Getting Started w/ Diamond Willow...Please help

[pearle01]

Just came back from Alaska with about 20 pieces of diamond willow, and I'm now in the process of cleaning them up. I already have a draw knife, but am looking for suggestions about what type of carving/chisel tools to buy to clean out the diamonds. I wasn't planning to use any electric devices like a dremel tool, but am more curious if pear handles work better than standard handles. Also, is it worth spending extra for higher quality tools such as Pfeil or Two Cherries? Thanks for any insights, I'll be sure to post some pics when I get some sticks cleaned up.

[AlArchie]

I picked up an "oyster shucking knife" and sharpened it up all the way around the tip. This rounded tip woks well for cleaning the diamonds. These oyster knives come in straight and bent tip styles...I have one of each. Check in the kitchen section of department stores for these knives.

Al

[Waitpinga Whittler]

I'm not sure I'm the best one to help here with diamond willow as I don't think I've ever carved any of that particular type of willow before. I have used willow many times but it didn't have the 'diamond' pattern you discribe.

As for tools that is something I can comment on. In my opinion the standard handle chisel gives you more options in that they can be used like a palm tool or they can be struck with a mallet when working with harder woods or when clearing large amouts of wood from larger projects. Palm tools don't give you that option. When it comes to brand, most good quality tools are on a par in my experience. I own more Piel than anything else, but I do have some Marples and Two Cherries chisels too and they all work just fine. Avoid the 'bargin' stuff as a rule. You can get lucky and find some things that work but it will never perform or last like quality. Like so many things in life you get what you pay for.

Having said that, you don't need a lot of high quality chisels to start out. I do most of my work with a 3 bladed pocket knife, and 3 chisels... a 11/10, 11/4 and a 12/6. Other tools come in handy from time to time but those will get most things done.

The attached is a Pete LeClair project and a couple of walking sticks I did a while ago with just those tools.

Hope it helps some... looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

[pearle01]

Thanks for the suggestions, I should have also mentioned that I don't plan to do extensive carving in the diamond willow, more that I want to remove all bark and scoop out the diamond patterns naturally occurring in the wood. Any suggestions as to what size chisels or gouges will work best for this task?

[BRIAN D]

I have found, that I don't like to clean to hard, just take bark off only. Leave the color, I use a knife for the most part, picking and scraping. Leave underlying color, so when you put DEFT or BLO on it. Love the Diamond Willow, you can really make it come to life. Beautiful surprises in every package. Good Carving!

[Merle Rice]

I've never tried it but I read somewhere to use a Power Washer and that blows the bark right off. Maybe worth a try. Merle

[scooter]

A linoleum knife?

S~