• From Thomas on Sharpening a Veiner Gouge

    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).

    Go to comment
    2017/01/14 at 11:12 pm
  • From Mary Lea on Preparing to Carve - Beginner Lesson #1

    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?

    Go to comment
    2017/01/10 at 9:14 pm
    • From Mary May on Preparing to Carve - Beginner Lesson #1

      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!

      Go to comment
      2017/01/11 at 8:16 pm
  • From Renuka Ekbote on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4

    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.

    Go to comment
    2017/01/10 at 4:47 am
  • From David Briggs on Carving a Classical Lamp - Episode 1

    Mary,

    Happy New Year

    Beautiful carving!

    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.

    Thank you
    David

    Go to comment
    2017/01/05 at 6:45 pm
    • From Mary May on Carving a Classical Lamp - Episode 1

      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!

      Go to comment
      2017/01/05 at 10:40 pm
  • From Tom Hay on Starting to Carve

    I carved a camellia flower in mahogany with the grain running vertical and it didn't look very good, so I am going to try horizontal with a lighter type of wood, i don't seem to be able to get your types of wood, Happy New Year.

    Go to comment
    2016/12/31 at 8:42 pm
    • From Mary May on Starting to Carve

      Hello Tom,
      With the small amount of wood that is needed for carving, you should be able to get good carving wood online. Search "basswood" or "butternut" and there are a variety of suppliers. Just make sure the basswood is northern basswood (Minnesota, New York, Michigan, etc) because of the tighter grain.

      Go to comment
      2017/01/02 at 10:05 am