• From Shannon Rogers on Workshop Tour - Beginner Lesson #16

    Thanks Mary, what a wealth of stories your shop has to tell. Never be ashamed of a dirty workshop. If it is clean it isn't getting used!

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    2012/12/04 at 9:02 am
    • From Mary May on Workshop Tour - Beginner Lesson #16

      Thanks Shannon. Maybe I'll venture into a tour of the next section of my workshop. Since I have several students coming to my shop next week, that might be a good time to clean - and film!

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      2012/12/04 at 10:06 pm
  • From David Taylor on Carving the Convex Newport Shell - Episode 1

    Oh, yeah, quick question - what is it about that last V chisel you used that is so special, aside from its extreme sharpness? Is it a different angle, is the bottom 'mini-gouge' part more of a sharp V, or are the 'wings' swept a bit forward or backward? Would love to know more.

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    2012/12/03 at 11:30 pm
    • From Mary May on Carving the Convex Newport Shell - Episode 1

      Well, I guess there is no doubt that it is sharp enough - simply because I use it very rarely (only for those special little cuts). The angle is no different, however, it has a slightly sharper point - not as rounded as some. But the main reason is that when I cut tiny little cuts across the grain, I just want to be sure the wood won't break apart. If I use the v-chisel that I had used to carve the rest of the shell, I would just need to make sure it is re-sharpened before I attempt these cuts. Laziness, maybe?

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      2012/12/04 at 10:05 pm
  • From David Taylor on Carving the Convex Newport Shell - Episode 1

    Wow. Just wow. I watched all the chapters in one sitting, and you are very impressive! Your stamina, and then your patience, really shine through, showing your experience, of course. It will be a while, I think, before I attempt such a thing, but I feel I have learned a lot watching you go through this process. Not least of which is the fact that I need more tools! As you say, though, you can never have enough! Beautiful work, Mary. Next time you look in the mirror, remind yourself that you should be damned proud of yourself, both for your accomplishments, and for the idea that you can teach so well. Thank you.

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    2012/12/03 at 11:26 pm
  • From Steve Cofield on Carving the Convex Newport Shell - Episode 1

    Hi Mary. I decided to use mahogany for this project. I'm at the point of rounding over the convex areas. A have a #1 double bevel. Will that work or should I purchase a single bevel for this job? I wanted your opinion before I dig in. Thank you, I'm really learning a lot from you.
    Steve

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    2012/11/29 at 1:11 pm
    • From Mary May on Carving the Convex Newport Shell - Episode 1

      Steve,
      A double bevel will work fine also. The main reason I use a single bevel is so I am able to use it as if it were 2 different chisels. Sometimes I use it where it is lifted higher than other times (carving with the bevel side down allows me to lift it higher off the wood, where using the flat side holds it tighter to the wood).

      Glad you're enjoying the videos!

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      2012/11/29 at 1:19 pm
  • From Shannon Rogers on Carving a Donut - Beginner Lesson #6

    Finally a donut you lose calories with! I have done this exercise 5 or 6 times now and use it much like a warmup to get my brain thinking on the micro level and reading the grain properly. Good stuff Mary!

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    2012/11/27 at 2:58 pm
    • From Mary May on Carving a Donut - Beginner Lesson #6

      After 20+ years of carving, I still think about that donut! My teacher started me out with this, and it is still haunting me! Thought I'd haunt others with it...

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      2012/12/04 at 10:23 pm