Carving A Spiral

[BeaverDon]

Here's the actual carving video, following the video describing the layout.

[idigjars]

Hello Don. I couldn't get this to work on the computer I'm on right now so I will try it again when I get home. I'm sure it will be as great as all your other videos are. Thanks for sharing with us. Paul

[carver33]

Another technique that I've used successfully is to first carve the cone. Cut a piece of masking or painter's tape to the width that want the spiral pattern. Wrap the tape around the cone in a spiral pattern. Follow the joints in the tape with the a knife blade to mark the center of the spiral cut, then remove the tape and finish carving the spiral.

[BeaverDon]

Another method that I just came across in an old WCI issue, is to use ribbon fastened at the top and bottom with a push pin at adjacent or opposing sides. The ribbon automatically spirals evenly. With tape, you have to be more in control of the consistency of the the twist.

[carver33]

The trouble with the ribbon is that you have to be careful that it doesn't move. With tape, if you cut the tape to the width that you want your spirals, all you have to do is wrap the tape with the edges touching or almost touching to achieve an even spiral.

[BeaverDon]

I see your point. You have to hold down the ribbon as you mark along it's side. It's a trade-off for having a small advantage of greater symmetry. An arguable benefit.

[carver33]

I don't understand what you mean by lack of symmetry. Take a piece of tape, cut it to an even width and wrap it around a dowel or elongated cone so that the edges touch as you wrap it. every joint will be the same distance apart - the width of the tape. I will admit that I haven't tried this on a short, wide cone - might not work so well there.

After determining the approximate width of the spiral, I stick a length of tape to a clean surface, and using a straight edge and Xacto knife, cut the tape to the width I desire.

[BeaverDon]

you're right, when the spiral "positive" and "negative" space is equal. But it's harder to keep a consistent space when the "positive" and"negative" are different. I find the tape wants to "drift" off course without guide marks.

[Nomad]

Neat video! Thanks for posting it!

[rickm]

thats great thats on the to do list!!!!