Chip Carving Problems

[Johnt63]

Ok so I am a newbie also, and although I have what people call a natural talent I'm struggling. The Basswood I bought for practice I'm wondering if it is Dry due to having problems sinking the flexcut knife into it. Or is it the knife is that a cheap knife? That's how much of a new person I am. What would be the best Chip Carving knife keeping in mind I'm Mr Broke all the time, and is it possible I have hard Basswood as I don't see my knive sinking in like on the Video of Wayne Barton Chip Carving where he seems to cut it like butter. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I also have a Pfeil Swiss tool and although I didn't care for the straight handle as much I tried it on the board too, and still cant sink it into the wood. I know it's basswood, but I wonder how long it was there and how you tell if it's dry?

p.s. My first post too gosh I'm new.

[carvingbarn]

It can be your basswood. Some basswood I have had was have hard. Northern bass wood is the best in my experience. I have really been happy whith the wood I have gotten from Heinecke wood products.

[Johnt63]

Ok thanks I will look into the Heinecke. I cant imagine that it should be this hard to carve this. I mean I'm out of shape but good grief...I cant get even the Pfeil to go into it but about a 1/4" as hard as I push and it's the same as the plywood. Has to be the wood. Thanks for responding.

[Robert Cahill]

Sometimes trying a cut with a utility knife with a new blade will give you an idea if it is the wood or if your knife is dull.

[Sam]

Are you trying to take your chip out of end-grain or is the grain running left - right, or up - down as it should be.

[Johnt63]

I've tried all different ways and I'm on a block of basswood is a better description. Across the grain it really gets hard. I know its supposed to be harder and is more preferrable so you don't take a chunk, but as it is now it's insanely hard even with the grain. I wondered it seems like it's almost flaking in the bottom of the chips if that's a sign.

utility knives that's a great idea cuz you know that they are razor sharp good test for my knife. I have two tho like I said one Flexcut brand new and one Pfeil brand new both just unwrapped and neither will cut unless I use all the force I can muster which seems dangerous. I think I'm kinda answering my own question but wondered mostly if anyone else has encountered hard basswood and how do you avoid it? I looked at the Heinecke page and they offer good wood it sounds like.

Thanks for the ideas and the replies. It's very much appreciated!

[pallin]

It is not clear what type of chip cut you are trying. Many patterns call for triangles removed with two plunge cuts and a slice. Depending on the size of the chip, it may have to be removed with two or more slices. In circular patterns the chips may fall at all angles to the grain. Be sure not to pry the chips out. This could be the cause of flaking at the bottom .

Trying alternate knives may prove the basswood is bad, but try some alternate wood samples too. Craft stores like Michaels are known for selling dried out basswood blanks.

[My Chip Carving]

Hey John,
Not all basswood is created equal, as other posts have mentioned.
I'll set you up with quality northern grown basswood practice boards and projects.
Also, I have some chip carving knives that I'll sell you at a discount.
Email me: Marty@MyChipCarving.com

Marty
www.MyChipCarving.com
866-444-6996

[Old Scout]

I do some chip carving & use a Flexcut Knife, You must sharpen the knife to get clean cuts, Check out the prices ,on offers to provide the best wood & knife prices!!

[Shimmy]

I have yet to get a good piece of wood in any craft store.hard as rock.Heinecke is yor best bet.I am dealing with them 10 yrs or more. Give them a shot,you won't be sorry.