While the cooler fall weather hasn’t quite arrived in central Texas, it’s slowly getting there. It’s that time of year when you can finally spend time outdoors and not sweat as soon as you step outside. For me, it means I can enjoy more hours in the shop—without feeling like I’m melting! Working on new projects is just more enjoyable when the temperature’s right, especially since my shop isn’t
air-conditioned.
There’s something deeply satisfying about finishing a batch of store items. Part of that satisfaction comes from putting to use the tools I’ve collected over the years. Maybe it’s the engineer in me, but I love using a tool that’s designed for a specific task. It’s probably not a coincidence that I was drawn to chip carving, given that it requires a specifically designed knife.
Unlike woodworking, if you’re just getting started with
chip carving, you don’t need to spend years building up a collection of fancy tools. All you need is a good chip carving knife and a way to keep it sharp! As luck would have it, My Chip Carving can help you out with both of those…😉
What projects are you working on? I'd love to see them! Send your photos to troy@mychipcarving.com.
October's Monthly Project
Trivet : Zentangle Pattern
The Zenangle pattern has a mix of small and large chips for contrast. The side accents can be carved Old World Style (as shown) or Swiss-style. Add color, stain, or keep it natural - it's sure to get noticed!
Trivet's are a 7.5 " Basswood square with 4 button feet, and are 7/8" thick. They are available with or without a pattern applied.
I met Marty at the show in Stevens Point and enjoyed talking with him. I mentioned to him that he got me going with chip carving about three years ago. I bought all my projects from my chip carving and they were all patterned. I have not graduated to creating
anything with my own patterns but may get into that in the future. I have attached some of your patterned coasters and candle holder that I did with the combination of burning and carving. Marty thought you might like to take a look at them.
The stain is Minwax Gel in the Cherrywood color and covered with Minwax gloss polyurethane. I have attached one of your plates using the same approach and I think it turned out nice also.
Thanks for
all you guys have done to get me into chip carving !!
John
Thanks for your email. I really enjoyed seeing your work - thank you for sharing! The combination of burning and carving is an interesting combination that works well. I also like the color of the stain used. 👍
Get your Scary Sharp Sharpening Kit Now!
You'll be sure to have a sharp knife to help you carve all your Christmas gifts.
Included in this kit: 4 sets of abrasive strips (4-1200 grit, 4-1800 grit, 4-4500 grit, 4-8000 grit) This abrasive paper is very hard to find. Take my word for it! Aluminum Stick with 2 end
caps Spray bottle Strop compound (White Gold) Leather strop Instructions included
Be sure to check out the video on the product page!
