Capital City Carvers

Can't find what you want in the Cutout Box? Robert Christian has taken over the Cutout Box duties. Robert does the Cutouts and brings the box to our meetings. You - the club members - need to tell Robert what you would like to see in the box. He can't read your mind so tell him what interests you and what you want in the Cutout Box. We have many, not all, of Barbara's patterns. Robert will make cut-outs of some and have them available. If you see a carving in one of the carving magazines, let Robert or Adelle know and we might be able to have cut-outs made.

Calamity Control adapted from an article in Woodcarving, No. 155 by Dave Western

Everyone wants to get through a carving project without making an error. If you are lucky, you will end up with a beautiful example of your carving prowess. However, there are times when you encounter a hidden flaw in the wood or the tool you are using misbehaves. For the most part, most carving blunders are of our own making. The following is a short list to help us get a better grasp on the first phase of mistake correction...not making them in the first place!

Going too fast: In our rush to see the completed project, it is easy to mishandle the work piece and rush the cutting or lose concentration and cut too much or cut in the wrong area. Don't lose focus and always stay under control.

Carving beyond ability: It is not a bad thing to challenge one's self and learn some lessons the hard way. Carving too far beyond your capability will lead to frustration and that can lead to errors in both judgement and technique.

Pushing too hard: This error is associated with going too fast and not keeping tools sharp enough for the job at hand. It is always safer to take two or three shallow cuts than to try and push about a big chunk in one pass. Combine pushing too hard with a dull tool edge and you have a perfect recipe for a carving disaster.

Dull tools: A dull tool is a dangerous tool, both for the carving and for the operator. Tools that are not in peak condition are more likely to be pushed too hard, which increases the risk of breaking through the cut and damaging the carving and injuring the carver.

Bad light: If you can't see clearly then you run the risk of cutting errors. Use auxiliary lighting to brighten up your carving station. If you require glasses for optimum vision, put them on.

Working against the grain: Has your carving tool ever gotten stuck in the wood? You probably were carving against the grain. Grain is seldom uniform so take the time to learn the carving piece's quirks then try to work with them rather than against them. See above...pushing too hard.

When an error is made, try not to panic. There is usually a solution to the problem. ASK FOR HELP. Try to not let your ego get in the way. Each carver has different talents and there are instructors in the club that are there to help. Utilize the resources we have. Remember, mistakes are learning opportunities.

I had the opportunity to get MANY cut-outs and rough-outs from Barbara's estate. I am still trying to catalog everything but I plan to make many available to the club if I find the patterns to determine which cut-out is which. It is a collection of over 30 years in the making...enough for 3 lifetimes of carving. Thanks Barbara!