[Woodcarver] Basswood question

[Vic & Cynthia Hamburger]

  Jay Henson wrote:

> 

> I'm using some old 3/8" sheets of basswood to learn and practice chip 

> carving patterns and seem to be running into a problem with small pieces 

> chipping out of the wood much more frequently than I'd expect (sometimes 

> 30-50%). I read some about making sure the wood has enough moisture, 

> keeping knives sharp, not trying to cut too deeply and the simple fact 

> that chips happen. Being in SC, enough moisture hasn't typically been 

> much of an issue.

> 

> That said, I tend to carve small items and where I'm chipping out the 

> basswood, the edges are typically under 1/16" or smaller. The basic 

> "triangle" chip is not a problem now. 


  Hi Jay,

I have been chip carving now for a few years, and still get some 
chipout.  Here are some of the "secrets" I have found that help avoid 
chipouts.
Sharp knives, Very, VERY sharp knives

Use a spray bottle to mist the wood as you carve it if chipout is a problem.

if carving a chip right beside another chip already carved, carve the 
line next to the carved chip first. then carve the others so there is 
less chance of putting too much pressure on the newly carved ridge.

If carving a big chip, or one that seems like the wood is being 
difficult, carve out a much smaller chip in the middle of it first. That 
relieves the pressure for the final cuts on the side walls of the chip.

Lastly, practice, and don't be discouraged, chip carving takes time. 
If I do a relief carving and carve of a hunk of a tree limb, I can fix 
it so no one will know there should have been a tree limb there.  Chip 
out a triangle, and it stands out like a sore thumb!

Happy carving!

Vic H

PS: Small Christmas ornaments are easy to carve, lots of good practice, 
and make nice package decorations, etc when done.