cutting curves

Few weeks ago I stocked up my tool box with a few new tools. I had some jobs in mind (like scaling fish :) and this girl is always over the moon when when she has an excuse to buy delicious new tools! I ordered a selection of what I thought could work to simulate the scales. I tested them out and came up with these gouges above, just the right curve and only 2 and 3 mm wide.

The shape of the curve is expressed in sweep. Sweep 1 being a flat straight chisel, 2 being a very gentle scoop, and these two for instance are sweep 8 and 9. So if you look at a catalogue and it talks about a gouge 5/8 the first number tells you the sweep or "roundness". The second number, in this case 8, will tell you it is 8 mm wide at its widest point.

When the curve of the cutting edge becomes sharper then a circle they are referred to as veiners. The ones you see here are sweep 11, and from left to right 3, 1 and 0.5 mm. 

All these are made by Pfeil in Switserland, and easily available online. Also known as linoleum cutters cos of their size, i prefer these small palm cutters with their round handle. I've got small hands and these fit so well they give me good grip and direction. Another great maker here in Europe is Kirschen from Germany, also know as Two Cherries in English speaking countries. Little bit more expensive but again a large choice in shapes and sizes. Also very neat bend carvers for deep and limited spaced work.

 They are great tools for things like these tails. And with the added choice in shape and size i'm not so limited anymore into what i can cut. Here you see the top of the tails, something that's not possible anymore once they will be covered supporting the table top. (why do I bother then!?!? Cos I'm crazy I guess?)

Hit & MIss

I finished the table top last weekend and I started on the base. It will have the same molding as the top, only reverse, and a little bit more. I used a basic router table that will hold a drill-motor underneath. Using various router bits (square, curved or concave) you can build up any shape of molding you desire. Taking little cuts each time you pass the wood. Slowly raising and adjusting the bit with each pass as not to force too much on the wood or burn the bit. Then changing the router bit for another shaped cutter, adjusting and continue the passes. 

In the end I probably did each side of the wood maybe 7 or 8 times?  So 30-something in total? 

And guess what? On the last run... I missed.  

It happened late at night, after working on it for a while and wanting it finished, ready for carving. And although i keep telling myself to stop working on miniatures when i feel i get tiered and loose focus, I can't seem to... :) I'm too eager to work on this table. So i don't mind, cos Hey!! I'll just make a second base :D But i thought I'll show you what can happen if you let wisdom and sensibility floating out of the window... you miss!

Have a great Easter Weekend,
 

an in between job

In the coarse of time I bought some carvers, and stored them in their individual plastic pouches that came along witch each one. That was till yesterday. The time had come for something decent so i've made one large pouch or store-all. I have no idea but is that the right word for something like this in English?  Whatever it's called... it actually turned out to be quite a small job and really satisfying.

Good thing about DIY is, it is now exactly the right size for the tools, instead of depending on what's for sale. And it saved me some money too cos I had all the materials needed (canvas and ribbon) just lying around. I'm so chuffed with it I'll definitely make a few more for some other tools.

Have a great weekend,