[Woodcarver] Question on Osage

[Joe Dillett]

Hi George,

Osage Orange is hard and does tend to dull the tools quickly, especially if 
your sharpening angle is below 22 degrees. I have carved it and yes I did 
needed to sharpen my tools during and after the process. It was well worth 
the journey. I love getting a feel of the wood and for me chisels are the 
best way to do that. At first osage orange makes you think that it's 
fighting back but after you get into it you realize its hard abrasive 
qualities are its true value, which is the strength. I have found no way to 
keep the bright gold color. It will turn brown with time.

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.net [business web site]
http://www.carvingmagazine.com ['Ask Joe' column]
http://community.webshots.com/user/joe_dillett
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Geo" <geovoice at yahoo.com>
To: <woodcarver at carverscompanion.com>
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 12:10 AM
Subject: [Woodcarver] Question on Osage



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>

> Hey folks,

> My names George, and I'm a newbie carver located in Cleveland, Ohio. I've 

> only done some simple projects, mostly basswood items, and have been 

> wanting to work on new ideas. One of my favorite things thus far has been 

> warlking sticks (mostly woodspirit type carvings,) and recently, a friend 

> gave me a piece of osage orange in the shape of a perfect walking stick 

> that he told me to do with what I wanted. Well, the piece has been aging 

> for quite awhile (5 years) and is hard as a rock. I was thinking of trying 

> a draw knife then doing some sanding to get to the darker wood. I had no 

> intention to dull my carving knives down on this piece, so I was thinking 

> of just sanding and polishing and putting a good finish on it.

>

> Any feedback or ideas? I could use some creative input.

>

> Many thanks,

> George

>

>

>

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