• From Bob Easton on Carving a Linenfold Panel - Episode 1

    One of the great aspects of this form of learning is that "things happen." The knot and the "almost lost that edge" problems are things that happen to all of us on projects and it is very helpful learning how to work around them.

    I learn far more from my problems and mistakes than from things that go well. So, it's good to see, and maybe learn from, how you handle problems.

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    2013/03/20 at 6:19 am
  • From David Taylor on Carving a Linenfold Panel - Episode 1

    Very nice! I have had an idea for doing something with a linen fold, and I actually thought I knew the steps to make it happen, but you've cleared a few things up for me that I had thought were done differently. Nice save on the wild grain by the knot, too!

    I like especially that the initial work was done with moving fillister, rabbet, plow and hollow and round planes, and then I was pleasantly surprised to see the machine version of the way to work it. Very accommodating to different folks with different tool and skill sets. I like the old, hand way myself, and am lucky to have most of the planes used (sweet #10 rabbet there, I need one!). Like you, I have a tablesaw, but my healthy respect for it borders on fear, and if I can do something by hand, I will. Nice thing about this being a hobby, I can take my time about it!

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    2013/03/19 at 11:06 am
  • From Neil Stalker on What videos would you like to see?

    I realize this wouldn't fall under the category of "classic" but about raised animal carving, say a frog? Looking forward to meeting and learning from you inSept at MASW.
    Neil

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    2013/03/18 at 8:37 am
  • From Alan Fleming on Workshop Tour - Beginner Lesson #16

    How tall is your tall carving bench?

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    2013/03/16 at 4:14 pm
    • From Mary May on Workshop Tour - Beginner Lesson #16

      Hi Alan,
      The tall carving bench is 45" tall. This is sometimes too tall for me, depending on how thick the carving is. For simple relief carving this height works fine (I am 5'10" tall). The ideal height is to carve at about elbow height or a few inches below. If it is higher than that, your shoulders will have to lift, and they will definitely feel it after a few hours. If it is lower, you will have to bend over the bench, and the back of your neck and back will feel it. Imagine having the weight of a bowling ball at your head, leaning over a bench.

      I generally am not able to sit at my carving bench. If I start sitting, I am usually standing within a few minutes because I need to shift or lean into the carving.

      Hope this helps.

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      2013/03/19 at 9:17 am
    • From Bob Easton on Workshop Tour - Beginner Lesson #16

      Mary is probably still catching up from recent travels and will probably come along with a specific answer.

      From what I've read around the internet, and from the bench I built for carving, a common suggestion for carving height is to stand up straight and bend your arms about 90 degrees with your hands out in front of your body. The height from floor to the bottom of your elbows, minus an inch, is very comfortable. That "minus an inch" places the top of many work pieces at exactly the right height.

      When I want to be a little higher than the work piece, I stand on a wood platform made of 2 by 8s. It not only raises me a bit, but gets my feet off of the cold workshop floor (unheated shop).

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      2013/03/19 at 7:36 am
  • From Shannon Rogers on Carving Traditional Serif Lettering in Capitals

    Great work Mary and thanks for the personalized lesson. I assume that's why you chose those letters right??? Funny I find the larger letters to be more difficult because of the larger cuts involved and getting everything to blend. I end up with more facets with this larger area. I like the setting in technique, reminds me of some joinery techniques. Definitely adding that to the bag of tricks. Thanks

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    2013/03/15 at 10:19 am