[Woodcarver] Burnishing

[Ivan Whillock]

Hi Joe,
Your point on burnishing is well taken.  I don't do any burnishing either.
You recall my quoting Eduardo that the carving has to last "500 years."  In
time the compressed fibers will revert to their original shape, spoiling
that sharp edge you worked so hard to create.  The edges and surfaces that
retain their shape best through the years are those that are cut with a
sharp tool.  The fibers are cut off clean rather than compressed.  Even
smoothly sanded areas lose their sparkle before the tool cut surfaces do,
because the tool cut surfaces don't have imbedded grit.

Most carvers don't have to worry about these details, but for someone who
puts their work up "to last 500 years," these "picky" details are important.

Ivan Whillock Studio
122 NE 1st Avenue
Faribault, MN  55021
Visit my website at
http://www.whillock.com
Visit my Picture Trail album at
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=ivancarve