Questions for Relief Carvers - positioning

[Ron Davidson]

Robert if you are interested PM me and I will explain it all to you .

[carverwood]

OK,,,I promised some pics of my incline carving table. Hope these turn out.

[againstthegrain]

I prefer to work on an incline for relief carving as well as woodburning. This angle is more natual for me and my hand is more steady, especially for the woodburning. I built a simple wedge-type desk top with an overhang at the top where I can use a vise to hold my piece or mount a light so I can see my work better (I hit 45 and my eyes aren't as sharp as they once were). I also nailed a strip of wood at the bottom to keep my work from sliding off the end. It is made of plywood and I put non-skid adhesive dots on the bottom to keep it from sliding. It is ugly as home-made soap, but very functional.

[marle]

Long ago I bought an adjustable drafting table at a yard sale. My relief carvings were small 7"X7". I place my wood holding strips one on the bottom and adjustable holding strip with two holes on each end. Drilled two holes on each side of the table at a snug 7" high. Secured the adjustable strip with two heavy duty stove bolts. I was using traditional carving tools at the time and like the little bit of elevation. Now it's going to be different I'll be using power tools and was looking at the table model adjustable drafting tables.

[marle]

A few passes on my relief carving on the drafting table the table did jiggle a little bit. I bolted the legs on the floor and the wall. No jiggle. And plan to bolt the legs on the table model to the work bench.

[Rojo5150]

Carverwood...thanks for the pics. I like the idea of hanging it on the wall. I might try and do something like that with a temporary mounting in the great room of our house. That way I can work on the carving without being sequestered in the garage away from the family.

Againstthegrain...I agree that functionality is more important than beauty when it comes to work tables and soap. Afordability is also a big concern for me right now as well. I'm leaning more towards plywood for this one. I can build a beautifal hardwood version later when times are better.

Marle...I used to have a commercial drafting table that was 8 feet long by 4 feet deep and it had electric motors to raise the table and to tilt it. I gave it away about 18 years ago before I became interested in wood carving. Kicking myself now. It would have been perfect for converting into a relief carving table.

[marle]

WOW..... Rojo5150 your drafting table sounded lush also sounds like a Alvin top of the line or better. Mine was just a student table. The problem was wobble legs, the bolting down had to be the floor. Sticker shock....Sticker shock....The new drafting tables are out of sight price wise. Once in a while I'll check out the technical centers but not holding my breath. lol

Carverwood I really like all the plans and pictures that you have shared Thank-You. I just don't have a wall that would hold it without tearing half the drywall out. Could use the back of my workbench which is built up with 2X4's that is more secure then the walls sad to say...

Againstthegrain....I love ugly soap. Your plans are what I could really use. Again my workbench is one heavy duty piece and no doubt the most stable of anything around me. I could secure it to my tabletop. I'm finding my elevation point would be 5" at most in the back. Thank-You for sharing your plans