I like the carving! What tools did you use?
The basic work was mostly done with a Mora detail carving knife, #122. The first round of carving was rather sloppy, so after stripping away the previous finish, I made the cuts more regular, and inevitably somewhat deeper. I really like the knife. I mis-placed it at one point, so ordered 2 more just so I wouldn't be w/o.I like the carving! What tools did you use?
Glad you like it. I came across someone saying that smooth finishes can cause blisters. I have not had that problem, myself, but am working on ways to have at least one area where the stick can grab at a slippery hand.That grip does look like braided rope! A very unusual and "groovy" effect. Practical as well.
Great job!
I'm getting better w. stick seasoning. I have enough backlog that some sticks will probably sit 4 years before I get to them. But sycamore bark seems rather spongy. I suspect that the varnish bubbling loose may just have been from air slowly expanding and contracting.gdenby,
I have been told (when the same thing happened to me.... the varnish or shellac or poly bubbling away from the wood) that there was still moisture left in the stick when I sealed it, and the moisture escaping caused the bubbling. I was told that I had not let the stick season enough. I had to basically do the same thing you did..... refinish the stick.
My work space, so called, doesn't have an electric outlet. I've run a power cord thru a slot in a window frame so I can have a work light for both illumination and heat. For the time being, other power appliances are not available. I do have a fairly large number of files, rasps, rifflers, and scrapers. I can smooth most surfaces to around what a 320 grit sand paper would produce.Amateur budget..... that I do understand! LOL !! I'm hoping that next payday I'll be able to get a Pen Sander.... looking at the Proxxon brand.
Amateur budget..... that I do understand! LOL !! I'm hoping that next payday I'll be able to get a Pen Sander.... looking at the Proxxon brand.
My work space, so called, doesn't have an electric outlet. I've run a power cord thru a slot in a window frame so I can have a work light for both illumination and heat. For the time being, other power appliances are not available. I do have a fairly large number of files, rasps, rifflers, and scrapers. I can smooth most surfaces to around what a 320 grit sand paper would produce.