[cobalt]

That is something i have never seen .didnt know you could get jigs for this sort of thing? will look it up on the web

the only aid i use for holding my work is a carvers and standard vice (think you call it vise?) then i just usually carve toppers .If it works for you it must be okay.

Always interested how people work and what with , i hardly use knives just chisels and palm tools along with the rotary tool.

 

[cobalt]

On the odd occasion i had to but the shank in the vice to steady it i just used a s20mm spade bit to drill a piece of wood cut in half and placed the shank between the two piecest to steady the shank ,but have never carved a shank yet?may get round to it? So could be handy for carving shanks its handy place to keep you work tools

 

[cobalt]

Totally agree you need control over tools your are useing,and the advantages of holding work firmly in place is a must

 

[cobalt]

I was expecting that I'd be done and carving away with the new jig a few weeks ago. I'm almost done. The base is done, stained and finished. Still need to make the vise handle But I got so frustrated maneuvering around my little room, I decided to completely reorganize my workshop. I've moving to a French cleat system for storage, which will let me eliminate an entire stationary workbench and make more room for carving. Hopefully that will let me get back to my first stick within a couple of weeks! Happy New Year!

The French cleat system works very well for me.Its simple to reorganise in a few minutes have found it very versatile

Its something I did to organise my workshop, I also made a chisel holder which I find very useful it puts all my chisels at arms length and have since added a few more pieces to it so it holds my palm tools

Have not made a jig my shop to small

 

[cobalt]

nice one gloops

it should be handy for holding a shank in a upright position as well and prevent a shank from slipping in the vice when drilling out a hole for the threaded bar

 

[cobalt]

you will find by removing or should I say coppice a area the tree will benefit from it .

I know very little about hardwoods and over the pond you do have a good few varieties' which will make great sticks

I usually harvest all my own sticks which generally are fast growing like hazel .I like to keep about 30 + sticks in stock and cut each year sometime more so I always have seasoned shanks

It is difficult for people to get access to land for harvesting shanks if you cant get permission to harvest , but local stick clubs here always bring some sticks in for fellow stickmakers .so if possible join one

our local club just had there A.G.M and was given a bg full of horns ,rams and buffalo and cow horn which I use to make a variety of things from collars for stick dressing caving initials and horoscopes signs . In return I give about 20 shanks and drawings of water fowl etc.

More importantly I make new friends and get advice which improves my carving so any type of carving club is a good thing to go to if your lucky enough to have one.