The first printing of my book is just about gone. So....
I ordered a second printing and picked it up in Merrill, Wisconsin, this past Wednesday. My dad met me at Reindl Printing because he knows the owners and manager of the plant from his days selling graphic supplies.
After a few pleasantries, they loaded the pallet of books into the U-Haul trailer and we made our way to Stevens Point to spend the night, or so we thought. After about 45 minutes in our room the weather sirens sounded outside and the skies turned green, the wind howled and rain started to downpour. The power went out so we chatted for a bit while the storm passed. We decided to get something to eat after finding a restaurant that still had the lights
on.
We got back to the hotel and the power was still out so rather than wait in a stuffy, dark room we decided to head home. Thankfully my dad got home around 10pm and my lights hit our driveway around 12:30am.
Would you please answer a simple question for me. (Or two)
1) if I have been carving something (like a platter, let’s say) and I am 1/2 through, if I get a chip out, how hard is that to “fix”? Sometimes I wonder if I have to start over.
2) same scenario but this time as I make a cut, I slip and the knife cuts a line where it shouldn’t (like going out of the border on the pattern), is that fixable?
Thanks in advance.
Michael
When you have chip out on a project, you have 2 choices. Repair it or change the pattern.
If you saved the chipped out piece, use a pin or the tip of your knife and place a small dab of white glue on the spot and press the piece back in place. Adjust it until it's perfect. Leave it alone until it's dry.
I like white glue rather than super glue because it's more forgiving and allows for adjustments.
2) same scenario but this time as I make a cut, I slip and the knife cuts a line where it shouldn’t (like going out of the border on the pattern), is that fixable?
This type of damage is more challenging to fix because no wood has been removed.
Try using the back of a spoon to press the cut closed. Often this will do the trick. (but don't stain this piece because the cut line may show up)
If it's a major cut you can try adding moisture and heat to the cut to swell the wood fibers closed. A damp cloth and iron will steam the wood fibers. After it dries, sand the area smooth. BTW, this technique can be used to fix corners or edges of items that get dented! The wood will expand back to its original shaped.
I hope this advice will help you when problems like this come up.
Encouraging words to encourage you!
I asked Dar if she's had time to work her way through the Chip Carving Essentials Course. Here's her reply...
Yes, I really have worked my way thru most of the lessons. My chip carving has improved a great deal because of it. Thanks for the updates, videos, and patterns. Looking forward to your 2022 Christmas ornaments. I put them on my gift packages.
Stay cool and enjoy many awesome hours of summer carving! Dar
