? for David Western re:Fine Art of Carving Lovespoons

[Gypsie]

Hello. I have your new book, Fine Art of Carving Lovespoons and on page 22 where there is a picture of Alun Davies work, a rectangle shaped picture, the second spoon from the right contains chain links that are sort of twisted (for lack of a better term) so that the links lie rather flat instead of resting at a 90 degree angle from one to the next. My question is, how do you lay out a pattern for a chain of that style? Do you or can you use a thinner piece of wood as opposed to perfectly square stock as you do for the other style of chain as shown in your book? Thanks for your feedback.

[pallin]

Gypsie - It doesn't appear that Dave Western is a member of this forum, even though his book is published by Fox Chapel. To carve a chain as you described, each link would need to have a 1/4 twist. You could lay it out with the adjoining links at 90 deg, then lay them flat after separation.

[Gypsie]

Thanks. I'll give it a try.

[CurmudgeonVT]

Originally Posted by pallin

Gypsie - It doesn't appear that Dave Western is a member of this forum, even though his book is published by Fox Chapel.

Actually, David Western is a member of the forum - you can search the member list for "Western." Unlike many, including myself, who tend to spend time browsing the forum, he most likely is carving. Mr. Western's email addy is: lovespoons@shaw.ca . I'm sure he would love to hear from you and answer your question.

But, that's just this old curmudgeon's opinion...

[western]

Hi Gypsie,

Sorry to have not responded to your question earlier this year. In truth, I keep forgetting my password and then wander back to my carving! Days turn to weeks, weeks to months and I never quite get around to getting on here!
In response to your question about Alun Davies' twisted chain links, I believe he shapes them on a 90degree cross as you would with regular links, but makes the crosses substantially thicker. He then shapes the twist into each link in the manner of chain link fencing. Effectively, the pattern for each link is reversed top to bottom and side to side. If that makes any sense!! Like much of what Alun does, these links are a difficult and time consuming process...but that is what makes them so inspiring!
I hope that helps and once again apologize for the delay responding!
With best wishes
Dave
index.html