One of the fun things about receiving emails and calls from other carvers is hearing about how they found chip carving. Some were introduced to carving by a family member or wanted to continue a family member’s tradition of hand-carved gifts. Others may have started with woodworking - building tables, boxes, entertainment centers, cabinet
doors, etc., and then branched out into carving.
My journey started with woodworking. Working in a software-oriented job, woodworking provided a way to create something tangible that could be held and used. Planning a project, selecting materials, and identifying the tools needed was fun and challenging. When it came time to start making sawdust, I quickly learned how important it is to plan the order of the cuts to avoid cutting small pieces with a fast-spinning sawblade!
I didn’t realize it at first, but chip carving offers a similar challenge by planning the order and direction of cuts to avoid chip-out, blade chatter, and tear-out. Of course, I don’t always get it right, but the good thing is that the result can be fixed without involving any power tools. 😂
Read about Jon's Recuperating and Chip Carving Story!
Troy,
The one big question I had for doctor when I decided to go ahead with shoulder surgery was "will I be able to chip carve while recuperating?"
I couldn't stand the thought of sitting
around doing nothing for eight weeks!
Because the chip carving projects I chose to do were fairly simple and didn't require a lot of pressure or movement from the repaired arm, I've been blessed to be able to carve and keep my sanity over the past five weeks.
While not quite the quality I'd expect with full use of both arms, these phone holders will be treasured reminder of what's possible while recuperating. (Thank
goodness it wasn't my knife arm that had to get fixed!)
I was able to computer design, heat transfer, and carve these patterns with one arm in a sling.
Did I mention that I love chip carving?
It was the best gift of the holidays for me!
Jon
Great to hear from you, Jon! It's good to hear that your surgery went well and that the Dr. was correct in stating you'd be able to carve while recuperating.
Your carvings came out excellent! Although, I'm not sure if I'd consider the lettering a simple pattern. 😉
I hope the shoulder is continuing to heal and get stronger.
