thickness and cutting method for ornaments

[wood4tom]

Hi Folks!
I am making some Christmas tree ornaments similar to some I saw in CarveRog's gallery. I'm making mine 5/8" thick basswood and mahogany. How do you cut the star shapes?

thanks,
Tom G in NC

[CarverRog]

Hi Tom G.

I'm glad to hear that you liked my designs well enough to carve them. I cut my patterns out with a scroll saw. I make mine out of 1/4" thick basswood so I can stack 3 or 4 pieces up and cut them all at once. You could cut them out with a coping saw one at a time. Good Luck! We will want pictures when you are done. :-)

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

How is chip carving the mahogany ?

Dave

[wood4tom]

Hello Handyman,
The mahogany is definitely harder than basswood but it cuts pretty well and finishes great. In some ways it's easier than basswood when cutting long narrow chips the smaller bits just crumble ( I mean those parts you MEANT to cut away) instead of being those pesky little bits at the bottom corner you have to go after. I find that smaller blades work better except for large chips or very straight chips, i.e. out lining.
Try it, you'll like it!

Tom Goodman
Bailey, NC

[papasar]

Mahogany is not very forgiving when chip carving thin ridges. IMHO. After cutting the wood expands a bit and I've had pieces between cuts fall out the next day.
Bill K.