clean cuts

[A_Swope]

I've noticed recently that on my carvings my cuts leave little pieces of wood in the cut, especially on my small carvings. When I go back with the knife I just can't seem to get rid of it. Does anyone have any special tricks for removing them from their carvings?

Alex

[Whittled Thumb]

Fold sand paper up flat and sand out the groves. Thats what I do. Also if you have a dremel you can put that plastic brush wheel on it and knock it off with that. I prefer to use the sand paper because of control.

[Mitchell]

Don't make them (fuzzies)...that way you don't have to clean them up.

Sharp tools/ stop cuts (properly placed)/ use gouges more when carving recesses.

This is a common question - use the search function or look at the "similar threads" linked below.

If you have a SPECIFIC example, post a picture and we may can guide you through how to improve.

[Tom-H]

Alex,

When using the knife only to whittle and carve, you just have to know where the knife tip is when whittling. You make a stop cut then slice up to the stop cut. If you slice too deep you end up with a sliver in the bottom of the cut. If don't slice deep enough and make a second slice, you end up with a sliver in the bottom of the cut. Practicing will help you to know where the knife tip is at all times.

Try taking a scrap of wood and make stop cuts to practice making the slicing knife cuts up to the stop cuts. Make all kinds of stop cuts; small curved, large curved, straight, etc. You will see improvement the more you do.

Tom H

[TreeWizard]

I have an old sharpened dental pick. It works well at removing those "pesky" slivers.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

The secret to clean carving is to undercut your first stroke. That way the chip comes out cleanly. It's that simple!

[draft51@aol.com]

I can attest to what Michell says after having him show me this past weekend. Mitch you were right on and we hope to see you again in your area. Chris and fred k

[A_Swope]

Thanks guys I'll try practicing my cuts better

Alex