Easy methods to keep your tool tips clean By Lora S. Irish As you work with any woodburning tool, carbon deposits will build up on the tip. The hotter the temperature, the quicker the deposits develop. This black buildup can be transferred to your work, causing dark gray or black […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
