Help with a problem

Joseph Slive · #1 07-11-2005, 08:14 PM

I have a bit of a problem that I hope someone may have some ideas on how to deal with. I started chip carving about a year ago and I have not made the progress I was hoping to make. I believe the main issue has to do with a physical limitation I have. Due to joint deterioration as a result of arthritis I have had the middle joint of both of my thumbs fused. This prevents me from being able to get the necessary bend in my thumb to keep it as close to the carving surface as I should, the thumb just can't bend.

If anyone has had to deal with a similar problem or has any ideas I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks

wade clark · #2 07-11-2005, 08:38 PM

Joseph,
I'm surely no expert here, but it seems that changing the way you grip your tools is the answer. You and I have both seen people with no arms driving cars. There must be a way for you to carve freely.
Perhaps if you try carving in the round you won't find the same restrictions. I think you'd have more freedom of movement, more freedom to aproach your work. More so than chip or relief carving.
I don't know if spoon or bent gouges and chisels would help, but it would certainly change the angle of approach.
Don't give up! There's an answer to this that lets you sharpen your skills and enjoy carving to the fullest!
Good Luck!
Wade

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #3 07-11-2005, 09:30 PM

Get Wayne Bartons book on basic chip carving....he is one of the best if not the best....him and maybe Dennis Moor! Anyway, I learned the barton method and your thumb doesn't need to bend, it is straight along side the knife and rests on the board, you pivot on the point of the thumb but you don't have to bend it...if I understand what you are saying exactly .

Ashbys · #4 07-12-2005, 07:05 AM

Joseph,

Perhaps a special designed thumb- guard. If I understand , your having a problem with the center joint being used as a pivot point to get placement.
Not seeing what you really need, makes it hard to make suggestions. But perhaps a thumb guard with a "bump" on the side to help maintain contact with the surface.
Should be simple to make, or to have a local leather shop make up.

Ash

Irish · #5 07-12-2005, 02:12 PM

Very well said, Hi_Ho.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hi_Ho_Sliver

Get Wayne Bartons book on basic chip carving....he is one of the best if not the best....him and maybe Dennis Moor! Anyway, I learned the barton method and your thumb doesn't need to bend, it is straight along side the knife and rests on the board, you pivot on the point of the thumb but you don't have to bend it...if I understand what you are saying exactly .

The bend for a chip cut comes from the wrist not from the thumb tip. The entire hand moves as one unit with the pivot point in the center of the wrist. This gives you a wider arc to the stroke.

Joseph, you might try to move your grip back onto the knives handle away from the tip and blade. By moving the hand back you may be able to approach the board at a narrower angle. Choking up on a knife means that the base or sides of your hand are on the board and close to the cut therefore creating a wider angle.

Susan

Joseph Slive · #6 07-12-2005, 08:21 PM

Thanks to everyone for the advise.

I think it might be helpful to give a little background. About a year ago I took a beginning chip carving class with Mickey Hudspeth. He teaches the Wayne Barton method and I have referred to Wayne's book(s) often.

On page 20 of his Chip Carving book he shows a picture (Illus. 4) of the first position. This is where I am having the difficulty. I can't get the outward bend that he mentions. This prevents me from getting the stable base I need to make clean and accurate cuts.

I have previously given thought to the idea Ashbys mentioned. I had thought about the possibility of the leather-covered metal extension. I will give this some more thought and see if I can come up with a feasible design.

Thanks to everyone again. I look forward to contributing to the forum and to exploring all forms of woodcarving.

Ashbys · #7 07-12-2005, 09:04 PM

Joseph,

I don't think I would use metal, Mostly because it could easily grab , or dig into the wood, but perhaps a couple of combinations. First I would get a good leather golf glove, one that fits, then have a heavy piece of oak tanned leather stitched on the outer lower thumb.
The glove in itself should help by giving a better grip not only to your thumb but to the rest of your hand as well. Also because golf gloves fit extreamly tight to your hand you can still use a normal thumb guard , or have a complete thumb added when you add the heavy leather piece.
If this doesn't give you a correct break , then, I would personally make a wooden slider that would give you the contact to the wood while resting your hand and allow you freedom of movement to slide up and away from your starting point. Would be a quick simple item and you can form it to what you need. Also the wood will not grab into the part your working on, which metal could easily do .

Ash

papasar · #8 07-16-2005, 12:30 AM

Joseph,
I too cannot bend my thumb so I use my thumb basically to steady the blade. The action comes from the wrist. Makes no difference if it is a straight cut or a curve, the thumb is my guide. It is important to also maintain control by keeping your elbow against your side. I also sometimes have to draw the blade towards my thumb similar to a whittlers stroke. The one thing that does not change is the angle of the blade. I may not carve like the pros but enjoy carving and produce IMHO some nice pieces. I have a few pics in the gallery. With me, its all about enjoyment.
Relax, adapt and enjoy!!
Bill K.

squbrigg · #9 08-17-2005, 06:24 AM

Joseph....how have you been making out? Just over a month since your question, and was just wondering if you are making progress?

Bob

Joseph Slive · #10 09-02-2005, 12:58 PM

Bob...sorry for the delay in responding. First I was on vacation and did not have access to a computer and when I returned to work I had a lot of catching up. I did a lot of carving while on vacation, mostly whittling, and have done some chip carving since my return and I believe I have made some progress.

But some set backs as well. The top joint in my thumb is very painful all the time. The doctor gave me a second shot of cortisone but the positive effects don't last very long. He is suggesting that I get this joint fused as well. That will basically leave me with a flipper for a thumb. Before I make a decision I am going to experiment and see if I can chip carve with a thumb that I can't curl around a knife.

I enjoy chip carving too much to give it up.