Carving tips

[Kenny_S]

I know this has been around but may be usefull yo our newest carvers.

Bark Carving. The outer layers are hard and rough on carving knives. I use a draw knife to scrape/cut off the outer layer where I am carving. Take care as not to cut off some of the outer layer not associated with the carving as it lends to the carving. The draw knife I use has a 7 inch blade. When using a vise for a holding tool I screw a piece of wood( 2x4x5 inches to the bark and put that in the vise. Holds good.

Tip 2:

Fingers and other body parts cut off by using a draw knife don't sell!

(If your draw knife slips from your hands, let it fall - don't try to catch it, they bite hard and deep, sure, I learned the hard way!)

When painting a carving, be sure to use acrylic varnish on the eyes before antiquing. It gives the eyes a nice alive look & if you didn't get into all the eye socket spaces with paint, it will keep the antique from turning your eyes all brown.