Need a suggestion

[DickB]

Hi everyone,
Hope you all are safe, warm & out of the snow & ice. I have a problem. I'm carving a catfish from James Fliger's book. In the plans he grinds down nails to use as the catfish's barbels & they look really great, however, I want to give this to my 8 yr. old grandson. I'd like to use something less likely to cause injury,just in case. I tried cutting strips from clear poly hose. It's stiff enough to not droop, but I cant get it smooth enough to look decent. I need something that's not floppy, but not a potentiol source of injury.
Thanks.
DickB

[DiamondWillow]

Most fish carvers are using string from a weed whacker, like a heavy monofilament line. You can taper it by sanding it if you like. Flexible enough so it won't hurt anyone.....

[mobjack68]

take a heavy monofilament (weedeater cord will work)...heat it over a source (candle will do) hold both ends and pull apart after being heated. The mono will taper as it is pulled apart, amount of mono heated and length of stretch will determine the diameter at the small end....cut to length....the heat stretch will give the most realistic taper...

[Mark Dellinger]

Dick,

You are correct about the nails. Ground down they make excellent whiskers, but as you stated, they would not be appropriate for a youngster. I was going to suggest weed eater string also, because it will be stiff enough and less dangerous. I carved a cat fish several years ago and used the nails. I have the fish in a glass case with several other carvings and I have poked myself a few times when rearranging. Try the string.I think that you will come up with something that will fit your need.

Safe carving and God Bless,

Mark

[DickB]

Thanks for the input everyone. I never thought of using weed whacker line & the suggestion to heat it & pull it apart is great. Heading for the garage.
Thanks again & have a great day.
DickB