The best and most affordable carving tool is one that will be around for years to come. That is what you get when you order a carving knife from Deepwoods Ventures. These hand forged tools and unique maple burl handles are build to last a lifetime and then possibly the lifetime of your grandchildren as well. » Continue reading “The best woodcarving knifes I have used.”
When woodcarving keeping your tools sharp will produce clean cuts and makes the carving experience more enjoyable. The key in keeping your tools polished and razor sharp is the strop. A “Strop” is a piece of leather that is glued to a flat board. Polishing compound is often applied to the leather, this action is referred as “Loading” the strop.
Since my early days of carving I have always been told » Continue reading “Loading the strop”
I have many folks as where do I come up with my carving wood supply.
The answer is everywhere!
I look for trees that need to be trimmed in my neighborhood. I have located three Butternut trees that I keep a very close eye on and if I hear a chainsaw running you bet I’ll be the good neighbor, I offered to assist when they trim those beauties.
Since I live in Indiana, Basswood trees grow everywhere. If you have a nature trail in your location take a walk, often you can find fallen limbs that can be saved from rotting away. Yes I know that the basswood that grows in Indiana is just now the same quality as what is grown in Minnesota or Wisconsin. When I want a really nice piece of straight grained basswood, I turn to a supplier from one of those states. I recommend Heinecke Wood Products because they offer a quality products and an inexpensive price. Don’t just take my word for it, check out their website at http://www.heineckewood.com.
Happy carving,
Jerry
Jerry's Carving Vise
This wood carving vise was inspired by an article in Wood Carving Illustrated Issue #5, titled “Build the 1797 carvers vice” and was the winner of the 1998 Poor Man’s Contest.
I use this vise for all my “in the round” carvings, because it is inexpensive, ease of use and is portable.
Oh, and did you catch it is cheap and easy to make! » Continue reading “Jerry’s Wood Carving Vise”
