I asked several questions here as I worked on a Dove Cane from a Lora Irish patern that I was carving for a college friend. She had a stroke at 36 years old while expecting twins. She has two great kids and some limitations. Now she is not limited to alumnium support. I had promised Colin or someone here that I would post a pict on the Picture Trail site and it is there now, in other stuff.

Everybody cried when it was unwrapped on News Years Day, I guess that could mean alot of things.

Thanks to you all for the help an encouragement.

Ah Chip

Best tips or things learned during this project
1) Basswood does not drill especially well.
2) Generously coating or rinsing the piece with boiled linseed oil is an excellant sealer/hardener.
3) One drop paint to 10 drops water, & mist part with water before painting

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Really nice carving!! if the blo causes the wood to be harder, I am assuming you use it after you carve...have never tried blo and my neighbor keeps telling me it makes the wood 'more limber'!..he isn't a carver so I tend to shy away from advice that hasn't been tried....thanks

Sliver
The BLO answer came when I was asking about fussy wood and as a cane I thought basswood was to soft and maybe some woodhardner would help it last. I tried a water based woodhardner on some scrap and I don't think it pentetrated the basswood at all and was only successfull in wasting $5. The BLO was applied with a foam brush after I was done sanding and ready to paint. It seemed to pentetrate easily and seemed to toughen the surface. It absolutely killed the fussy's. I lighty sanded with some 220 paper and started painting. The suggestion came from here I just don't remember who, in fact I think the suggestion was to soak a completed carving in blo.
Thanks for the feedback.
Ah Chip

[Ric]

That is an awsome cane. I can see that you would have raised some emotions there. Greta job.
Ric

[Colin_Partridge]

Chip,
Great job on the dove cane a really amazing piece. I am sure she is very proud of it. I sure hope that she is feeling better give her my best she is so young to have to go thru all that adversity not to mention she has to raise two children.
Colin

[Kenny_S]

Outstanding cane1 An a gift for someone is even better. Thanks for sharing the cane and the moment.

Wow - what a great carving! I can't imagine the emotions when she opened it. Those are the moments that make all the trials and hard work payoff. Anytime you can lift up another person, you can't help but feel better yourself.
Keep up the great work & giving-
Barry

That is, indeed, a special gift!

A tip for drilling basswood, or for any wood at all, that you want a clean entry hole in......use a brad point bit, but turn the bit backwards until it cuts through the surface fibers about an eighth of an inch (1/8'). Then run the drill forward to the depth you want. This cuts a very clean entry hole and eliminates all those torn fibers.

Al

Ah_Chip.......

GREAT PIECE, you did a fantastic job,...what comes around goes around....you will be rewarded richly in the future. Thanks for showing us such fine talent and dedication. Coffeeman

[Callynne]

Ah Chip, it's wonderful! I bet there wasn't a dry eye in the house! You did a terrific job and should be very proud of yourself! Callynne