Shop Tips

Using a Carver’s Arm

Using a Carver’s Arm

How—and why—to attach a project to a carving arm By Laverne “Sid” Sidler Using a carving arm has real advantages. You will reduce the risk of cutting yourself; have both hands free to control the tool, resulting in higher-quality results; be able to position the work to make difficult areas […]

by December 13, 2023 eNews: Strop Talk, Shop Tips
Building a Carver’s Frame

Building a Carver’s Frame

Shop-made holding fixture allows you to carve anything outdoors By Ralph Beam Illustrations by Paul Modlin  I wanted to carve outside in nice weather but needed a way to secure the blanks in a unit light enough to move from the yard to the garage. I read an article about […]

Custom Paint Rack

Custom Paint Rack

Size this basic design to fit your workspace By Steve Russell Organize your paint collection with a rack made to suit your needs. This multilayered design with a clear front gets paint bottles up off the bench, moves them closer to eye level, and doesn’t take up much space. You […]

by March 2, 2023 eNews: Strop Talk, Shop Tips
Beginner’s Woodburner Shopping Guide

Beginner’s Woodburner Shopping Guide

These entry-level models get you burning without breaking the bank By Bob Duncan There are a few essential tools that you need before you begin woodburning. For first timers, we recommend starting with a cheaper model before investing in the more serious ones. If you decide that you would like […]

by August 25, 2020 Shop Tips
Shop Made Sanding Drums

Shop Made Sanding Drums

Make custom rotary-tool sanders from inexpensive hardware By Bill Kinnear Throughout my woodworking years, I have been continually frustrated with the sanding accessories that are available, so I set out to develop a cheap system that would work under different applications. The sanders I designed are inexpensive and easy to […]

by July 5, 2018 Shop Tips
All About Clamps & Vises

All About Clamps & Vises

Essential hardware to aid your carving by Roger Schroeder There are probably as many clamping methods as there are carvers because every carver holds his or her own carving differently. But most have very similar roots—and are based on a few simple ideas. Holding Unless you are planning to hold […]

by December 8, 2017 Shop Tips
Carver’s Lapboard

Carver’s Lapboard

No room in the house is off limits with this portable carving station made from scrap. by Charles Brown This article was first published in issue 34 of Woodcarving Illustrated. The dimensions of the lapboard depend on a couple factors; I made mine to fit comfortably in my easy chair. Your […]

by December 6, 2017 Shop Tips
Shop-Made Rotary Carving Vise

Shop-Made Rotary Carving Vise

Create this clever, hold-anything vise for less than $30 by Mike Burton This article was first published in issue 34 of Woodcarving Illustrated. When doing any type of full-form sculpture, holding the work can pose a challenge. To meet this need, I’ve developed a rotating vise that will meet many holding […]

by December 4, 2017 Shop Tips
Shop-Made Holding Devices

Shop-Made Holding Devices

Inexpensive methods for holding irregularly shaped carvings by Roger Schroeder This article was first published in issue 35 of Woodcarving Illustrated. Carvers tend to be innovative—and with the odd shapes that carvings can take on, many commercial holding devices just won’t work. That is why carvers design, or adapt, their own […]

by December 1, 2017 Shop Tips
Q&A: Do I Need a Sharpening Appliance?

Q&A: Do I Need a Sharpening Appliance?

Q: I saw these new sharpening appliances on a website. Do I need something like this to sharpen my carving tools? A:  No. Sharpening appliances like this are designed for single-edge chisels and plane irons. You could sharpen knives and gouges on it, but they don’t require the absolute flatness the aluminum […]

by July 3, 2017 Shop Tips