I am thoroughly enjoying your method of teaching carving. Although of I have been carving for about 5 years, except for on recent weekend carving class with Ian Norbury, I have had no formal training.
Your session on how to sharpen curved gouges was a revelation for me. I have already used on several gouges and the results are amazing.
I have a set of diamond sharpening "stones". I was wondering how you keep yours so clean. My stones are turning black from the build up of residual metal. How can I clean them and restore them to the original state?
Getting tools sharp makes such a difference, doesn't it? When I first started carving I did not know how to sharpen my tools, but when I learned how, it was like a different world! You should just be able to clean the stones with soap and water - maybe use a scrub brush? I have never had any problems so far with mine doing this. Make sure you use only water or water and a little "green" dish soap.
Hello everyone i just join this site. So far these free lessons are very much appreciated. My Father got me a set of Pfeil chisels.
They are not very big but they work very well. I'm very new to carving but have always wanted to try it. I used to live in South Africa where there are almost no teachers available. I now live in France in the country side and still no teachers near me. I has looking online for some help and i eventually found this site. I think i am very lucky and you are very kind to offer these free lessons i hope i can save some money for the more advanced lessons you offer.
The first carving i tired was a Tree spirit it actually was not bad and i really enjoyed it.I still have allot to learn want to improve my skills and work with my father who is a Wood Turner.
Hello Shane,
Welcome to the school! I am glad this is helping you. With the internet like it is today, I think a lot of people who don't have access to teachers will benefit from this type of school and learn a skill they otherwise wouldn't be able to.
I know this might be asking a bit much. Could you take a look at my set of chisels.and tell me if its alight for beginning. https://oi44.tinypic.com/24ywhtj.jpg
I know you said you started with a single dull chisel ! . I feel a bit spoiled with this set. however i think it is lacking a larger fishtail flat like the one you mentioned.
Hello everyone i just join this site. So far these free lessons are very much appreciated. My Father got me a set of Pfeil chisels.
They are not very big but they work very well. I'm very new to carving but have always wanted to try it. I used to live in South Africa where there are almost no teachers available. I now live in France in the country side and still no teachers near me. I has looking online for some help and i eventually found this site. I think i am very lucky and you are very kind to offer these free lessons i hope i can save some money for the more advanced lessons you offer.
The first carving i tired was a Tree spirit it actually was not bad and i really enjoyed it.I still have allot to learn want to improve my skills and work with my father who is a Wood Turner.
Hello Shane,
Welcome to the school! I am glad this is helping you. With the internet like it is today, I think a lot of people who don't have access to teachers will benefit from this type of school and learn a skill they otherwise wouldn't be able to.
I know this might be asking a bit much. Could you take a look at my set of chisels.and tell me if its alight for beginning. https://oi44.tinypic.com/24ywhtj.jpg
I know you said you started with a single dull chisel ! . I feel a bit spoiled with this set. however i think it is lacking a larger fishtail flat like the one you mentioned.
Hi Mary,
Wow, that is one ornate piece! Do you have any history info on it? I've been trying to research the Lion's Paw and it seems to originate from Egypt, revived by Napolean and to have been used a lot on American Empire style pieces. Not sure about the rest of the carvings. Am I on the right track? Thanks.
Hi Larry,
All I know is that is is probably American and around mid-19th century. Someone else may have more information they might want to contribute? The posts are amazing in their ornate details, aren't they? Beautiful!
Mary
You make it sound so easy. I've been so afraid to sharpen gouges because I didn't want to be left with an odd looking tool that only has one use, pulling out tacks. Ideas, Ideas thank you.
Jeff
If you take your time, and don't try to rush it, you should be fine. The difficulties usually come when the process is rushed (tipping the tool up too much and only the edge is sharpened, for example). It's a really fast way to get that metal burr, but not great for the sharpening technique!
From Ralph giarnella on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4
Go to comment2013/12/09 at 1:16 pm
From Mary May on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4
Go to comment2013/12/10 at 8:07 pm
From Shane Cominotto on All About Gouges
Go to comment2013/12/08 at 12:25 pm
From Mary May on All About Gouges
Go to comment2013/12/10 at 8:03 pm
From Shane Cominotto on All About Gouges
Go to comment2013/12/11 at 8:32 am
From Shane Cominotto on All About Gouges
Go to comment2013/12/08 at 12:27 pm
From Shane Cominotto on All About Gouges - Beginner Lesson #3
Go to comment2013/12/08 at 12:25 pm
From Mary May on All About Gouges - Beginner Lesson #3
Go to comment2013/12/10 at 8:03 pm
From Shane Cominotto on All About Gouges - Beginner Lesson #3
Go to comment2013/12/11 at 8:32 am
From Shane Cominotto on All About Gouges - Beginner Lesson #3
Go to comment2013/12/08 at 12:27 pm
From Larry Robertson on Carving a Lion's Paw - Episode 1
Go to comment2013/12/06 at 10:50 am
From Mary May on Carving a Lion's Paw - Episode 1
Go to comment2013/12/10 at 8:01 pm
From Jeff Cullen on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4
Go to comment2013/11/27 at 9:45 pm
From Mary May on Sharpening a Curved Gouge - Beginner Lesson #4
Go to comment2013/11/27 at 10:45 pm