Unwanted Chipping Out....Newbee needs help!

[kmansgpa]

Hi all... I just started carving. I will have put in stops and I seem to have the ability to nick and or scratch something and all of a sudden ouch, a large chip busts out and messes with my mind, usually in places I can't fix.(like half the nose) Can anyone tell me how to avoid this. Or what to watch for. It usually happens when I'm rocking along. Thinking all is well.

Thanks for your help,

Ron

[tucker1931]

Ron, carve slowly, take small cuts to get you going and practice, practice, practice.
Cliff

[skidmore]

I agree with cliff, slow down and practice.

Forrest of NC

[Mottles]

Hi Ron, yes slow down for sure also try to carve with the grain as much as possible. Try not to take deep gouge cuts, several shallow cuts are better than one or two deep cuts.
It's hard to direct you without seeing something specific you are working on. Unwanted chipping can be caused from your tool or knife not being sharp enough. Strop often...
Kathy

[MDWine]

This happens to me on every piece.
I'm cuttin' away, and all of a sudden the cut is not as smooth or as easy, or it starts to tear... or just doesn't SOUND right!

To me, that means SLOW DOWN and READ THE WOOD... For me, it is a matter of paying attention to the grain, and remembering to look carefully at what I am doing.

I try to focus and make each cut deliberate and thoughtful. I still goof it up, but I am doing so less and less... so I guess I'm learnin' sompthin!

Listen to these folks, slow down and think about each cut. You'll do better on every piece. (keep the CA handy!)

[Tom-H]

Ron,

Ya just gotta know where the knife tip is at all times, and where it's goin too (or could go). Pay attention to the grain. Try not to pry with your knife tip to remove a chip. You master all of this and it will prevent most of the problem. But what great philosopher said, "Sh__ happens"?

Tom H

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Sharp knife and don't "pry, or flip" with the tip of the knife... enjoy!

[TreeWizard]

As a last resort, super glue is our friend.