CHIP CARVING

Southland Times, Issue 23782, 1 April 1939, Page 8 (Supplement)

CHIP CARVING

Although chip carving is not as popular as it was, it is a very effective way of decorating wood. With no other tool than, a sharp knife many good patterns can be made. Stained or painted whitewood can be chipped most effectively.

The unit in cnip carving is shown in Fig. 2 and is based on the square shown in Fig. 1, but the same treatment of cutting gives the effect shown in Fig. 2 when made in a circle. Another method of chip carving is shown in Fig. 3 and with more elaboration in Fig. 4. In both cases the cuts are made by pressing the knife, held in a vertical position, into the wood and then Slicing out the waste. A suitable form of knife for chip carving is shown in Fig. 5 and the way to

cut is shown in Fig. 6. It is very important to keep the knife quite sharp, and oilstone or a hone made with fine emery cloth should be used frequently. The pattern at Fig. 7 is an adaptation of the triangular cut which is

to be found on many old carved chests. Effective patterns can be made by using the pattern shown in Fig. 8, and for circular decoration the patterns shown in Figs. 9 and 10 are very useful. Fig. 9 is a good pattern for marking small butter pats. The wood used should be fine in grain, ordinary deal is too uneven, soft pine can be used but it is rather too soft Oak is suitable but is difficult to cut. Sycamore and holly are ideal.