Mary, I have been using three wood strips (12" long) with each one holding a
320 grid; 600 grit; and 1500 grit, water proof paper. This seems to work well along with my leather
honing stick. My question is, which polishing compound is preferred - I have
been using the green and red on the leather strop?
Hi Ralph,
First of all, I would be cautious to use the 1500 grit paper as the final honing, as this may end up being too rough. If you can see actual scratch marks on the back of the gouge and not a mirror finish, then I would suggest using a finer grit for this. However, I have not used this process much, so a 1500 grit paper (slightly worn) may be equivalent to a 6000 or 8000 grit diamond stone. You really just need to experiment with this.
The honing colors are different with different brands, so I do not know what either the green or red refers to. Again, you will need to do trial and error. So far as I have found, any polishing compound that I have used has never been too rough to use on leather. Again, if you see actual grooves or scratches (even if slight) from the polishing on the leather strop, then it is definitely too rough. Test it and see if it truly polishes the gouge. There is the small possibility of using a polishing compound that is too rough that will actually reshape and round the bevel, but this is not likely with what is available.
Lol! I had to laugh when I heard the exact same comments repeated by you. My thoughts on sharpening this tiny v was the same! Toss it and buy another lol! Seriously though...thank you. The sandpaper was a great suggestion and then the leather. Not many choices on this tool. Thank you for all the video's (this one especially).
I'm loving your videos! You do a great job of explaining things in detail. Curious as to whether you've ever used bench cookies to secure flat backed pieces and if so, how they worked for you. How about just a sheet of the rubber friction material adhered to a panel to secure flat backed pieces?
Hello Mary,
I'm happy you are enjoying the videos. I have never heard of these "bench cookies" and just now did a search on the internet. I would be interested in trying these, but my concern would be whether they hold tightly because often I use a mallet and if it doesn't hold solid, the carving will loosen and shift. Interesting idea - thanks!
Dear Mary, Thank you so much for taking the time to create these extremely helpful videos. I was wondering if there is an alternative to slip stones or how they can be made? I have tried to find them but they are not available in India where I belong. Could you please recommend any alternatives. Thank you very much again for your teaching.
Hello Rebuka,
Glad you are enjoying the videos, and that is a great question! And the answer is yes. If you can get very fine grit sandpaper (2000 to 8000 grit), you can wrap this around curved pieces of wood and use them the same way as a slip stone. You can also take different sized dowels and wrap them with this sandpaper. Sometimes this kind of sandpaper can be found at auto supply stores because it is often used for fine sanding when painting automobiles. Good luck!
2 Questions-
*How did you adhere the workpiece to the substrate?
*Will you promise to send your subscribers a photo of the finished fireplace mantel? We may want to copy it.
Hello David,
Thank you and Happy New Year to you also! I attached the carving with double-sided duct tape (I bought this at a golf supply store and it is used to wrap golf handles - works great!)
And the answer to the second question is... yes, if I ever get it finished 🙂 Actually I plan to add it to the last episode to show the before and after. Guess I better get working on finishing it!
From Ralph Scheffler on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4
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From Renuka Ekbote on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4
Go to comment2017/01/10 at 4:47 am
From Mary May on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4
Go to comment2017/01/11 at 8:12 pm
From Renuka Ekbote on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4
Go to comment2017/01/16 at 2:03 am
From Mary May on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4
Go to comment2017/01/17 at 6:30 pm
From David Briggs on Carving a Classical Lamp - Episode 1
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From Mary May on Carving a Classical Lamp - Episode 1
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From David Briggs on Carving a Classical Lamp - Episode 1
Go to comment2017/01/06 at 9:46 am