Getting project a clean look

[DanKed]

I've been able to complete several carvings now, mostly using a bench knife, and was wondering what the best way to get rid of the rough mess that occurs in some tight spaces would be. It could just be that my knife is dulling out, but if anyone has any tips to achieve a clean look they would be appreciated.

[Anthony Filetti]

Dan,
The number one rule is to not let your knife get dull. It should be stropped often. About every 15-20 mins (or sooner if needed). Every cut you make should cause the wood to burnish as it is being cut and the wood will appear shiny like it was waxed. There should be no scratches in the cut which would indicate a tooth being folded over (yes a sharp knife has minute teeth) and the knife would have to be resharpened at that point to make sure you have eliminated the problem.
As far as having the ability to clean out the tight spots, that is dependant upon the knife shape you are using. Most knife carvers will have several knives of differing lengths and shapes for this purpose. But also remember if you only have one knife then you will need to maybe open the intersecting angles a bit in order to reach.
Another key way to get clean cuts is to create the appropriate "stop" cut first and ensure it is to the desired depth. This helps eliminate the spaghetti.

Hope this is of help.

[carver33]

Dan,
I have a tendency to create narrow deep cuts in my carvings, and for the smaller stuff, I use a scalpel to clean out these cuts. Sometimes a piece of 220 grit sandpaper folded over will clean them up.

[Kenny_S]

Tony Gave some great advice. you can use a denture bruch also. It will get most of clean but clean cuts is the best.

[Anthony Filetti]

I agree 100% with Kenny on the Denture brush (some folks use a nail brush) for help in cleaning out the fuzzies. Other inexpensive and helpful tools can be found in an Art store in the clay working area. They sometimes have hooked stylus' which can be quite useful as well.

[Mitchell]

Somewhat related:

Rough edges to depth cuts

[Donsexton]

I have many years experience at carving with mallet and gouge and power including chainsaw. I am just starting to get into knife carving I just got a new carving jack. I think I understand that the goal is to leave a clean cut. Do yall use or recommend jewlers files or riflers? I am having a good time with this new knife.

[rickm]

i knew a chip carver that used a pencil shaped dowel sharpened to a very sharp point worked well

[Kenny_S]

Don, each of us have our own little ways and yes riflers and jewelers files can be used also. But I try to get clean cuts most of the time but fail a lot of the time.LOL

[wildhare]

Don, I just got one of Thomp's detail knives. Very fine long tip and boy does it get in the tight spots. I have also used a diamond bit in a Dremel, Fordom or Detail carver to fine sand those spots. I got a pack of diamond bits from Harbor Freight on sale for $3. Even when they are dull, they will smooth out the rough spots.
Wanda