
From MaryMay on Preparing to Carve - Beginner Lesson #1
Go to comment2018/03/03 at 10:53 am