Working end grain

John_C · #1 04-18-2010, 02:37 AM

I like to carve busts from branches of Cottonwood and sometimes blocks of Bass.
I generally have difficulty in shaping the top of the head out of the end grain so I will hit it with the belt sander to round it up. Is there a better approach to rounding the top of the head? I'm sure this is true with other woods as well. Generally the branch or block is about 6-8 inches tall and 3-4 inches in diameter..I use palm tools for these sizes

Curtscarving · #2 04-18-2010, 06:13 AM

You may have or not used a mix of 50-50 water and rubbing alcohol,spray on wait to soak in then spray again is this doe's not soften spray again hope this help's.
Curt

pallin · #3 04-18-2010, 09:16 AM

This is a situation that calls for very sharp tools and a slicing motion. Try a skew chisel or gouge.

Gulf Coast Handyman · #4 04-18-2010, 12:30 PM

A sharp knife and patience.

Dave

Kenny_S · #5 04-18-2010, 12:50 PM

a sharp tool and spray it with rubbing alcohol. It is cheap enough to use it straight of a 50/50 mixtures with water. It actually makes it easier to carve on the end grain.

scooter · #6 04-19-2010, 02:03 PM

I would use a #3 gouge turned over, so that the bevel is up.

Oh, and sharp, but that goes without saying.

S~

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