Howdy !

Ever had one of those moments where your chip carving takes an unexpected turn? While working on this month’s project, I ran into every carver’s nemesis: tearout. 😠

I was making a curved cut, focused on the pattern, when suddenly the cut ran ahead of me. 😧

The culprit? I didn’t pay enough attention to the grain direction. My beautiful curve was on its way to becoming a straight line, but as luck would have it, the chip didn’t tear all the way out. 

I had a choice: finish removing the chip and try to carve the curve from the other side, or glue it back in and attempt the original cut again from the opposite direction.

 I opted for a dab of white glue and a little patience. Once it dried, I made the cut from the other side, sanded the top to remove the pattern line and any residual glue, and you’d never know there was ever any tearout!

So, what went wrong? The start of my cut was with the grain(grain direction = blue line), but it began to go against the grain right at the curve.

Since the opposite side of the chip had already cut, the wood wasn’t anchored, and that’s when the cut ran ahead (red line). Lesson learned: always check your grain direction, especially when working curves! If I’d started my cut from the other direction, I could have avoided the tearout altogether.

What projects have you been working on lately? I'd love to see them! Please send them to troy@mychipcarving.com.

February's Monthly Project 

7" x 6" Wall Cross: 

Inner Cross Pattern 

The Old World Style cuts along the outside edge, highlight an inner cross pattern made up of Swiss-style chip carving cuts. On the left, I've added some gel stain over 3 coats of clear acrylic, while the right is unfinished basswood. Either way, I think it's a beautiful pattern that's fun to carve! 

Order a Wall Cross with or without a Pattern applied. 

Order a Wall Cross HERE!

Check Out the Variety of Plates Available! 

From Plain Edge Flat , Rim, Scalloped Heart, Scalloped Rim Plates, and more! 

All are made from CLEAR  Basswood and available in different sizes.

Click HERE To Order One Today!

Slow and Steady For Great Results!

Took some time off and on. Finally finished.

Larry

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Have a great week, !

Mia is patiently waiting for the 'Go' signal to eat some leftovers.