[Woodcarver] A question on workholding.

[Classic Carving Patterns]

David,
 
Personally I don't secure or clamp a love spoon carving.  As the entire work is
usually fairly small, 12" long or less, I find that I need to rotate the wood so
often that any type of clamping becomes frustrating.  As a relief carver I often
work with a folded heavy terry cloth towel in my lap.  It both grabs the wood
because of the fibers and I use it as protection for my holding hand while I
work.  The towel also catches the chips so that I don't end up with a nasty
little pile of wood at my feet after an evening of carving.  I can also use my
thighs and knees as mini-braces for any cut.
 
I have never learned the fine art of wearing a carving glove.  As a relief
carver my cuts are made away from me and from my holding hand.  The towel does
though give that added protection.  I can change the position of the spoon
instantly, continue carving and never get myself into a corner where I am making
an unsafe cut.
 
Just my opinion.
 
Susan Irish

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-----Original Message-----
From: woodcarver-bounces at six.pairlist.net
[mailto:woodcarver-bounces at six.pairlist.net] On Behalf Of D WINDERS
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 4:22 PM
To: woodcarver at six.pairlist.net
Subject: [Woodcarver] A question on workholding.


I started woodcarving about 8 or 9 months ago.
I'm very fortunate in that I attend a weekly (term time) group and have been
given lots of advice and asistance by other members of the group.
I've carved a number of low relief items, and enjoyed it very much.
With my wedding anniversary approaching I decided to carve a lovespoon.
I received advice from 2 or 3 members of my group that I should figure out a way
of clamping or securing the piece as I was not working safely holding it on the
bench with my left hand whilst using gouges with the right hand - I was wearing
a glove, but at times my left hand was in front of the blade.
Would appreciate any comments on this.
Cheers
David

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