the best thing to use in wood carving?

outdoorgirl · May 26, 2006

I like to carve wooden canes out of sticks....you know, the realy cool looking sticks that have vines that have wrapped around them. I also like to burn designs in them....the best thing for that so far is using a piece of welding flux and a torch, but I have a hard time carving all of the bark of of the stick. That is one of the first steps and it takes me forever. What is the best thing to use for this? I will take any tips on carving wood.

Nicodemus · May 26, 2006

A set of wood carvin` knives with special shaped blades for different applications sounds like what you`re lookin` for. A Dremel tool with a flex-shaft and a set of cuttin` and sandin` tips also comes in handy. I like to use a drawknife to remove the bark from wood.

outdoorgirl · May 26, 2006

Yeah, I love using my dremel. Thanks for the info.

jedediah · May 26, 2006

green wood

I use a pocket knife. The trick is to do it just after you cut it.

dutchman · May 26, 2006

jedediah said:
I use a pocket knife. The trick is to do it just after you cut it.

Roger that!

Handgunner · May 26, 2006

jedediah said:
I use a pocket knife. The trick is to do it just after you cut it.

Echo that twice.

It's best to skin the sticks right after you cut them.. and then let them dry slowly in a shaded area, or in your house.

If they dry too fast, they tend to crack.

Burl E. · May 27, 2006

nicodemus said:
A set of wood carvin` knives with special shaped blades for different applications sounds like what you`re lookin` for. A Dremel tool with a flex-shaft and a set of cuttin` and sandin` tips also comes in handy. I like to use a drawknife to remove the bark from wood.

I second the draw knife idea. A dremel tool is a good idea, also Skinin' um green.

MISSING RIDGE · May 27, 2006

You can also dampen the bark as you are carving with a damp cloth and it will help. A good carving knife or pocket knife is best for control but it must be sharp. The type of wood will affect the ability to remove the bark -ie if you have chosen a dogwood stick it will be tougher than most woods. A bigger angle on the cutting edge of the blade is required for cutting harder woods. Sharpen up that knife and carve away. A good sharp draw knife will also,work well.

CAL · May 27, 2006

I have made a few as well and like most have posted skin the stick green and scrape it clean with a knife.A good coating of peanut cooking oil every day for three days will keep it from cracking or checking.Just wipe it on with your hands.Put as much as the wood will stand each time.Good luck with your walking sticks.

outdoorgirl · May 30, 2006

I guess that is my problem....not skinnin the stick after I cut it.

the best thing to use in wood carving?

outdoorgirl

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Nicodemus

The Recluse

outdoorgirl

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jedediah

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dutchman

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Handgunner

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Burl E.

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MISSING RIDGE

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CAL

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outdoorgirl

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