Bruce the Chef

By: Mitch Johnson

When we have chosen the wood carving as our hobby, we have to select
the space for our workshop or studio. Equipment is also as important.
In this article you will find some basic requirements which you need to
prepare before you start the wood carving.

The wood carver’s vise
This is a most useful tool for the amateur as it is easy to fix on any
improvised bench. It is attached by a heavy screw that passes down
through a hole in the bench. The vise is drawn tight to the bench by a
wing nut underneath. In order not to split or damage the bench top, a
piece of wood should be drilled and used as a washer before screwing on
the wing nut. Both screw and nut are provided with the vise. The jaws
are fitted with cork and leather buffs, an added protection, and
particularly useful when the wood is very soft or the work delicate.

The bench holdfast
This tool needs no fixing. The shaft is inserted in a hole in the bench
and the foot rests on the carving. When the screw is turned the work is
held firm by the pressure of the shaft on the side of the hole. The
principle of the holdfast seems surprisingly simple but it is
nevertheless efficient. It should be used on a bench top not less than
2 inch thick.

The carver’s bench screw
To use the carver’s bench screw a hole must be drilled in the bench.
The pointed end is screwed into the block to be carved and tightened by
a wing nut under the bench. As with the carver’s vise, a block of wood
should be used as a washer varying the size of this block you can
lengthen or shorten the screw.

Coach screws
The coach screw can be used for fixing the carving in the same manner
as the bench screw. Coach screws are also invaluable for fixing one
heavy piece of wood to another. For instance, the large figure
illustrated in plate XII is held to the cross by coach screws. A tall
block, as shown in figure 7, B, can be firmly held by a 6 inch or 8
inch coach screw. Short screws will work loose with the continual
vibration of the mallet. Large hardware dealers will supply them up to
8 inch in length and f inch or J inch thick. Holes must be drilled to
take the coach screws and tightening is done by means of a spanner.

C cramps
The’G'cramp is obtainable in many sizes and is useful in all kinds of
woodwork, including wood carving. The type with the swivel shoe is best
for the carver as it will tighten on surfaces that are not parallel.
For secure fixing use them in pairs.

All the above equipments are mostly available in the general shops or
carpenter shops. There are some shops specially providing the articles
or equipment for the wood carving. But with these guides, you can start
the process confidently.

About the Author:

Mitch Johnson is a regular writer for www.kitchen-plans-n-designs.com/ , www.tipsforcollectables.info/ , www.goodbudgetholiday.info/

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