very very stupid!!

#21 06-10-2003, 10:01 PM

does anyone have any drawings that one could build from?

icarve2003 · #22 06-11-2003, 09:04 AM

I was searching for carving arm plans and I came across this website
http://www.wilkersonwoodcarving.com/nlctarchive602.htm

It shows many types of holding devices including a carving arm. I'm thinking that I may build a carving arm like the one shown there and then make a few different sized jigs for it.

I'm still looking for plans Hi_Ho.

Chris

#23 06-11-2003, 09:15 AM

What I use for smaller relief carvings is pretty simple ..

I have a 10' x 14' piece of 1' board. Along the top edge I glued a 1x1 and on the opposite side on the bottom edge another 1x1. One of the 1x1's hold the board in place againt my desk/bench/table (where ever I happen to be) and the other holds the stock in place. To help out, I put a piece of router mat between the stock and board and/or the board and stock (holds stuff in place and protects the table/desk). For heavier projects, I drilled and counter sunk two holes about in the middle of the board so I can screw the project down to the board (ought to work for carving in the round too, but haven't tried it). Hope that made sense.

icarve2003 · #24 06-11-2003, 09:22 AM

Hi Ed,

Yes, I think I can visualize what you're talking about. That sounds pretty simple. I've got a router mat and I never even thought of using it.

That sounds like it would be quite portable too. Good idea

#25 06-11-2003, 08:53 PM

Wow, I just got around to reading this thread. Chris, SO sorry you got hurt - I've been there and felt just as stupid. I can't say it's ever brought me to actually USE those carving gloves I have, but I do have some :

I have a question for you guys about the use of the carving arm and screw. More than one of you mentioned how it saved you time to use it (rather than holding, and rather than a reciprocating carver?) ? Could you guys expound more on how it saves time? I have one, but haven't used it except for a couple days my holding hand was 'out of commission' with a stab wound :-) Maybe I should take another look at it.

Teri

Donna_T · #26 06-11-2003, 10:06 PM

Teri,
I've used a carving arm a few times and like wearing a carving glove, you have to get used to it before it can 'work' for you. You can save time because it lets you use both hands to push and control the gouge you are using. So, you can move more wood -- quicker.

There is a photo (of the kind of arm I have) in the March/April issue of Chip Chats on page 128 and some suppliers listed. I have the single knuckle kind.

You still need to use caution with it---one of the worst carving cuts I've seen was while a carver was using an adjustable vise/carving arm. The wood cracked and the gouge went right through it and down the hand and arm that was supporting the carving on the back side. Several thousand $$ of micro-reconstructive surgery, he's back to carving.

I'd have to agree with several who have mentioned it before, my worst cuts have happened after I quit, took off my glove, and then saw just one more little place that needed a quick trim. But I rarely ever carve without a glove. It's like insurance!

Donna T

Colin_Partridge · #27 06-12-2003, 07:59 AM

Teri,
If you think of it when you are using the carving arm both of your hands are usually behind the cutting edge of the chisel or gouge you are using so if the wood cracks or the chisel slips there is no flesh between the cutting edge and the carving. I would think that the only way you could cut yoursef would be by not abiding by that rule. In fact you could use a reciprocating carver with the carving arm that to me would even be faster and safer because you need two hand at all times on the reciprocating carver.
Colin

icarve2003 · #28 06-12-2003, 10:11 AM

Colin,

I was looking at the photos from the Jeff Phares seminar you attended from the link that Teri posted in the other thread.

He's got a picture of a carving bench with a carving arm on one end and a seat on the other. I really like that! Did somebody bring that with them? Did it look comfortable to use?

I could build one of those with the wood I have lying around in my shop.

Chris

Kenny_S · #29 06-12-2003, 12:42 PM

Icarve and Ed,
I use the same thing for relief carving and for smaller carvings. Router mat does keep the piece from slipping and the edge holds the piece in place. I saw this several years ago and built one out of odd piece of scraps I had. It works great for the relief carvings. The arm holder isn't hard to build but getting the screw is unless you order it through the net or wood carving cats. Locally here in SEK, Not many carving shops. WoodCraft has them in Tulsa but I think a little pricey.
Chris, glad to see you are healing but understand the apprehension!

Best to you.
Ken

Colin_Partridge · #30 06-12-2003, 05:52 PM

Chris,
Yes the guy that brought it with him to the seminar made it himself. I asked him for the pattern but he said he didnt have one. I tried it it was very comfortable the only trouble is I am not handy that way I cant put two pieces of wood together. If you dont believe me watch 'Tool Box Challenge' on HGTV on the 23rd of June and you will see how unhandy I really am.
Speedy recovery buddy and drop in if you are in the area would love to see you
Colin