Beautiful work! Seemingly, looking at the end product, the sans serif would appear to be "easier" than other styles. I have done some carved lettering, though, and even sans serif can be as challenging and even more so than any other kind of intaglio work. The eye can really pick out inconsistencies with lettering (I know, the sign I finally gave my parents was the third try, and, while they approve of it, being my parents and all, I can point out many flaws in it!)
I am curious, though about one aspect of your letter carving style. You use a gouge on outside curves, but a flat on inside curves. Is this just a personal preference? When I first learned (from some YouTube video I saw years ago) the instructor used a slightly tighter gouge on the inside than was used on the outside, and with the bevel up to cut the inside curves. Either way works, of course, straight chisel or gouge, I was just wondering how you came by your method.
That is how I generally carve letters - and it was simply the first process I learned, and became comfortable with it. Flat chisel on inside curves, curved gouge on outside curves. It is much easier for me to get a clean cut that to try to fit a curved gouge along the inside curve. It is easy for the gouge to dig into the wall, and also it is more difficult to get a clean inside corner (unless the curved gouges have a slightly rounded edge). But if you have developed a technique that works better that way - go for it! There are many ways...
Well, to be honest, I have only carved the one sign, and maybe it was the process of using a gouge on the inside curve that made it harder than it should be. I am putting the finishing touches on a Christmas present that I am carving a (very fancy) T on the top of for my parents, I will take the opportunity to try it with a flat chisel. I'll let you know how I get on!
I am interested in how this is applied to the highboy. i.e. what glue, and how is it clamped, and squeeze out controlled. I would think contact cement might work. Can you comment on how delicate carvings like this are applied?
Hello Allen,
Since I normally do not focus on the actual building of the furniture (usually that consists of attaching the carvings to the furniture) I am probably not the best to answer that. Here is how I would do it, but I can't say that it is the best process, or the most historically correct. I would take regular wood glue and very lightly spread it on the back of the entire carving - just enough so that if it is pressed, it does not squish out the edge. If it does squish, take a toothpick with tissue and water, or a sharp q-tip dipped in water and clean up any glue from the edges. Hyde glue will probably be more historically correct. Gently clamp it in as many places as possible - or put a weight on the entire piece (sand bag will put weight on all sections of the carving). If anyone out there has more knowledge as to how this has been done, please share. I will also speak with people who have done this type of gluing and see what their ideas are.
I cannot recommend Mary's video lessons highly enough. If you are learning to carve or carving at an advanced level, these videos are the ultimate learning tool. Mary is a natural at carving and has an artist's eye for proportion, design and style.
You could pay thousands of dollars and not learn a fraction of the information contained in Mary's lessons. She continues to add important carvings to them on an ongoing basis.
I build significant amounts of Newport furniture and am currently working on a piecrust tea table by the Garvan carver. The acanthus leaves on the legs are a real head scratcher, but by viewing Mary's videos, I am able to tackle them one element at a time until I get the hang of it. This would be much more difficult for me were it not for the videos.
What a pleasure to listen to you describe each cut as your hands move through the work with those lovely sharp chisels and gouges.
I have watched about 12 minutes of the lesson so far but I don't recall hearing what kind of wood this is. Did I miss something?
Thanks for this video, Mary.
Thanks Neill.
The wood I used is mahogany. I am starting to list type of wood, size of carving and tool list on the introduction posts, so if it is not mentioned in the video, you can check there.
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From John Ogilvie on Carving a Philadelphia Acanthus - Episode 3
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From Mary May on Carving a Philadelphia Acanthus - Episode 3
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From Doug Schneider on Carving a Christmas Candle
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From Neill Graham on Carving San Serif Lettering in Capitals
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From Mary May on Carving San Serif Lettering in Capitals
Go to comment2014/12/11 at 9:51 am
From Neill Graham on Carving San Serif Lettering in Capitals
Go to comment2014/12/11 at 10:38 am