against the grain

#1 11-23-2002, 09:10 AM

I tried my hand at carving for the first time. Â*Nothing to hard it was a santa head about 3 1/2' tall out of Basswood. Â*The problem I am having is with the mustache that goes across the grain it keeps chippping and breaking away. Â*Any hints or advice would be greatly appreciated. ???

#2 11-23-2002, 09:13 AM

well they said mix alcohol and water and spray lightly, but I have just put water on with my finger, let soak for a few minutes and works fine.

mdallensr · #3 11-23-2002, 09:22 AM

If your ID says anything about your tools, they may need honing.

icarve2003 · #4 11-23-2002, 03:17 PM

I find that the best thing to do is to start your cut at the highest point and go to the lowest point. You always want to be slicing the grain. You'll probably find you're carving in both directions to avoid splitting. Also, take off a little bit at a time. If you have to go directly across the grain, try almost shaving it off.

It's kind of hard to explain without demonstrating, so I hope you understand.

AlArchie · #5 11-24-2002, 05:10 PM

One more thought; make sure you don't have too steep a bevel on your blades. I've found 15 to 20 degrees works well for softer woods. Steeper than that and they tend to 'bully' thier way through, no matter how sharp the edge seems.

Al

#6 12-07-2002, 08:30 PM

There could be several things coming together to create the problem you describe.

My first suggestion is when you reach the point of carving eyes, ears, and other details like beards etc. resharpen (or strop) your tools before beginning. We often try to carve details after carving all day with the same tools.

If you are doing most of your carving with a knife, you need to be very careful not to undercut. You must know how deep your cuts are going. Later when you try to do fine work, parts come loose.

Plan your carving so the grain direction supports the details like noses etc. Many old carvings are missing noses and fingers.

You can harden soft areas with superglue and other products.
Many of these methods restrict the finish you can apply later.

If it is an important carving, you can remove the surface until it is flat, and glue in a block and recarve it.

Finally, the wood could be 'punky' and will crumble under pressure.

Good luck, Rick