smooth carving

[bronco]

Hello,
How do you make your carvings smooth?
I am finishing a santa,but I can't seem to make
the wood smooth it always turns out choppy.Is it easier with a knife
or gouges? What kind of technique do you us when using
a knife vs a gouge?
Bill

[Kenny_S]

Sanding or Steel wool(0000)!

[kaiserb]

You have to start with a sharp tool. When cutting into the grain somthing that makes choppy spots is when you cut down into the grain and turn the knife to exit up. You are essentially carving against the grain for 1/2 of your cut.

See the illustrations on this page:

http://www.thesculpturestudio.com/carving_wood.htm

[Captain_Bandaid]

It is called a "carving" not a "sanding".....(grin).....it's OK to be a bit irregular and slightly rough. Use a scotchbrite wheel to defuz it. Or a stiff bristle tooth brush works too. I have seen many totally sanded carvings that looked like plastic once they were painted. That is not usually the effect you want.

[bronco]

Cutting down into the wood,I got out my knife and that is exactly
what I am doing!I suppose I need to learn how to shave the wood without
cutting down into it.I also like the idea that a carving can be a little
irregular.With that said I need to get back to my Santa.
Bill