Choking on a gouge

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Originally Posted by Woody1961

If one is not careful, holding the gouge like that can be called circumcision (or castration). Sorry, I just don't know about carving in my lap!

Double Ditto, way to close!

[pilgreen23]

i do this sometimes when carving a hard wood even when it is mounted and i need total control, like you said, making little slices

[Donna_T]

Being predominently a lap-carver, I frequently find carving cross grain helpful. I also regularly hold the wood between my knees. With the aforementioned posture of keeping elbows anchored at your sides, it does give you good control. Usually, the carving tool can only go as far as your wrists will rotate. So, it works for me. I often carve backwards, even with the grain, because of the extra control it offers me, as well as let me carve with some curved flow lines.

However, several years ago, I witnessed a carver getting a really bad cut when the wood split and allowed the gouge to sever artery, tendon, nerves, etc.on the opposing wrist. So, when learning to use this method, small, light pressure cuts are safest!

Donna_T