[Woodcarver] Re: Spiral design help

[Gordon Paterson]

Another simple way would be to follow Roy Underhill's( The Woodwright) 5 
page picture and text instructions on carving a spiral in his book "The 
Woodwright's Apprentice"...two strips of 1"-2"  wide paper (smaller width 
paper , tighter spirals)wrapped parallel to each other in a spiral motion 
around a cylinder will provide the guide you need...just take a pencil and 
mark a line on the wood where the two pieces of paper abut each other along 
the full length of the cylinder...
You could also make use of a back saw as described in the same manner as 
described in quoted message , Underhill used a back saw in a similar manner 
in his book.

Gordon Paterson
Dowling, Ont.Can.


At 11:58 AM 7/3/04 -0500, you wrote:
>I used several methods including relatively precise geometric solutions, But
>the ones I liked the most was simple. ( almost primitive)
>I turned or carved my shaft to some proximity of the round shape I wanted.
>Attached a string with a weight to one end. Held it vertical with the string
>hanging from the top and gave the weighted end of the string a good launch.
>The effect was much like a Maypole. Trial and error gave me the opportunity
>to get the spiral I wanted including nudging it around for a decreasing
>radius effect. Once I had the string representing the approximate centerline
>I wanted, I taped the loose end in place and gave it a quick spray of quick
>drying spray paint. The paint obviously carved off as the shape was cut.
>I use a modified dovetail saw to cut along this line for my "safe" cut. I
>took an inexpensive dovetail saw, removed the blade and clamped it ( glued
>after the design was right) between two tapered boards that acted as a
>handle and a depth gauge for the kerf.I made several variations of this
>"kerf" saw including dual blades separated by the width of a planed bead
>that would wrap the staff. Another one of the kerf saws included sandpaper
>glued to the bottom of that depth blocks to smooth out the rough in ridges
>left in first shaping done by drawknife.
>
>Pretty basic, but really quick to implement, and it was something I could
>teach my apprentices without starting a remedial math or geometry class. It
>just kept the carving fun and quick moving.
>
>Another straight forward method is to cut a ribbon ( of anything including
>craft paper)  about the width you want for spiral center and wrap it around
>your stick touching itself. Use a pencil in the crack to transfer the
>spiral. If the shaft is tapered, the ribbon will gain on itself and start to
>overlap. Keep wrapping and mark the bottom exposed edge as you unwrap it.
>The resulting curve will be a naturally appearing progression.
>
>Good carving, Phill
>
>Phill Pittman
>digicarve at verizon.net
>www.masterwerkes.com