I'm having problems getting smooth curves on letters and numbers into basswood.
Is there anyone on this forum with letter-carving experience in the Hendersonville, NC area willing to meet with me to see why I'm having this problem?
I've been woodworking for several years but I'm new to relief and letter carving. I know how to sharpen chisels but have less experience sharpening gouges. That said, my gouges sure seem sharp but how does one know if they couldn't be sharper? ? !
I've attached a few photos to show the problems. These images are inserted rather than added to the Gallery because I was unable to add photos to the Gallery this morning. I hope these images are clear enough to show the problems.
The outer edges of these curves were carved with several gouges with different sweeps (3, 5, 7). All were about 6mm wide. After several experiments, the inner edges were mostly carved with the corner of a straight double beveled chisel. Generally, these turned out better than those curved with the gouges.
Any help would be appreciated.
Scott C.
Saluda, NC
Is there anyone on this forum with letter-carving experience in the Hendersonville, NC area willing to meet with me to see why I'm having this problem?
I've been woodworking for several years but I'm new to relief and letter carving. I know how to sharpen chisels but have less experience sharpening gouges. That said, my gouges sure seem sharp but how does one know if they couldn't be sharper? ? !
I've attached a few photos to show the problems. These images are inserted rather than added to the Gallery because I was unable to add photos to the Gallery this morning. I hope these images are clear enough to show the problems.
The outer edges of these curves were carved with several gouges with different sweeps (3, 5, 7). All were about 6mm wide. After several experiments, the inner edges were mostly carved with the corner of a straight double beveled chisel. Generally, these turned out better than those curved with the gouges.
Any help would be appreciated.
Scott C.
Saluda, NC