Help with 'fraying'

[doodah]

I'm a novice carver and am attempting to carve a lid for a ceramic pot that I've made. I'm getting some 'fraying' (don't know what the correct term is) when I carve across the grain of butternut wood. I'm using a power carver with new gouges. Is there any type of wood conditioner to apply ahead of time, or should I just count on sanding off the frayed edges when I'm through? Thanks for any help you can give.

[Mr. Chips]

Hey Doodah,
It sounds like your tools are not sharp. I don't power carve, but most 'new' hand carving tools do not come 'ready to carve'. If they are sharp and you are still tearing the wood try to carve in the opposite direction.

Randy

[Claude]

I agree with Randy about the possibility of the tools not being sharp. Another possibility is that you are taking too big of a cut and sinking the corners of the gouge into the wood. When the corners contact the wood, they tend to tear it out. Try taking shallower cuts and see what happens.

Claude

[Donsexton]

Sandpaper will do the trick. I can say yes your bits may be dull or just too aggressive for you style.