Whittling is a great way for wood carvers to personalize their work. This guide shows how to create Uncle Sam, Santas and Leprechauns using a range of tools. These pencils are easy to follow with step-by–step photos. The author also offers advice on how to select the best micro-mini carving tool. He also offers tips on choosing over-sized pencils as well as basic details about painting and facial hair.
Dale Vander Linden
Despite his age, 81-year-old Dale Vander Linden is still carving pencils. He made them for over 60 years. He was even a US Navy Veteran during the Korean War. Vander Linden's wife, Cherry Vander Linden, his sons Stephen and JoAnne and brother Pete are all still with him. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Katie Vander Linden, and his brothers Ern, Don, and Keith.
Dale Vander Linden's whittling pencils
Dale Vander Linden is fond of using rolling pins and pencils for his Santa Claus carvings. At 81 years old, he spends the days leading up to Christmas carving the Santa Claus from pencils and other materials. While it would be tempting to use a carver’s kit to carve Santa Claus's face, he prefers to use the rolling pin.
Wood carving techniques
There are many wood carving techniques available that can be used to create your own pencils. Natural oils are a great way to finish your wood carvings. These oils protect the wood form from dirt and moisture. Avoid gloss varnish. Gloss varnish creates a shiny finish that confuses the eye. Another technique is the use of wax, which gives pencils a soft, lustrous sheen. This technique is most appropriate for indoor carvings.
You should choose the wood type according to what type of carving you are planning to do. Select a wood that has a small figure and fine grain for intricate carving. Fine detail may be difficult to read if there is a lot of figure. The next step after choosing the wood is to select the right tools. Safety goggles will be necessary, as well as Kevlar work gloves. These will protect your hands from the wood chips and keep you from scratching it.
Sanding the edges of whittling penknives
Wood carving has become a very popular method of decorating. This involves carving a plaque or tablet of wood. Sanding the edges can enhance the product's appearance. These pencils can be very useful, regardless of the purpose. The edges of the pencils must be sanded first to create a smooth surface.
Make divots in your graphite core to do this. After you have done this, you can then use a number 2 pencil to make your marks. Repeat the process until you are satisfied with the appearance and feel of your pencil. After the carving process, you can apply hot-melt glue to the pencil tip and re-carve it.
FAQ
How much does a hobbyist need to invest in getting started?
A lot of capital is required to purchase the necessary supplies and tools if you want to start your own woodworking shop. It's a good idea to buy a small tablesaw, drill press and circular saw. These items aren’t too expensive so you won’t have to break the bank.
What else should I know about woodworking in general?
It's easy to underestimate the amount of work involved in making furniture. Finding the right wood for the project is the hardest part. There are so many options for wood, it can be difficult choosing the right one.
A problem is that wood doesn't have the same properties. Some woods will crack or warp with time. Others will split or crack. These are important considerations to make before you purchase wood.
Can I refinish my own furniture?
Yes! There are many different ways to refinish older furniture without the need for professional help. Here are a few suggestions:
To remove stains and scratches, use sandpaper. Next, wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.
Apply clear polyurethane paint. Allow to dry thoroughly before moving furniture.
Acrylic paint is a great way to paint furniture.
You can stain the furniture instead of using paint. The furniture will get a rich look with the stain.
Use shellac wax. Applying wax will give the wood shine and protection.
How do you know which type of wood you are working with?
Always read the label when purchasing wood. The label should detail the wood species, its moisture content and whether it has been treated or not.
Where can I find my woodworking tools?
There are many places that you can find all the information you need. You could shop at your local hardware store or go online to Amazon.com.
You might also consider flea markets and garage sale for any old furniture or other materials you could reuse.
Statistics
- Average lumber prices rose about 600 percent between April 2020 and May 2021. (familyhandyman.com)
- In 2014, there were just over 237,000 jobs for all woodworkers, with other wood product manufacturing employing 23 percent; wood kitchen cabinets and countertop manufacturing employing 21 percent. (theartcareerproject.com)
- Woodworkers on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $24,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $108,000. (zippia.com)
- Most woodworkers agree that lumber moisture needs to be under 10% for building furniture. (woodandshop.com)
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How To
How to drive a nails in wood
When driving a nail into wood, it is important to first choose the correct size and kind of hammer. Claw hammers include mallets, claw hammers (sledgehammers), mallets, ball-peen hammers, hatchets, and mallets. Each kind of hammer has its own advantages and disadvantages. A claw hammer is best for hitting nails or hard objects. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the blow will land. The sledgehammer works well for large areas, but is too heavy for smaller tasks.
After choosing the right hammer, place your hand flat against the side of the head so that the handle rests comfortably in your palm. Grip the handle firmly, but don't squeeze it so tightly that you hurt yourself. Hold the hammer straight up, keeping your wrist relaxed. Then swing the hammer back toward the ground, aiming for the center of the nail. You should feel the impact of your hammer hitting the nail. Try practicing with a block to help you master the art of swinging a stick.
Hold the hammer near your body until you're ready for the nail to be driven. The nail should be perpendicular to wood's surface. Keep your focus on the tip of each nail. Move the hammer forward and then continue to move the hammerhead. Continue this motion several times, slowly increasing the speed of each swing. After mastering the technique, you can add power to your swings. Hold the hammer high above your shoulders and pull it down. This will help you put more energy behind each of your moves.
Once you've made the first nail hole, take out the hammer. To pull out the remaining nails, use a screwdriver or pry bar. To avoid splitting the wood, make sure the nail heads are not touching the board's surface.