Best technique for chip carving letters

[chillier]

Hi Everyone
I am a new member to WCI as well as a fairly new chip carver. From what I have seen and read so far, this looks like it's going to be an excellent site with a wealth of information and resources available at our fingertips.
Can anyone explain the best way to chip carve letters. The straight line letters are no problem but I have a lot of difficulty with the curved parts of letters. I seem to get what I'll call "chatter" marks along the curve where I am turning my blade as it is being pulled through the wood. Is this a common problem for beginners that, with experience, will eventually disappear.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[scooter]

Yes, experience will minimize the chatter. As will the introduction of other tools and techniques. I would recommend checking out Chris Pye's book, 'Letter Carving in Wood' (pretty sure that's the title). That will answer any question you can dream up WRT letter carving.

S~

[papasar]

Welcome,
Assuming the knife is sharp, when going around curves It is sometimes necessary to raise the handle of the knife to avoid chatter. This will change the angle of the cut but that is ok.. Wayne Barton Or Dennis Moore books on chip carving will explain in more detail. Like anything else practice, practice, practice. Good luck.
Bill K.

[pallin]

If you think of the wood fibers as being layers, the smoothest cuts will be "downhill" across the layers. For V-shaped (incised) letters, the opposing sides are cut in opposite directions for each quadrant of a circle. For the letter "R" with the grain running vertical, the sloping part (foot) would be cut upward on the inside and downward on the outside. The outside of the curved part would be done in two cuts each starting at the center of the curve. The inside would be done in two cuts toward the center of the curve.
Straight lines are less a problem because they are often parallel or perpendicular to the grain, so you can cut both sides in either direction.

[My Chip Carving]

Hello Chillier,
Your question about smooth, chatter-free curves is something all chip carvers struggle with. I've created an online video lesson showing you how to overcome this challenge!
Lesson 114 - Chip Carving Smooth, Chatter-free Curves
This lesson has been very popular and well received by many chip carvers. Seeing it and listening to the explanation is a big plus over reading about it in a book.

This video along with many other lessons, patterns and other resources is available with a Platinum Membership to My Chip Carving. There is a 14-day free trial so it's a no-risk deal .
Here's the link - https://mychipcarving.com/amember/signup.php

I'm glad to help you with your chip carving. This is a good forum. You can also email me directly and I'll be glad to reply - Marty@MyChipCarving.com

Marty
www.MyChipCarving.com
866-444-6996