Get Clean Cuts in awkward places?

[Paulgn108]

I have been carving some Dragons and other Mythical Beasties with Wings and continually run into this problem. On the back between the wings where the back and wings meet I have fuzz and splinters in the groove where they meet(not a clean cut for sure). I have spent a lot of time on each carving cleaning the groove out. In most cases I am talking about making a smooth joining between wings that are 4-6 inches high and 3-4 inches wide. At the front and back of the wings you can reach around the edges and get a clean cut but near the center and if there is a tail and/or neck in the way I have not found a easy way to get a clean meeting of the back and the wings(at least on first try with out fussing with it. It is like carving in a well. Is there a way to easily making the meeting of the backs and the wings and such,, some tool or method? I am getting better and it takes less cleaning up now then 4 carvings back but I just know I am missing something that would make it simpler if not easy! Does any one have a trick or two to spare?

[Ashbys]

Paulgn108

I think this thread might help it is excatly what your talking about. The only thing I would add is the type of wood you using. Most fuzzys are fibers which were not cleanly cut. This happens more in recessed areas as we have a tendency to push the cutter and press the fibers. Mark's statement is the way he fights the problem , I use an angled dogleg, and have even made a couple of tools to reach into places which are more difficult to reach.

I have seen carving where a torch has been used to burn them, and some woods are more prone to have them , Basswood being number one on the list. Time and experence are the two best teachers when having this problem where you find something that works for you.

Ash
Deep relief - how to get into tight places?

[AlArchie]

You might try using riffler file in those tight areas. They come in many shapes and sizes and grades. A good carbon steel set will run you around 20 to 30 bucks, a diamond set half again as much.

They come in round, half round, diamond pointed, flat, several different curve styles and even a 3/4 round looped one with a pointed end.

They work wonders for cleaning up untidy areas and even doing some fine veining.

Al

[jwoair23]

Just wanted to say thanks for mentioning the riffler file set, I have never heard of them and when I looked them up they look perfect for cleaning up those rough small areas, which I have trouble with also. Thanks!

[squbrigg]

Diamond riffler work best of all. You can purchase them in sets with assorted shapes as well, and some are even curled for really difficult corners.

Bob

[lorax]

My first thought is to use a spoon-bent gouge, just go with the grain, and there shouldn't be any fuzz.

Second thought is one of those micro scorps. I haven't used them but they seem ideal for such an application.

[tucker1931]

Riflers are probably the answer, you can get a great set from Chipping Away here in Canada. I bought a set last week,something like $20.00 for the whole set.
Cliff

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I use sticky back sandpaper and popsicle sticks....you can trim the sticks to any shape or width and you can change grits...works good.Also something I use as much or more, are the foam fingernail file boards from wallyworld...they are double sided with foam in the middle and if you are careful you can cut them as narrow as an 1/8th of an inch...they are better in tight places that are rounded than the popsicle sticks.

[dmatias]

Hi All,
I also have fuzzy problems and most of the time rifflers work well. Currently Uuntil March 15) here in Ontario Busy Bee has a full set of 12 on sale for $4.98. There are curved and straight ones in this set.

If I still can't get the fuzzies completely, I get as much as I can, then coat the work with 50-50 Methyhyrate and white shellac, this for sure brings out all the fuzzies and then I can get the really difficult ones while they are standing out so well.

Hope this helps.