[Woodcarver] Calling all Knowledgeable Carvers

[dick carter]

>From: Patti Landmann <lowvillecarver at yahoo.com>

>Hello Carvers,

>

>The carving is done in a pine log. About 13" diameter and bout 4' tall.   

>It is very green.  It has been fun and now I am filing and sanding the 

>snout and texturing the fur with V gouge and mallet.  I thought I might try 

>to burn it for color (black) but have no experience doing this.  I've seen 

>them painted black or stained and finished with varnish but thought I'd 

>like to try the scorched look.

>

>Anyone have any info, pros or cons or no no's for me to read?  Would 

>appreciate any link or resource that might give me some direction.

>


Patti, I've tried using a propane (not MAPP) torch on some of mine. On Pine 
it worked well, not so on Oak, and a disapointment on Hemlock.

Try it on some scrap pieces... If you hold the flame too close, the burnt 
area tends to be blotchie unless you move it along at a steady pace, also 
the burnt area is too deep into the wood. My method (done outside w/fire 
extinguisher) was light burns... wire brush it... light burns...wire
brush it, etc., until you get the effect you want. If it's too dark, more 
wire brushing to get down to the color you're looking for. They sell 
different tips for a propane torch & I had the best results with one that 
fanned the flame, I used it in the torch vertically.

With Oak I could never get much contrast & the Hemlock had a very proment 
and & 'squirlly' grain, that when done the grain overpowered the carving.

Whatever you do, pictures would be appreciated.



Dick Carter

>From the Manadnock area of NH

rhc511 at hotmail.com
Please check-out my stuff at:
http://www.picturetrail.com/cartersstuff