Howdy !

This past week brought a classic dilemma: the dishwasher broke, and I was faced with the choice—fix it, call a repairman, or replace it. Even though I’d never repaired one before, my inner engineer (and thrifty side) just couldn’t resist the challenge.

After some research and closer inspection, I finally figured out the issue. The trickiest part? A screw hiding behind another part, completely out of reach. My first try—brute force—got me nowhere. So, I took a step back, looked at the whole picture, and realized there was a smarter way to get that obstructing part out. Once I did, the rest was smooth sailing, and I managed to fix the dishwasher without breaking anything.

You might be wondering what appliance repair has to do with chip carving. Well...there are times when I’m carving that I have to pause and really analyze the cut I’m about to make. Sometimes, my first instinct is just to push through, but if the cut isn’t going as planned, it’s time to step back and look for a better approach.

Maybe the grain direction changes during the cut, or there’s short grain that could chip out. The important thing is: if a cut doesn’t go the way you want, take a moment before the next one. Look for another way—just like I did with that stubborn dishwasher screw. You don’t have to overthink every single cut, but a little analysis can save you a lot of frustration.

I still ove to see the projects you've been working on.Please send them to troy@mychipcarving.com.

March's Monthly Project 

Wine Glass Holder: 

Hearts & Flowers Pattern 

The Hearts & Flowers combination is simple and elegant, and would make an excellent wedding or anniversary gift. 

Order a Wine Glass Holder with or without a Pattern applied. 

Order a Wine Glass Holder HERE!

Sliding Lid Boxes are In Stock

Basswood sides and lid! 

Dimensions– Approximately 11″ X 4″ X 3″ H
Carve this box and you’ll have an elegant work of art!.

Click HERE To Order One Today!

Hands On Deck!

Hi, as part of a nonprofit here in Green Bay Wisconsin called Hands On Deck where we teach and educate children and grown-ups in woodworking and mechanical skills. These are just a couple of pictures of what we’ve been doing. 

Peter

Young Christopher is so proud of his first chip carving. 

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful organization! Young Christopher should be proud, it's a very nice carving!! I like to see the colors in the other carvings, too. Keep up the good work!!

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Have a great week, !

Look who decided to sit for a nice picture! Must be the nice weather. 😀