mediocre chip carver

[therenow]

I watched the Wayne Barton carving video and bought an adittional book on chip carving. Both indicated that chip carving is a laptop thing. Well...I tried laptop and it is really uncomfortable (maybe not enough lap?)
so I place the practice board on the table..seems to provide some stability. Is anyone having a similar problem or is laptop position the only way to go. Thank You

[papasar]

IMHO The way to go is any way that gets the job done safely.
I hold the work about 14 inches from my eyes. Flat on the table is tough on the wrists and makes it hard to get correct angle. If I happen to be carving at a table ( I chip carve most anyplace) I hold the piece up and off the table.
That's my way for smaller items. If I'm doing anything larger I prop it up on a table. Works for me.
Make sure you learn how to keep your knives sharp! Nothing more discouraging to a beginner who does everything right and gets poor cuts due to a dull knife.
Bill K.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I am with you, I don't carve on my lap, I put it on the table...much easier to see and like you said, more stability...

[kitaye]

I can't do it on my lap either. So far, holding the board just about breast level is the only way I have found that is comfortable but I have a lot of problems with slipping.

[Ron T]

Hi therenow,

whoever said it had to be on your lap probably does it that way. Just do it your way if it feels comfortable and is safe.

[therenow]

Thanks for all the info. I am improving and getting that "obsessed" feeling about chip carving. I am wondering how deep should the cuts be on the basic triangle? Is there a best cut for depth? Also, the Barton method showed a punge cut at the top ot the triangle. Pam Gresham who uses a plunge at the top of the triangle and lowering the blade as it passes towards the end of the cut. Hence the question about best cut depth.

Mobster