I don't readily have access to basswood with the dimensions called for in this project. Is there a general rule about whether carvings can be made with glued up pieces and is it preferably to have the seams run vertically or horizontally (at the sides)?
Hello Mark,
Check out this supplier of basswood and butternut: http://wilcoxcarvingwood.com/ They are very reasonably priced and you can get any size you want. If you had 2 glue up, I would glue up 3 pieces of 1" flat board to get the full thickness. The only thing that could happen is the grain could change at the glue lines, which could cause some real issues. It's more predictable to get one solid block of wood.
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 intend to make a picture frame using this molding. Should I cut the frame first and glue it together then carve or cut the mitres, carve and then glue. the frame will be just a bit bigger than A4. the molding I will make from 18mm quarter radius and glue stripes on for the quirks and rebate. The wood has not been decided on yet. Thanks for the video. this is the first time I've seen some one carve this molding other than read about it in books,
Hello Jestyn, the main thing to consider is if you glue it together first, is this going to make the carving and clamping awkward? You will not be able to place the carving at a comfortable angle to carve. Even with it being as small as it it, it will still be easier if you can angle the molding for easier access (clamping them in v-cut blocks). So my suggestion is to carve the length of egg and dart, but leave the corner leaves until after gluing it together, so that it is a smooth transition.
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