Exacto For Carving

[Tom-H]

Several excellent carvers that I have observed, are using the Exacto for carving details in Cottonwood Bark as well as in Basswood. I don't know if this is a newer trend or a well established one that I just missed. One of the Bark carvers in our carving group made this custom handled Exacto for me. It's pretty neat. I am going to give it a try, and talk him into making me another one with a fatter handle. It makes a lot nicer handle than the ones from Exacto, and still accepts all Exacto blades.

Tom H

[laine]

that is neat, and looks to be way more comfortable than the regular exacto handle, yes the exacto is excellent for the cottonwood bark,
I'll have to try one of those
thanks for sharing

[mdallensr]

The carvers in my group have been using #11 Xactos for many years. They are cheap and effective. Mike

[Nomad]

I like that A LOT! Nice!

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Very nice looking blade holder Tom. I will have to try one on my next Cottonwood.

Dave

[hwallen48]

Originally Posted by Tom H

Several excellent carvers that I have observed, are using the Exacto for carving details in Cottonwood Bark as well as in Basswood. I don't know if this is a newer trend or a well established one that I just missed. One of the Bark carvers in our carving group made this custom handled Exacto for me. It's pretty neat. I am going to give it a try, and talk him into making me another one with a fatter handle. It makes a lot nicer handle than the ones from Exacto, and still accepts all Exacto blades.

Tom H

Tom i use them as is for carving Northwest Indian Art pieces.

[Dicky]

What a neat idea. I have been making large handles for other exacto models but always end up with a 1" projection for the collet chuck. Thickening up this model handle will be much better. Please pass my thanks to your fellow carver.

[Nancy-G]

(Talk slow please - - remember I'm not experienced at making things)
How on earth do you secure an exacto metal handle inside a wooden handle?

hmmmmm ...and that would take a quite long drill bit into the grain, right? So I'd have to start out with a pretty thick chunk of wood to secure in my press ???

See - I need simple, detailed instructions.

[Just Carving]

If you're into using a hobby knife for carving, and not into adding a wood handle, you might want to look at this:

Hobby Knife | Games Workshop=#

Otherwise, you can also use it to get ideas for a handle.

Nancy G,

To drill the piece of wood, you can use what's called an Extra Length Drill--basically an extra long drill bit. Sometimes found in a hardware store, maybe Lowes or HD, and can easily be found on the Internet, i.e. Grainger, McMaster or you could try a local machine shop/industrial supply house--maybe even a plumbing supply place.

You also could take a long piece of wood--maybe 1 to 1 1/4 inches wide by 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick by 8-9 inches long, and cut a groove down the center of it using a u-tool (8mm/5/16"?) to fit the radius of a hobby knife. Cut the piece of wood to match the length of the knife. Match them around the knife handle to get a snug fit and glue together with epoxy--might help to rough up the hobby knife handle with sandpaper. Then shape the handle to match your favorite knife handle.

Bob L

[Nancy-G]

Thanks Bob ....... someday I have to try this. You know I don't have enough knives now.