Chain carving

[glow=green,2,300]Hi, I am just about into the finishing stage of my wooden chain, and i was wondering what people have used on it when they are done (i.e: stain, paint, ect.) Thanks[/glow]

Â*I completed a 4 foot chain back in 1974 when i was a Senior in High school. Â*What i did was soak it in linseed oil overnight. Â*Then took it out and let it air dry for about a day till all the liquid soaked in that was going to. Â*Then rubbed it with dry soft cloths. Â*Then buffed and polished it with the kind of paste was like comes in a can and people used to put on hardwood floors. Â*It takes a lot of patience, almost as much as it does for the Â*sanding. Â*But the chain is still hanging up today on my mother's wall. Â*It is so finely polished, it makes kind of fine little wooden clinking sound when you handle it. Â*It is in perfect shape, a real joy and this finish was perfect. Â*Good luck with yours.

[groozier]

I've finished the ones with pretty wood,such as Black Walnut,Oak and Cherry with low gloss Formby's tung oil after much sanding.On the ones made from Basswood,Poplar,etc. I have used everything from acrylic paint to leaving some with no finish at all.Usually, if i'm going to paint one I leave some carving marks so it still looks like a handmade chain. It is really up to you and your creativity as to how you finish anything that you carve.I know some people will probably tell you Boiled Linseed Oil, but it don't set to good with my sense of smell.

Hi Carver Boy,

I just read about where you are from and that you are only 12 years old! That is so wonderful! It is really great to know there is such young talent among us. If you can carve a chain, then you have a pretty good command of a knife. Hope you continue to enjoy your hobby for a long time.

Where does one go to get information on carving a chain. Â*A good friend wants to do this. Â*I am a general wood worker and I am afraid it is too much for me. Â*I only do straight lines with power tools. Â*would really appreciate any info. Â*Earl

'Old Time Whittling' by Keith Randich has instructions for a chain, amongst other things. I have no idea who the publisher is but the authors address is/was:
Keith Randich
211 Woodsmoke Lane
Greece, New York 14612

Aha!!! just checked the Woodcraft catalog and they have it ... item number 10A85 at 8.95.

1-800-225-1153

Hi FatEddy

Looked up the book On Woodcraft site and my order is on the way. Thanks alot! Earl