[Woodcarver] question about relief carving

[Joe Dillett]

Hi Cathie,

Yours not the first one with the problem of chipping of the tips of the 
antler. I'm guessing that the tip is pointing up (vertical) and the grain is 
horsontal. If you would have repositioned the deer head to make the antlers 
go with the grain it would have been less of a problem. Also having very 
sharp tools helps. Also if you carve into the antler when making the tip and 
not going out from the antler you will have more strength to back up your 
cut and less likely to split out.

Some will say to use a instant glue to harden the tip but I don't recommend 
it. It may take the finish differently and show up as a dark blotch or white 
spot.

Also keep the antler shallow so it is strong against wear. You might be able 
to carve it with it stacking way out and even make nice tips but that 
doesn't mean it will stay that way. Make it shallow so it is strong and do 
yourself or your customer a favor.

Joe Dillett
The Carving Shop
645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3
Somonauk, IL. 60552
(815) 498-9290 phone
(815) 498-9249 fax
http://www.thecarvingshop.com
jdillett at thecarvingshop.com
http://www.carvingmagazine.com Carving Magazine web site and Readers Forum
http://www.carvingmagazine.com/chat/chat.shtml Live Chat for Carving 
Magazine.
http://community.webshots.com/user/joe_dillett
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**************************************************

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "C. F." <fiberhappy at yahoo.com>
To: <woodcarver at six.pairlist.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 1:06 PM
Subject: [Woodcarver] question about relief carving


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Hi all - I am new to carving, however, I feel pretty
sure my problem is not a new one.

I am carving a scene with deer on a piece of butternut
for the back of a bench.   Anytime I get near the tip
of an antler for the stop cut the top 1/16th or so of
the wood chips off.   Is there a way to avoid this
other than making every deer in the picture be a doe?

Is it something I'm doing wrong, or is this a
characteristic of this wood because of the grain and
therefore something I'll have to live with?

Thanks in advance.  I've been watching the list for a
couple weeks, and am learning a lot.

Cathie
Massachusetts



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