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Hello Hook Knife, Good-bye X-acto |
capt.doug
Tiki Centralite
Joined: May 30, 2006
Posts: 18 |  Posted: 2006-06-03 2:46 pm Permalink
Being pretty new at this, I wasn't aware of all the cool tools I didn't have. Thanks to PDrake for clueing me in on the hook knife. I did end up re-working this guy a few times, due to a few slips of the blade, but ater a few more projects I think I could learn to love my hook knife.   These are ones I did via X-Acto #11 blade I've been doing little guys and selling them at a sunset festival at the beach. The little ones are carved from 1/2" x1/2 " basswood sticks, medium ones are from 1"x 1/2 " and the bigger ones ore from 3"x3" basswood.    
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Bay Park Buzzy
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 07, 2006
Posts: 2714
From: West Bay Park, San Diego, CA
| Posted: 2006-06-03 2:53 pm Permalink
Excellent!
Can you post a picture of your hook knife?
Got any more pictures?
Thanks,
Buzzy
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capt.doug
Tiki Centralite
Joined: May 30, 2006
Posts: 18 | Posted: 2006-06-03 3:18 pm Permalink
Here are my few tools of construction, the hook knife being a Warren KB-3W. I call these carvings "Lucky Tikis" when I sell them at the Sunset Festival on Clearwater Beach, 'cause I haven't cut myself yet. Then I decided, why temp fate and bought a Kevlar/Stainless Steel Glove. Definately a little more peace of mind.
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Benzart
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jan 09, 2004
Posts: 10306
From: Port Saint Lucie, Florida
| Posted: 2006-06-03 5:07 pm Permalink
Way to go Capt Doug, the Hook will be your friend for life.
The hook blade you are using has a very Shallow curve to it. You should try to get the deeper one like these:
You wiull find a Giant difference with the right one.
Nice carvings there too. I can see it isn't gonna take you long at all.
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capt.doug
Tiki Centralite
Joined: May 30, 2006
Posts: 18 | Posted: 2006-06-03 6:02 pm Permalink
Hey,all it takes is a LITTLE HINT. Thank you sir for that. I looked in the tube of blades that came with the kit and indeed there is a blade that looks like the one you suggested. Next time I give it a try, that's the one for me. Thank you for the input,from one of the experts, much appreciated.
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pdrake
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jan 13, 2006
Posts: 1764
From: las vegas
| Posted: 2006-06-03 6:06 pm Permalink
glad to be of help. keep up the good work.
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tikijohn
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Sep 05, 2004
Posts: 31 | Posted: 2006-06-05 08:17 am Permalink
Hi, I carve small tikis too, mostly with the dremel but.... tell me about that blue sanding tool i see in your pix.
thanks.
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capt.doug
Tiki Centralite
Joined: May 30, 2006
Posts: 18 | Posted: 2006-06-05 08:39 am Permalink
'nother new , using the recommended deeper hook blade. I found it much to my liking, plus I seem to be getting a little faster. The little sanding device is pretty handy for the small spots and you can get it w/ various grit belts. you just roll the belt w/ your thumb and you always have fresh paper. I got it at www.qualitycarvingsupplies.com Talk to Becky, nice lady, fast service.
  
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AlohaStation
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 27, 2004
Posts: 2004
From: So FL
| Posted: 2006-06-05 09:34 am Permalink
Good stuff. I love carving small and the variety of tools is endless. I started by using an Xacto and still use it quite a bit. Hook blades, palm chisels, Dremel - they're all part of the arsenal and used accordingly. One suggestion - get away from using Basswood. You will find that once you start using other wood species that the basswood has its limitations. Florida has so many native species that are great for carving. Keep 'em coming.
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capt.doug
Tiki Centralite
Joined: May 30, 2006
Posts: 18 | Posted: 2006-06-05 11:15 am Permalink
Ok, that sounds like great advice, but how about a few suggested wood types to start with. I'm no botanist, and there so many exotic plants that thrive here in Florida, I don't know which are safe to carve. Oleander and Brazilian Pepper for example are supposed to be either poisonous or irritants. Point me in the right direction. Thanks
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AlohaStation
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 27, 2004
Posts: 2004
From: So FL
| Posted: 2006-06-06 07:06 am Permalink
Central Florida - Pine, Oak, Mohagany, Avacado, Mango, and Palm. They are all good for carving - the best thing to do is experiment. You will find a favorite and will be surprised how easy it is to find wood. Check with the company you bought your knives from - I'm sure they can help you. Good luck and keep posting.
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capt.doug
Tiki Centralite
Joined: May 30, 2006
Posts: 18 | Posted: 2006-06-06 10:21 am Permalink
Thank for the suggestions. They got me thinking in other directions. Such as, "PhrondTiki". I gotta let him dry a little, sand him a little, and I might try a bit of stain, but I think the Tourists on the pier might just eat these up. I'll do a few more, and give it a try. Thanks for all the hints everyone.
  
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capt.doug
Tiki Centralite
Joined: May 30, 2006
Posts: 18 | Posted: 2006-06-08 10:02 am Permalink
Been trying some more of the "Fron-Tikis", Not very good, but I am at least getting a feel for how palm carves. Neighbor cut down a Queen Palm the other day and I beat the garbage man to the logs. 3' to 5' chunks, 12" to 14' dia., so I look at these little guys as an experience builder. I used a torch, might have gotten a little carried away on the first two, the other is still "in progress"
 
[ This Message was edited by: capt.doug 2006-06-08 10:06 ]
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Loki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Nov 04, 2005
Posts: 541
From: Boca Raton, FL
| Posted: 2006-06-08 10:09 am Permalink
CD,
Be advised the Queen palm is a difficult palm to work with. The inner portion is very wet and will rot the log from the inside out unless you can extract it first. I've done it and will never try that again. The outer two to three inches are hard and really nice to carve but the effort to clean the inside may ditract you from using it. Good luck
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IsleConch
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 04, 2006
Posts: 166
From: Satellite Beach, FL
| Posted: 2006-06-12 4:02 pm Permalink
Hey..those fron-tikis look good, I like the first one with no stain..the contrast between the green and beige carving area makes it special.
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