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= Sirens TOOLS & TECHNIQUES Carve Your Own Jewelr Se. __. Easy Beginner Spoo wl How-to Photos WOODCARVING Power Carving TOOLS & TECHNIQUES in this 4 Foreword by Jock Kochan 6 Editor's tetter TOOLS AND BUYERS' GUIDES 9 AllAbout Tools 10 Power Carving Safety 12 Bea Pro: Safety Tips 1B Howto Select the Right Power Carving Equipment 14 Flexible Shaft Machines and Accessories 32 Handheld Grinders 37 Micro Motor Machines 45 Air Turbines.and Accessories 49 Angle Grinders and Accessories 52 Reciprocating Carvers and Accessories 55 Woodburners 60 Combination Woodburners/Power Carvers 60 Portable Sanders 62 Dust Collection Systems 65. Other General Accessories 67 Choosing Power Carving Bits 73. Cleaning and Maintaining Bits 78 Understanding Power Carving Techniques 79. Power Carving Bits black Kochan 82. Texturing a Miniature Mountain Bluebird eyton Corbert 86 Woodburning Hair by Jack Kechan 88 Power Texturing Furand Hair by Frank Russel 94. Using Reciprocating Carvers in Place of Hand Tools by David Bennett PROJECTS 97 Step-by-Step Projects 98 Power Carve a Wooden Spoon by Chock Solomon and Dave Hamiton 102 Power Carving a Heart Pendant by KeomatCatey 107 Power Carving a Gassic House Sign by David Bennett 118 Gunstock Carving by il onney 120 Ad Directory Foreword It has been said that a woman can never have too many shoes or handbags, ‘That being the case, then it may be safe to surmise that a man never has enough tools. Where power carving tools are concerned, however, there is no gender discrimination. Their attraction is shared equally by both sexes. More and more women are taking up the art of woodcarving, and the power tool approach erases the muscular necessity often required when using traditional blade tools. The older, or very young, carver may also find a power tool easier to hold and operate than a traditional blade tool and may feel a bit more at ease about slicing a thumb or finger. Although there are some safety concerns with any power tool, a trip to the ER is seldom necessary. Most of the hazards concern dust and eye protection. Ifyou are a newcomer and not familiar with power carving equipment other than a band saw, selecting the tools that best suit your needs is often frustrating. We have come a long way since chucking a rotary rasp into a power drill. Available today are flexible shaft machines, micro motors, air turbine detailers, angle grinders, and even reciprocating handpieces for the purist who simply has to carve with a blade. Whatever your preference, there is likely a tool available to suit your needs. A large section of this manual is devoted to tool comparison by specs, usefulness, and price. Experienced carvers such as Frank Russell, Dave Hamilton, and Chuck Solomon share their insight and extensive knowledge about safety, maintenance, and technique. Bird carver Lori Corbett demonstrates techniques for carving feathers, and Keoma McCaffrey does a step-by-step instruction for carving a necklace, These are but a sampling of what you will find inside. Though power carving may not be every carver's cup of tea, it is often a blessing for arthritic or fragile fingers that cannot grip a gouge or knife. The small size of many handpieces and micro motors make them ideal for the hands of youths. In this manual, you will find tips, techniques, how-to, and recommendations for a variety of power tools and their uses, Several projects are featured for al skill levels from novice to advanced that include birds, animals, jewelry, and much more. There really is something for everyone, but be cautioned. You may find that power carving is addictive, and you will want more and mare tools Happy (power) carving, Jack Kohan a Power Canving Tools & Techniques editor's letter Welcome to Power Carving Tools and Techniques, a special publication from Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. Within these pages, you'll find an abundance of resources on power carving. You should begin with Part 1: All About Tools, on page 9. This section describes everything you need to know about the tools and accessories that power carvers find useful—from flex shaft machines to bits to portable sanders. If you're looking to purchase a power carver or accessory, be sure to check out the charts for each toal throughout the section—they’re up-to-date with the most recent specs and information. Maintenance tips and suggestions are also included for each category of tool Part 2: Understanding Power Carving Techniques contains articles from top power carvers to help you use your power carving tools to your best ability. You'll hear from Jack Kochan on how to use flex shaft power carving bits (Power Carving Bits, page 79). Lori Corbett will explain how to carve a realistic bird and its feathers (Texturing a Miniature Mountain Bluebird, page 82). Those of you interested in carving animals should read through Frank Russell and Jack Kochan's articles about carving and woodburning fur and hair (Power Texturing Fur anrd Hair, page 88; Woodburning Hair, page 86). Finally, anyone interested in reciprocating carvers should take a look at David Bennett's article on carving house signs (Using Reciprocating Carvers in Place of Hand Tools, page 94) No matter what type of power carver you choose, you'll find a project in Part 3: Step-by-Step Projects to get you carving, Try out your flex shaft carver to create Chuck Solomon and Dave Hamilton's simple and useful wooden spoon in nine steps (Power Carve a Wooden Spoon, page 98) or a beautiful heart necklace for yourself or a loved one (Power Carving a Heart Pendant, page 102). Carve a handsome house sign with your reciprocating carvers (Power Carving a Classic House Sign, page 107), or get out, ‘your air turbine and try your hand at gunstock carving with the project from Bill Janney (Gunstock Carving, page 115). ‘We hope that you'll use the projects and techniques in this special issue as a jumping-off-point for your own work. So much is possible in the world of power carving—so go find the tool that’s right for you and jump int Shannon Flowers hasan bore ‘Shannon@FoxChapelPublishing com Power Carving Teols& Techniques Carving TOOLS & TECHNIQUES Printed in USA supplement Wooseorang inatatesagaaee Hoo Magee fr Cores Power 1970 oa suet a eter, PA 79 Prone nSe0-003 Poemiseo 002 ‘Meta wwodCaningliataadcers ‘Our Mision: To promote weedcorving os an artform and an enjoyable pestine. lanGlagrocavo Shannon Flowers ob Duncan TWoyThome Jon Deck Roger Schroeder Contnocingéater: Gretchen Bacon Jack Kochan ‘ina Goldstein Kertandis Studio Pororaphe SeottKener “aoe: PaulMeGanven ‘Customer Service forSubscribers wun Nor vglseaed., cl 16-63, owt Moodarig ae, 170 Br4Sve, aes AS DomestcNewsstand Distribution "Gon CreustenCorpany _o0toyFoxcnael bling Con ‘Mop ReseresPiesin USA Subsepion rates in US dollars: nei $1995 Tojeas $3990 Canada Creyer $22.50 Troyens $45.00 International oreyen $2795 Troyeor $55.90 Customer Service for Subscribers ramen eases sevmaookevngiusttedcom Display hverng stags ne cer een eta tes “Snedalc Cryatorcupehlsinncon Whoesae/Dsibution Woodring tee abt or tebe on scustgena ten conatiposncabrente 8) otal ost Sntstoecargre Medan hun "Wr toat Snet anrveog Pa ens beeestogreycatoneyaneuscry ‘eircom pts ry This section contains everything you need to know to buy, maintain, and use power carving tools. Be sure to read through the safety information— you'll be working with some high-powered carving tools and you should have an appropriate level of caution while working with them: If you're interested in buying a power carving tool or accessory, but aren't sure which tool best fits your needs, check out charts in each section. You'll find updated prices, specifications, photos, and contact information for the power carving tools and accessories on the market. The tools are separated into the following groups for easy referencing: + Flexible shaft machines and accessories + Handheld grinders + Micro motor machines «+ Air turbines and accessories + Angle grinders and accessories «+ Reciprocating carvers and accessories + Woodburners + Combination woodburners/power carvers + Portable sanders + Dust collection systems + Other general accessories Maintenance and general guidelines are included for each group of tools. Finally, the information about bits from power carving experts Chuck Solomon and Dave Hamilton will give you a basic understanding of the bits and burs available so you can make smart purchasing decisions. Read on and discover the right power carving tools for you! ww wosdearvingilustratedicom, Power Carving Safety By Frank Russell, Chuck Solomon, and Dave Hamilton Safety is the first consideration of this book, and it should be for any shop or working area. All types of carving involve some risks. Being informed and taking the proper precautions will keep you safe and enhance your carving experience. Most woodcarvers have at least a table saw or a radial arm saw to cut carving stock into manageable pieces, and a band saw for blanking out. Many also havea jointer and/or planer in addition to a deill press to smooth out and assist with different aspects of joinery. Every one of the machines mentioned has the capability of inflicting permanent and debilitating injuries, and care must be given to each machine in its turn with respect to safety through use, location, surrounding area, accessory use/storage, safety devices, electrical setup, blade guards/guides, and waste disposal, It is not the scope of this book to consider safety aspects of large machinery, but I would feel remiss by not mentioning these areas of danger found in the shop or work area. Safety can never be ‘overemphasized. ‘The primary safety considerations for power carving are the quiet but deadly ones: dust inhalation and fire hazard resulting from improper dust collection and disposal. We'll also discuss what safety items you should wear while carving. Dust The inhalation of dust is the biggest risk to power carvers. Cutting, grinding, and sanding all generate dust. The small particles of wood that remain in the air can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. Asthma, allergic reactions, and long-term risks, such as lung and throat cancer, are all associated with dust inhalation. While the more serious risks are normally associated with exotic hardwoods, you should always take dust control seriously, It is imperative that you use a good dust collection system, These systems operate like a vacuum, pulling air and dust particles into the system and trapping the particles in a filter. Dust collection systems come in all sizes and price ranges. Some are portable and can be moved easily. Others are larger and are incorporated into a complete workstation. There are also some laxge 10 PewerCarvingTools & Techniques Safety equipment, suchas 2 leather apron, dust mask, and safety glasses, should be used with a dust collection system, dust control machines that can be installed in the ceiling and operated remotely. No dust control system will trap all of the dust particles generated while carving, so power carvers should wear a dust mask in addition to using a dust collection system. Whatever mask you choose, be sure it creates a good fit or seal between your face and the mask, has an exhaust valve, is made of face- friendly material, and has adjustable straps. Choose a comfortable mask and wear it when carving. Fire Hazard Fire hazard is a denger related to dust, because it occurs where dust is not collected and disposed of. Uncontrolled and uncollected, airborne dust particles settle and build up on any exposed area or item. In a studio workshop, where all aspects of carving are dealt with, many situations can generate a spark. A few worthy of consideration are: + electrical motors and any heat- or spark-generating electrical appliances « switches, outlets, and lightbulbs + spacks generated from grinding metal when sharpening tools + assembling metal armatures, bird legs, and supports with a soldering iron or torch heating elements «torches used for soldering and bit cleaning + improperly stored finishes + spontaneous combustion from improperly discarded cor uncared for finish rags, brushes, and wipes + a tobacco smoker ‘Where smokers are concerned, “Don't worry, I'll be careful,” isn’t enough when a good portion of your livelihood can be affected by someone else's accident or carelessness. Anywhere dust has settled, a fire path exists from the spark or flame source to anything combustible within the shop, and finally to the building itself The answer to this type of hazard, of course, is to treat dust immediately as it is generated, direct it toa location for disposal, and not allow itto settle anywhere but where we want it, Even then, the shop should be inspected and cleaned whenever casual dust is observed, and dust from partially uncollected or uncollectible sources, like a table sav, should be cleaned. Face and Eye Protection ‘When using any power equipment, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. It is particularly important for power carving because the rotation of the bur is usually toward your face and therefore will propel particles in that same direction. Safety glasses or goggles, especially ones with side shields, will protect your eyes from dust and wood particles as welt as particles of metal or material from the burs. Very rarely, the bur fractures during carving and pieces of material are thrown into the surrounding environment. Some carvers prefer real glass to plastic lenses because they find glass doesn’t have as much static electricity that holds wood dust to the lens the way plastic does. Some also prefer to wear a full face shield for some or all of their carving. Body Protection The greatest potential for injury occurs when large carbide or steel burs are used to remove wood quickly. The too! can slip or jump, especially when cutting into end grain. Carving with the grain is the safest ‘way to use power and to minimize the potential for accidents. Clamping your project down when using large aggressive bits is also a good idea. A leather apron protects power carvers and their clothes from cuts and tears. Avoid loose fitting clothes and tie back long hair. The use of a carving glove is, not recommended because it can be dangerous if the fibers get caught in the equipment. Most newer micro motor carving equipment contains breakers or fuses that will stop the machine from rotating in such cases. Creating power-carved sculptures like this one con produce lying debris, which the power carver must always be protected against. wnewewoodearvingilustrated.com, u R Be a Pro: Safety Tips By Jack Kochan ‘On the Safe Side Maintaining a flexible shaft machine, or any other power carving tool, is necessary to protect your investment. Still, more may be requied when working with power tools. Safety is the number one issue that comes up constantly when writing or talking about woodcarving, and it cannot be ignored here. Here are some tips { employ in my shop. Be careful of overconfidence. Many of the rotating accessories available to power carvers have the ability to remove flesh as well as wood. Most of the hand-gouging accidents I hear about are the result of feeling overly comfortable removing wood. The tendency is to push the limits of the rotary tool. Don't try to take away too much wood in too short a time or force the bit into the wood so that it slips. Know when to clamp your project. When using large and aggressive carbide bits, such as those used to rough out, you should clamp your piece to your work bench. It is very easy to apply too much pressure with the bit, and that is when accidents happen—however, clamping will save you a lot of pain. Ifclamping isn't possible, then a heavy leather welding glove is recommended. Do not substitute a standard carving or Kevlar glove—just as long hair will tangle around ‘a moving bit, so will these gloves, often causing more harm than good. Protect yourself from wood dust. All wood dust is potentially hazardous to your health. Use a dust collector when power carving. It can be as simple as a floor fan with a pleated filter taped to the backside. If that proves to be impractical or too expensive, then a dust mask is mandatory. Paper masks are available at hardware stores and home centers, but they don’t afford maximum protection. Wear safety glasses and an apron. Safety glasses, will shield your eyes from flying chips, dust, and even a small piece ofa bit that can break loose. Because loose clothing often poses @ hazard due to the rotating bit, don a leather apron. And if you have fong hair, make sure to tie it back. Power Carving Taos & Techniques A homemade hanger for a flexible shaft machine consists of apipe clamp foxture, pipe, and shelfs bracket with a hook end. Note that the power cord is tied backsoit doesnot interfere with the power caving. Avoid clutter. Work surfaces piled with tools and accessories distract you ftom knowing where that rotating bit is at all times. Knock something off your worktable or bench, and the tendency is to grab it with the hand holding the power tool's handpiece and rotating bit. Putting Your Foot Down A simple on/off foot switch that controls a flexible shaft machine or many other power tools in your shop is readily available and costs about $15. To operate, plug the power tool into the foot switch, which plugs into an electrical outlet. A foot switch is avaitable for flexible shaft machines to control the rpm, making it a variable speed accessory as well. The same principle runs many sewing machines. How fast your machine operates depends on how much pressure you apply to the foot pedal. Power Carving Hang Ups Micro motor tools, air turbine machines, and reciprocating carvers do not need to be mounted. Thanks to the design of the flexible shaft tool, it does need to be made stationary on a benchtop or suspended from above. Solutions to mounting the flexible shaft tool include a simple hook in the ceiling; an intravenous stand; and even an overhead pipe with a mountain climber’s carabiner that allows the tool to move freely across the length of the pipe. Side- mounting cradles are commercially available that hold the canister in place and keep it from rolling off the work surface. Also available are stands that clamp to the workbench and hold the canister on a hanger. My poor man’s solution to having a vertical hanger—one that cost me under $20 in materials from a home improvement center—consists of a pipe clamp fixture, a3'fength of pipe, and a shelf bracket with a F-hook at the end. The commercial models usually have a safety pin that prevents the motor canister from coming off the hanger, soa hole can be drilled into the bracket and a simple cotter pin inserted. How to Select the Right Power Carving Equipment By Chuck Solomon, Dave Hamilton, Frank Russell, and Jack Kachan, some photography by Roger Schroeder You need a basic understanding of the tools available before you can begin carving with power, The majority of power carvers use flexible shaft machines and micro motors. Both of these tools use a rotating, bit or bur to remove wood. Flexible shaft machines have greater torque, but less speed, than micro motors. Specialized tools, such as angle grinders and air turbine machines, are also available for artists seeking specific results. Flexible shaft machines have the power necessary for roughing out carvings as well as doing detail work A flexible shaft machine is usually the first piece of ‘equipment purchased by new carvers. The micro motor js primarily used as a detailer, although with a little patience, it can be used to do rough shaping on small carvings. Many carvers invest in a micro motor as they gain experience. The higher speed of the micro motor produces cleaner cuts when carving fine detail It’s impossible to say one model is better than anather because it depends on what you want from your equipment, Think of it as buying a new car. Many people have brand preferences and each individual weighs features differently. Some people value gas mileage and efficiency, while others are looking for performance and durability. Some tools make it easy to get started in power carving because of low initial cost. Other tools allow you more flexibility with a variety of available accessories. In this section, we provide an overview of the equipment available, ER IsT FOR POW! NG EQUIPMENT A comfortable handpiece uw Generates little vibration and heat uw Acceptable noise level uw Adequate technical support availability of parts and service Choosing Your Power Carving Equipment Whenever posible test drive several diferent brands ‘ond models before making a purchase. Many stores ond woodcarvng shows provide consumers withthe opportunity fo try before buying. Pay attention tothe comfort and weight ofthe handpiece ry carving both hard and soft wood to determine the too’ ability to remove wood quickly. The equipment should ‘not lse power, even at low speed. Neither the handpiece nor the mator should vibrate or generate uncomfortable amounts of heat. Make sure the noise eves occeptable and determine how easy itis to remove and replace the handpiece ond bit. ‘In addition tothe overall quality ofa tool, research the Contact Informatio E wiveprononcomits! : BTT-PROXXON Tool: Chisel Wise Medel Number: CH.80 Manufacturer: Tokyo Automach Co, Price: $$30.00 Warranty: Repair service: 800-541-5994 Contact Information: swewautomach.com/pagestrametOadecebtml 813.5702-0522 Alinformacon carrer cttimeofpubication, Flexcut Tool Company, Inc. ‘Chocks from ABS Hancls 2atm Handle, Power Handle, and interchangeable Handle ‘Allows power gouges to be used ashand tools Flexcut Tool Company, Inc. 1 Compatible wth most aproating ower oo Promon Feredom, Weches yb) Mastercave, ‘Racmach Te reques 9 tim pack includes 19 chises and blades Flexcut Tool Company, Inc. ‘Compatible with most reciprocating power tks ‘singanadapter Available ina range of chisel, stews gouges back ‘band gouges, teas, macten|, and spoon Gouges Foredom s Anaches to any ex shaftmachioe wi tango ‘tp shaft il bes Proxxon sho 12.000 cumin m9 length mWeibs 6s mE xceptienally quiet. Tokyo Automach Co. 1512000 spm "Wide blade but lghtweight and easy to operate Set of caving blades sold separately wurnwoodcarvingllustrated.com i rocating Carvers & Accessories: Buyers’ Guide Tool: Chisel Wise Blade Set Model Number: Manufacturer: Tokyo Automach Co, Price $259.00, Warranty: Repair service: 800-541-5904 Contact Information: wiewautomach About the Authors | Chuck Solomon (lef) and Dave Hamilton ‘ore avid carvers ond instructors They have co-authored The Art of Stylized Wood Carving, Carving Hummingbirds, and Carving North American Hummingbirds, ‘alt avilable at www FoxChapelPublishing.com. wonmwoodcarvingillusratedcom 101 Power Carving r | Carve a beautiful necklace using basic power carving techniques By Keoma McCaffrey Hive in Northern California, surrounded by towering oaks, majestic bays, and my loving family. I started carving about 10 vars ago when I wanted nice hair things and could not really afford to keep buying them because they kept breaking! I decided to try my hand at it and make them durable and beautiful at the same time. All of my creations are my original designs and are created from 100% salvaged local hardwoods. I never buy any of my wood, and Iam very proud of the fact that no trees we cut for my small benefit. All of my wood is very lovingly scavenged from my property or donated from sme really great local folks. The wood in this project was donated by my high school shop teacher. I call this project Fuddshi which, in Japanese, means “Immoveable Heart.” Carved from. such hardwoods and with such focus, this name came to mind and makes perfect sense. Another reason behind this project is that ‘women constantly inspire me. Every woman I meet isa unique and wonderful creation, and I try to embody some of that in each ‘of my works. | hope to entice more and more women to give carving a try. You can do so many things with just a Dremel and a few bits. There really is no need for expensive tools and piles of miscellaneous gobbledygook. I never use more than three or foxe bits, and my off-the-shelf Drem: me just fine. So, get out there ind plug it in’ gt a" Make your pattern. Start by folding scrap of paperin half. make the right side ofthe image fist. Second, open the paper and close it again with the image inside. Scribble on the backof the paper and open it up. Now you should have right andaleft side to the Image. Scribble across the entre back ofthe ‘mage, Place it an your wood and trace your patter. This will act just like carbon paper. Gut the wood. Once the patterns on the wood, mark al ‘entry hols witha smallX and take it to your scroll aw or band saw. This pieces carved from manzanita, an extremely hard shrub that growsallover Northern California. you use a hard ‘wood, remember to go slowly on your scroll saw, and be prepared togo through some blades the cutting bit to define the ple. Heres also where | designate the layers—recessing the lower areas behind other elements, such a the leaves. Then, Lam set to gouge out the rest without ruining my image Hog out excess wood. This round-tip bits probably my ‘mast used bit. t hogs out whatever else is eft that should not be ther. in other words, ou want to carve away whatever does not look a heart with eaves ont. ‘Outline the pedant. My fist step in power carving isto use Soften and define. Use a small ound-tp bit to smooth out any sharp angles left by the fist bit, Redefine the layers and add veins tothe leaves. Look atthe side ofthe pendant to see where the leaves need tobe thinned, Make a small groove around the middle. When hogging out the back, take it down to that groove Leaves are thi, and we want to take as much weight off the pendant as possible so we're not wearing a boat anchor around ‘our neck. This step defines the front and back. wwmwoodearvingilustratedcom — 103 rae ‘Create veins. tereis one of my super-secret power caring techniques. Instead of buying the itl cies of sandpaper or cutting my on, rip ff taugh square and poke it on the bit as clase othe smiddle as | an eyebal Spinning tat the highest pm on my 00, {stickit against srapof wood, and spins a perfect ile within second. It saves so much time and money! Use the same technique for 104 Hog out the back, Hog out the back as you dd the front, leaving litle nodule to della hole through. You canteave the back bank, or you can carve it out as well Remember that ifthe Feaves crossin the front, the opposite happens from the back. You Can get an idea of how this works by either crossing your hands in front of you and seeing how they overlap, oryou can sketch the back of the pattern, leaving ite fines where things intersect. POSITIONED FOR SAFETY tips When using a power carver, always remember to eep the vents pointed away from your fae. Eye protection or not, that stuff always finds o way into your yes. Power Carving Tools & Techniques the veinsin the leaves, Back the sandpaper witha scrap of eather and one ofthe bufers that comes withthe Dremel This ad stability and ‘makes you paper last longer without fying of The leather can eave burn marks fyou get too close, butyou can use ito your creative advantage and put Some bun lines onthe piece. Smooth any last-minute burs or rough spots with your sanding disk Dri a hole big enough to fit your necklace cord. Insteaé ofa cil bi, usea really pointy Dremel bt, works fntastic Finish with oll or desired finish. Hang the pedant on anice leather cord and you ae set! see several vvations with thispiece: havea hair comb in the works, but a brooch would be really nice to, Heart pendant patterns ] i i materials MATERIALS: + Wood of choice | About the Author + Sandpaper Keoma McCaffrey Ives in Finish of choice Ey Northern Coltornia with her Cord husband, Jffand two sons. Allofhee works carved fom Tos: savaged fcal hardwoods Rotary power carver She is also a moderator onthe Woodcarving Band sa, scroll aw, or IMystrated Message Board, pe www. Woodcorvingllustrated com /forum. wormwocdearvingiiustrtedcom 105 Power Carving a Classic House Sign Use a reciprocating carver and gold leaf to create this stunning project By David Bennett Tuse a computer to produce the pattern for the sign, eliminating the need to draw the design, letters, and numbers by hand, To transfer the pattern to the wood, I cut through the paper with a knife to produce shallow cuts in the wood. Using carbon paper to transfer the design works just as well Attach the pattern. The patterns eld down with 3 photo-mount spray adhesive, which allows the paper tobe Glue the blanks. | glue up the mahogany blank with ‘water-resistant glue. On the edge, | route outa %"-wide cove. The patterns generated by Adobe iustratar, then “ted” together repositioned using 814 by 11 paper. vrmwoodearvingllustrtedcom — 107 Transfer the pattern. To transfer the patter, Icut through ‘Mark the lines. Once the patterns removed, Imarkthe ‘the paper with a knife. The ool has to be held at an angle toward koife tines with a pencil to make them more visible. Brightside ‘the center ofthe pater so that the cuts wil disappear during lighting in darkened room creates shadows that allow me tose ‘the carving, These cuts also help preven the wood grain fom Whether the edges of the letters are isp and even. splitting aut atthe edges. Begin carving. Using a 90%" V-tool in areciprocating carver, start cutting into each number and eter. Stay x" 104" from the lines. Begin and sta the tool appraximately "from the serifsand make sure to keep the V-

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