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Sharpening Wood Carving Tools

Sharpening carving tools is an essential step in carving. A sharp carving tool works better because it slices through the wood easier, making it safer and quicker to use. It, also, leaves a cleaner path behind. A good sharp edge means less effort, which means less force. When less force is needed, more control is possible, making the work safer.

There are many methods of sharpening carving tools from power grinders to wetstones to sandpaper and finally the strop. The most inexpensive method is using a couple of grades of sandpaper and a strop.

How much sharpening is needed depends on how damaged the edge of the blade is. If damaged or dull, you will need to use a 400 grit sandpaper laid on a flat surface such as the edge of the table. Place the blade edge down and drag it across the wet surface of the paper at an eleven degree angle. One way of finding an approximate eleven degree angle is to use either a nickel or a dime beneath the spine of the blade.

If your carving blade is three quarters of and inch in width or more, lay your blade flat on the sharpening surface and raise the spine of the blade until you can fit the edge of a nickel under it. If it is less than three quarters of an inch, use a dime.

Drag the edge along the wet sandpaper surface until all the nicks are gone and you have a smooth edge. Then do the same thing using a 600 grit wet sandpaper.

Finish by loading your leather (strop) up with your white aluminum oxide to the point that it won't absorb any more compound. You can use some light oil to help create a paste-like consistency. Make sure you wipe your blade clean of any sandpaper residue with a cloth. You don't want to get any grit on your strop. Then drag your knife edge along the strop at the same 11 degree angle, and continue equally on both sides, sharpening until you get a mirrored edge.

You can test the sharp edge by taking your knife and carving across the end grain of a piece of carving wood. You should see a smooth shiny surface and the end grain clearly. If you see a white line in your slice, you have a nick in your edge. You need to go back and start the process over. Once you have the edge you like on your knife, all you should have to do is strop about every fifteen minutes and protect your edge when you're not using your knife.

by Wendy R Arthurs

Popular Wood Carving Tools

Wood carving can be a fun hobby and a rewarding career. You can make toys, tools, decorative items, plus much more. If you want to become a wood carver, then you'll need to select the right wood tools. Investing in good sharpening tools and a strop should be your first priority. Make sure that your wood carving tools are sharp, because if they aren't then they're useless. A sharpening stone is used to get edges sharp. A strop removes any micro-bits still remaining on the newly sharpened edges, leaving the blade smooth and sharp.

• Carving Knives: Carving knives are your most basic wood carving tool. There are bent knives, straight-edged knives, chip knives, skewed knives, special pocket knives, detail knives and micro-knives. Carving knives come in all shapes and sizes.
• Chisels: Wood chisels can be ground on both sides, or can be beveled only on one side. The head is usually slanted in a square shape. It can either be struck by a mallet or pushed by hand to carve wood.
• Gouges: Wood gouges are "U" shaped tools that cut grooves in wood. Their cutting edges are round, not flat like a chisel.
• Mallets: Mallets are small little hammers that are used for chip carving. They are used to strike wood without causing major damage to it. They are perfect for making small indents.

Wood carving is a fun, detailed craft to develop. With just these few basic tools, you can create intricate wood pieces that showcase your skills. There are more advanced wood carving tools, including power tools that can help you create more large-scale projects, but if you're just starting out then these four basic tools should suit you perfectly.

by David Wayne Naylor

Woodcarving - Some Tips to Help You Along

Woodworking is a wonderful hobby that can result in crafts and furniture that can be treasured for generations. Woodworking is also becoming a popular hobby and is an important industry. A skilled woodworker with access to a nicely equipped workshop can build things like a simple birdhouse or as complicated as furniture. Excellent Woods for raw materials can be purchased at lumber retail stores and hobby supply shops.

Some folk seem to be a bit confused as to what is a board foot? A board foot is a unit used in the measurement of wood. It is equal to 1 foot length x 1 foot width x 1 inch thick. It should be noted that the thickness is nominal thickness. After drying and surfacing the usual thickness of a 1 inch board is 13/16. A board 10 feet long x 1 foot wide x 1 inches thick would be equal to 10 board feet.

I am often asked What is the right way to handle the glue squeeze out problem? The answer is quite simple...Use the correct amount of glue!. The (obvious) danger is a glue-starved joint. Wipe off the excess glue immediately with a damp sponge or paper towel.

Some woodworkers say that the water-glue mixture will soak into the wood and will show up when the piece is finished. Lots of others including me say that this is not a problem.

Another good method is to allow the glue to harden a bit, and then chisel or scrape it off. The effectiveness of this method probably depends on the type of wood and finish that are used.

If you have been a woodworker for many years or are thinking of taking up this fascinating hobby, please remember that Woodworking requires tools and techniques that are inherently dangerous. This makes workshop safety a top concern for any woodworker. When working in the shop please remember that it is important to protect your eyes, ears, and lungs, and take great care when using hand and power tools.

If you have been a woodworker for many years or are thinking of taking up this fascinating hobby, please remember that Woodworking requires tools and techniques that are inherently dangerous. This makes workshop safety a top concern for any woodworker. When working in the shop it is important to protect your eyes, ears, and lungs, and take great care when using hand and power tools.

by Keith Evans

Consumer Guides: Finding A Quality Contractor and Power Washing Tips

Power washing is the application of high pressure water spray. Some of the most popular services include the cleaning of concrete patios, sidewalks, decks, house siding, entrance ways, and driveways. In the hands of a qualified pressure washing individual, the results can be astonishing, and well worth the investment.

However, in the hands of an unqualified person, the results can be quite devastating. Water this powerful has the strength to cut wood and damage most surfaces. In the hands of the unskilled, the risk of damage is greatly increased, if not inevitable. For homeowners previously unaware of this danger, it has cost them dearly. Don't fall victim to this.

Pressure washing requires SKILL and KNOWLEDGE. No common Joe can move the spray wand more accurately, more consistently, and more effectively, than the qualified power washing specialist. Fail to realize the skill of the trade and you may be setting yourself up for unwanted dissatisfaction and costly damage.

Finding a Qualified Power Washing Specialist.

Educate Yourself. This is the primary defense in protecting yourself from under-qualified and poor quality jobs. Once the consumer understands a service and what's involved, they will be well equipped to distinquish cut-rate jobs from quality workmanship. Realize the possibility for damage exists, and cut-rate performance increases your exposure to costly repairs. Knowing what's involved is your protection.

Educate Yourself -Family, Friends, and Neighbors. There are several ways of educating yourself. First of which, is to consult your friends, family, and neighbors. It may be that some of them are already familiar with the service you desire. They may already be knowledgeable of the application, procedures, outcomes, and liabilities of your situation. They may even refer you to a qualified contractor. Likewise, they may advise you to avoid a certain business that is notorious for poor service.

Educate Yourself -The Internet. There is a wealth of information pertaining to power washing on the Internet. This page and many others supply information for both the homeowner and the professional. Check pressure washing home pages, consumer groups, and bulletin boards. All of these will help. Simply type "power washing" or "pressure washing" in any major search engine or try the other consumer guides provided by Carved Stone Publications to get yourself started.

Educate Yourself -Keep Your Eyes Open. As you commute across town, keep your eyes open for pressure washing specialists at work. Don't be afraid to approach them and inquire about their service. This is an excellent time to see the process of power washing at work as well as to ask any questions you may have. Most power washing contractors should be very excited to explain their service, its strengths and its limitations.

Educate Yourself -Talk to the Pros. Refer to your Yellow pages (Deck Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Power Washing, Water Pressure Cleaning, etc.) and any other advertisements you may encounter. From these, contact several pressure washing contractors, inquiring about service, consultation, and estimates. Even if you receive a beautiful flier on your doorstep, be sure to call other contractors. This is your greatest protection. Talk to multiple contractors, asking them specific questions on service, procedures, expected outcomes, and possibilities for damage. Together you will receive a more complete picture of the service, weeding out obvious inconsistencies in service.

Meet the Contractor During the Estimate. Meet the contractor face-to-face during the estimate. By doing this, you and the contractor will take the time to evaluate the site together. This betters the channels of communication between the two parties, and reduces errors in the estimating process. Besides improved communication, this is perhaps the best way to judge the character and overall presentation of the pressure washing contractor.

Risks and Expected Outcomes. A qualified contractor will take the time to review your site, ask questions and seek out areas of concern. They will listen to your every word and interpret the service you desire and expect. In turn, they will also review with you, the strengths and limitations of their service.

Get Written Estimates. Having a detailed written estimate protects both you (the consumer) and the pressure washing contractor. It should explicitly state the desired service, expected outcome and complete costing in time and material. Keep in mind, less cost can mean (and probably does mean) less quality and service. Basically, you get what you pay for.

Procedures Listing. For popular and frequently demanded cleaning jobs (i.e., deck cleaning/refinishing), a pressure washing contractor may supply a procedures listing. This brief listing outlines the steps that will be taken during your particular job. It may be a separate sheet or part of the estimate. In either case, this can be a very helpful tool in comparing one service to another, understanding the entire process, analyzing cost comparisons, and weeding out possible low quality service providers.

Ask for a Demonstration. This is not always required, but if you are not sure about job outcome or expectations, a demonstration of a service may settle your mind. Make a demonstration mandatory if you can not be present at job start-up or if the service has few job satisfaction policies. As a note, demonstrations take an enormous amount of time from the contractor. Often they will try to forgo demonstrations, asking the client to be on-site during the estimate and/or job startup in order for you to evaluate work performance. This is not uncommon. Quality pressure washing contractors are in high demand and are very busy. They are just trying to make the whole process more time-efficient. If you are dissatisfied, don't hesitate in telling them so. In the long run you will have saved them both time and effort.

Inquire about Equipment. Is it owed or rented? Owed or leased equipment is evidence of a long term commitment to the field of pressure washing. Renting shows only an occasional need for equipment. Also ask about the extent or power of their equipment. For most pressure washing jobs they will have equipment ranging at 11-15 HP (horsepower, strength), 3000-4000 PSI (pound per square inch, force) and 3-5 GPM (gallons per minute, flow). While for the most, they will not be using their equipment at full power, equipment of this caliber provides the head room and adequacy for doing business. A rating of 2000 PSI and 2 GPM or less, is a residential grade of equipment. It will not perform at the level of doing business (possible evidence of a substandard service provider).

Get Referrals. These provide the consumer with a detailed track record of a contractors past work experience. Just remember, a pressure washing business is called to perform any number of different cleaning services. Whether it be siding, decks, sidewalks, gutters, patios, or driveways, be sure the referrals and references you receive are representative of the service you desire. For instance, someone seeking deck cleaning should receive deck cleaning referrals, not vinyl siding cleaning. As for a number of referrals, the more the better, but 6-12 should suffice. And don't forget, once you have the referrals, use them. Ask specific questions concerning quality, workmanship, expected outcomes, cleaning procedures, business character, and satisfaction.

Satisfaction and Billing Policies. A number of power washing businesses offer various policies that help ensure customer satisfaction. One of which, is the suspension of billing until job completion and customer satisfaction. Ask the contractor, in the event of customer dissatisfaction, what their policy is.

Insurance. Check to see if your contractor carries liability insurance. A qualified pressure washing contractor, realizing their responsibility, will have taken the time to protect both themselves and their clients from possible on-site accidents, injury, or damage.

Be Present at Job Duration and Completion. This is your way of observing work activity as it takes place. It gives you an idea of what is involved in pressure washing and allows to see cleaning results as they occur. Quite often, the results in cleaning are remarkable and the consumer should experience this process first hand. You actually see the effectiveness and value of the service for which you will be paying. It settles the mind, knowing you have received good service for your hard earned dollar. Being present also allows you to head off any problems and catch any areas that may be missed or improved upon. A contractor is much happier to improve such areas (ensuring satisfaction) during the job, than to return later in the future. Returning consumes enormous time and effort for which the contractor is probably not getting paid. Again another benefit for both parties.

Summary.

A quality power washing specialist will have several key characteristics. First, they know what they are doing. They are familiar with their service, the industry, and what's involved in each. Second, they have the resources in equipment, skill, knowledge, and talent to do the job you desire. They perform their job with quality workmanship and professionalism. They are responsible for the work they provide and are committed in following through on quality and satisfaction. They take great care and pride in the service they provide. In all, the quality power washing specialist looks to develop long term relationships with their clients. They are present both now and in the future for follow-up and continued service. They will not abandon their clients, never to be heard of or seen again. Basically, in pride, they stand behind the work they do.

Our company wishes the best in finding a professional power washing service. We welcome the input of those who seek to improve our industry and help the fellow consumer. Thank you.

Power Washing is an excellent method of of removing dirt, mold and mildew which causes the deterioration of your homes exterior surfaces. Whether your home is wood frame, brick, siding or stucco power washing will clean and restore its original beauty and remove unsightly stains.

Deck wood on patios turns a greyish color after being exposed to a harsh Chicago winter for a couple of years. Power washing will expose the beauty of the natural wood grain which is being masked by dirt, tree sap etc.

This cleaning will also curtail premature wood rot and decay which would be much more expensive to remedy. Power washing is also effective for cleaning concrete. Whether you are trying to clean your patio stairs or walkway its appearance will greatly improve after power washing.

Aluminum and vinyl siding can also retain its new look by regularly power washing it with a mild detergent. Siding is meant to be a lifetime improvement to the exterior of your home (low maintenance) so why not take care as such with a regular cleaning schedule (once or twice every couple of years).

Power washing can be very effective in removing deposits prior to a painting job on the exterior of your home.

The longevity of your new paint job will be greatly enhanced because the sub surface was properly cleaned and prepared. A mild cleaning in the years to come of your new paint job will also lengthen the life span of that new paint work. A-1 Window Cleaning & Power Washing CO. http://www.a1windowcleaning.biz 

by Kelly Fuller

Wood Carving - How to Choose the Right Tools

If you're going to be a wood carver and not just a whittler, you'll need to select a number of tools. There's just no way around it. So what are the right tools for wood carving?

Tools for Sharpening. Before the carving tools, it seems appropriate that tools for sharpening them should come first. After all, if they aren't sharp, what's the use? You'll drive yourself mad.

At the very minimum, you should have a sharpening stone and a strop. The sharpening stone is used to get your edges to sharpness. Many sharpening stones come in different shapes and in different sizes. Some are very accommodating to the typically short blade lengths of wood carving blade edges. There are diamond coated slipstones that work very well to sharpen an edge. Some sharpening stones can even be found on a key chain or as small as a credit card. So very convenient.

A strop is meant to remove the burr and all micro-bits still clinging to your well-sharpened blade edge. This is very important in wood carving. If anything still clings to the edge, it'll really affect your progress. You've got to get everything off. If you prefer, you could use a honing compound or a honing board to smooth out your edges.

If you're really serious about becoming a wood carver, it is highly recommended that you learn how to sharpen and strop a knife. Once you've learned that, you'll also be able to sharpen most other carving edges. The need for smooth sharp edges is a constant in wood carving. When you can achieve them, you'll be worlds ahead of the rest. No kidding.

Tools for Shaping. Each type of carving tool that is meant to shape wood has a specific function. At the very minimum, you should have carving knives, wood chisels, wood gouges, wood rasps and rifflers, a mallet and maybe even a power drill.

æ Carving knives. This is your most basic of all carving tools and there are many kinds. There are straight-edged knives, skewed knives, bent knives, chip knives, detail knives, special pocket knives modified for carving and folding knives with lockable blades. And these aren't all of them. There are even micro-knives or micro-tool kits, if you'd like.

It's a matter of functionality. Each edge is target specific. When you've learned what each type of knife can do, and you've considered the carving project ahead of you, then you'll know which knives are best for that job. The best knives used for one specific task may not be the same knives that are best for another. That's why you've got choices.

æ Wood chisels. Most chisels are ground on both sides but it is possible to find them with a bevel on only one side. The head may be slanted or square in shape. They may even be bent forward or backward. You'll have quite a selection.

æ Wood gouges. This is one of the most used tools in wood carving. There are many shapes and sizes. Some are very short and stout while others extend for a few inches with an extended blade edge. You'll probably end up with several kinds. That's not a problem. Surely, you'll use each one at some time or another.

æ Wood Rasps or Riffler files. Shopping for these tools could be a bit confusing. Really. Some stores call it a rasp, others will call it a riffler. And yet another will call it a rasp riffler. How to know, how to know. Well, the majority of merchants appear to agree that a rasp is a very coarse, straight file. The tool itself may be thick and rectangular like a sharpening file but don't be surprised to find those that are slender with a curving head, looking just like a riffler.

Rifflers, on the other hand, are usually slender with a curved head. Many times these curved heads can be found on both ends of the riffler. You can even find kits that offer you different shaped heads and at different sizes.

æ Mallets. These little hammers are invaluable in the right circumstance. They are a must for chip carving, relief carving and intaglio carving. (What am I saying?) Mallets are a must for all wood carving. You may need just a few millimeters off of here and no more, maybe add a little notch there, an indent over here, maybe create a shadow. It really is such a valuable tool.

æ Power tools. There are some pretty nice power tools for wood carving. There are power drills, rotor saw burrs, power chisels and mini grinders. You can even find power carving kits. There's even a wood carver's kit that offers its own selection of power grinders.

These tools are quite extraordinary in how much time and labor they can save wood carvers. Many consider them only for life-size or extremely large carvings. It's all up to the carver. Hey, how about a carving created entirely by power tools? (... Wonder how big that'd be.)

Tools for Sanding and Smoothing. When all the wood carving and shaping is done, you'll want to sand and smooth all surfaces. This is an important step that precedes any painting or varnishing. In doing so, you'll remove any remains from any previous finishing process and you'll also prepare the wood to bond with any non-penetrating chemicals. Sanding can be done using sand paper, sanding clothes or sanding sticks.

æ Sanding is often accomplished using sand paper. There are many grades, from very, very coarse to very, very fine. There's quite a selection. Something very similar to this is the defuzzing pad. It does as it sounds. It removes all fuzz still clinging to the wood surface.

æ There are sanding clothes that come in a roll and are available in varying grit sizes. Sections may be cut from the roll and rolled or folded as you wish. Best thing is, you don't have to worry about it cracking or falling apart on you.

æ Sanding sticks may also be found in varying grit sizes. You can also find sanding stick kits or sanding detail kits that can remove glue or minute remains of your finishing products. Mini-belt sanding sticks or sanding belts may be used for large sanding jobs.

Wood carving is an amazing craft to develop. You could use just a handful of tools and work with small projects. Or you could use a bunch of tools, including power tools, to work on really large projects. Either way, it's very relaxing, oftentimes exhilarating and extremely satisfying. Have fun!

Len Q. is a master blade sharpener and an adventurer who strives to protect the natural world. If you would like to find out about - Knife Sharpening: How to Sharpen Knives, Maintain and Store Them - Sharpening Other Edges (e.g. Lawn Mower Blades, Chain Saws, Gardening Tools, Axes) Find it here at http://www.MakeKnivesSharp.com