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Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

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Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

#1

Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>According to Phil Lowe's video "Carving a B&C...," you need a 9 sweep 10 mm spoon and an indeterminate size back bent for the web and talons respectively.

On Mack Headley's video "Cabinetmaker...," he shows the use of two or three chisels, all straight or something like a #5 sweep, mentions in passing that he needs 5 or so in total, doesn't name them. In addition, it seems that he's carving the web with a regular light sweep, maybe a 3.

So, questions are:

1. What size is Phil's back bent?

2. What constitutes Mack's 5 chisel set?

3. What chisels would an 18th century woodworker have had to do this?

Thanks,

Pam

Re: Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

#2

Re: Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

Tony - Memphis

>Here is Phil's tool list from his class...

Straight Chisel 8mm

Straight Gouge #5 12mm

Straight Gouge #5 20mm

Straight Gouge #7 10mm

Straight Gouge #8 10mm

Back Bent Gouge #25 10mm

Spoon Gouge #9 10mm

I have the Ball & Claw article that Mack did in FWW at home. Not sure if he lists the tools, but I will try to remember to look. Had a copy of it here at work, but I just took it home the other day. I'm trying to build a stool with ball and claw feet. Its actually the stuff I brought home from Phil's class a few years ago. Been sitting on a shelf ever since. I got the balls and webs roughed - looks more like a dog holding a chewed up tennis ball! Had to slow down a bit. I did something to my arm muscles. I think I may have injured them carving. I get realy tensed up and roughing those balls takes some effort, so I've been really sore for a couple of weeks. Hope that's all it is anyway!

Oh, Mack's article was about reproducing a Scott leg I believe, so I assume he was using tools that would have been used back then.

Tony

Re: Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

#3

Re: Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>Thanks, Tony. My best guess is that, strictly speaking, the back bent isn't necessary; but it sure looks easier with the proper back bent. FWW #84 is now out of print, so I bought some tokens to buy the article online. He uses 1/2" #3 and #5 gouges, with a knife to carve the upper side of the toe that merges with the leg angle.

Sorry to hear you've hurt your arms. It does seem to be important to relax and let the tools do the work. But don't be too hard on yourself. I bet it takes a lot of legs to get it right.

Pam

Re: Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

#4

Re: Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

Tony - Memphis

>Well, I've got the article here at my desk now. I was going to suggest faxing it to you! Turns out it was here, I had the knee carving article at home. I've only carved one, so I can't offer any tips on the back bent usage. I'm not quite to that stage on the other three. I'm going to start shaping the toes when my arms feel better.

Tony

Re: Balls & Claws - 18th century chisel set

#5

Thanks, Tony.

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>

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