Whittling Tricks

#1 01-07-2003, 07:31 PM

Do any of you still carve chains, balls-in-cages, pliers, fans, crown-of-thorns, puzzle wreaths, and other whimseys?

I usually make a couple 'Whittler's Tricks' each year.
Right now I have a ball-in-cage that I am working on; it will have a caricature bust on the top end of the piece.
Kind of like a baby rattle with the head and shoulders for a handle.

#2 01-07-2003, 07:49 PM

I've done a ball in a cage, chain, and a chain with ball in cage attached; but haven't progressed beyond the basic item just yet. Was thinking that a four sided bell with a chain and ball inside for a striker might be a cool tree ornament, but due to the small size required don't know if I'm up to that just yet, but think I'll give it a go anyway. It will probably take me three Christmas' to get it done but it's a hobby and I can take as long as I darned will please (ain't it wonderful).

#3 01-07-2003, 07:51 PM

Not to mention I'll probably have to (get to) order a new knife with a dinky little blade.

#4 01-07-2003, 10:27 PM

'whimseys' and whittlin tricks were my first taste of wood carving and I still enjoy doing chains and ball-in-cage when I need a break from 'serious carving'.

(never did get the pliers to break right :'( )

Good whittlin, Cliff

#5 01-07-2003, 10:44 PM

Cliff,
I never had any problem getting them to break right. 8)

A couple years ago, I decided to try the plier trick.
I probably carved two dozen pair and nearly every one broke right. Only three pair broke left; in fact, all but one pair did break. :

I keep that one pair of pliers as an example of my whittling skill.

#6 01-07-2003, 11:12 PM

Have done several ball in a cage and one six foot long chain. As I am fond of telling anyone who 'stares in wonder' at the chain, it ain't difficult to do, it's just boring as h--l.

I might also add that I will never do one again.