[Fletch]

Hi!

I'm doing some small (usually less than 2" square, 1/2" thick) low relief tiles, with simple designs. I'd like to use them as pieces for a game (not unlike Scrabble tiles). Now that I'm getting into this more, I'm realizing it's a little ambitious to start so small. I'm having a couple of problems.

I start by outlining the shapes (I'm practicing with just some simple squares, circles, and polygons) with some stop cuts, then try to gouge out the space around them so they'll stick out.

My problem is that after I've done this, the top of my shape splinters off! Even when I'm careful not to jab at the base with a chisel. I'm trying to figure out why this happens so I can avoid it. I think I've narrowed it down, but I'd appreciate some expert advice.

1) I am a newbie, will this get better as my skills improve?
2) The wood is too soft / grain too big for these small shapes, should I try something harder (tupelo or sugar maple) and switch to the Dremel?
3) Could the wood on the surface of my plank have became spongy? Should sand I down an 1/8" to make sure I'm not carving the really soft stuff?

Thanks for reading this and thank you in advance for any replies.

Rob

[Thor]

Have you thought of carving them before you cut them into small pieces?
Just a thought.
Thor

[jstive]

Rob, I am by no means an expert on carving. I am a complete novice but, I need to ask you what kind of wood are you using? Are you using micro tools to form the shapes you need? This may help you if you are not. A different kind of wood may help you to but you've got to remember some of the wood out there is very hard to carve unless you use power. I know I have had some problems with my stop cuts to where it is producing stringy slivers of wood at the cut. I had to ask the experts about this too. Maybe it has something to do with your cuts. Hopefully someone with more expertise than me will help you out. Take care and keep at it you will figure it out. Jim

[Eddy Smiles]

Rob... Carving small does deffinitely bring about a whole new set of problems. That's why I have so much respect for some of the carvers on this forum who work in micro. All I can say from my limited experience is just keep trying. Eventually you'll come up with an answer. It sounds like you're already starting to work out some technique. Another option would be to use a Dremel or other power carving equipment where the wood would be under less stress. Good luck.

[Fletch]

Thanks for the replies!

I am now carving on the plank before slicing it up into tiles. I hadn't thought of that until I had cut one a tile and realized I was going to stab myself like crazy if I tried to carve it so now I work on my plank and then saw it up afterwards.

I'm using basswood right now, it's about 1/2" thick. It grew up in southern Ontario, so I think it had cold winters.

I'm using a basic Japanese detail carving set, they're all smaller than 10mm.

I do have a rotary tool and I'm tempted to pick up a set of burrs so I can avoid leaning too much on the wood. But then I start making dust instead of shavings, so I'm out on the balcony again.

I'm going to keep trying for now, I have a lot to learn about respecting the grain when carving. I'll also hone my chisels again, maybe I've gone blunt without noticing and I'm ripping things up.

Thanks again!
Rob

[squbrigg]

Thor has the idea, carve them while they are still in the plank and cut them out once carved. It would be a lot easier, gives you a good solid surface to rest your arm on while carving , to steady. Mark up the board, carve out the relief and cut them out and sand. What wood were you using? Sounds like you are carving raised shapes/letters?

Some weaker/softer woods may splinter easly, : ie: Basswood, Pine, Butternut. A good firm wood would be Maple, Walnut, Birch, Popple or some fruit woods, but will be harder to carve. Tupelo, I would think would be too soft. Take your time, and keep your tools sharp.

Good luck.

Bob

[Ron Davidson]

Sometimes edges will break off due to trying to take too much off at a time. Try and slice off smaller or thinner peices. I have also noticed that if you try and go to deep with a stop cut it will cause it to break out. And also like someone else mentioned keep your tools very sharp.
Ron