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Some of my shaping is done with a file - I find it easier for spherical portions. In other places I want a smoother surface than I can get carving. A quick scrape addresses both of these concerns. It may be that the problems are a symptom of a lack of carving skill or using the wrong tools (up...

Thanks Ian, that does help. It seems that I have underestimated the complexities of scrapers. What I am using are small shaped tools that can be used, I assume, to clean machined profiles, they fit in a handle and can be used to clean recesses in my carvings. (eg: Flexcut Profile Scraper Set)...

Again, thanks. That article was very interesting - it shows me more of what I am trying to achieve (though not so much about how). It does sound as if I have been using too much force on the burnisher. Maybe reverting to a stone was a good idea, I find it easier to keep the piece vertical...

Thanks D_W, our posts crossed. It seems odd trying to get a burr. I have spent half a century sharpening blades and learning not to raise a burr. I think that maybe I was using too coarse a file, or using it too vigorously, or both in the belief that I needed to work hard. The idea that the...

Hah ... just tried again with the above suggestions ringing in my ears. I used a stone to flatten the narrow edge - which seemed to raise a better burr than the file. The burnisher did not seem to do much (but that may be me not knowing what to do or what to expect). The result was much...

Thanks D_W Single cut file..... you expose my ignorance, sir. I had to look that up. Would a diamond file do instead? I .have a small set of files - half of them metal half of them diamond, but the metal files are all 'overcut'. Exposing my ignorance again.... I was assuming that it would...

Hi all, I have bought some flexcut profile scrapers. Out of the packet they scrape well, but the instructions say that they can be improved. So I tried on a couple and all I can do is make them worse..... Has anyone here successfully sharpened a flexcut profile scraper from blunt? What should...

Lovely work. I admire those who can engineer in wood. I mostly use it as an artistic medium. Love the carving details - I can relate to those....

I have one of these devices - not the same make but a similar idea. It can start a car engine (even diesel up to 2.5l !). It charges from a 5v usb charger. Go figure.... I guess that there is some internal electrickery that makes it paossible. Perhaps the cells are charged in parallel and...

You are right.... leylandii does look good in the right place. I am beginning to look at leylandii in a different light. Still feel that it should be harvested, but reviewing my disposal methods. As for the cherry - lucky man. I am starting to get more serious about carving and eying up the...

Incredible work. I have been following with great interest. I can see how you have done things, that is an education in itself.

Thanks to all, I have made a purchase. In the end I chose Ashley Iles because they are UK based and offer regrinding at reasonable cost which frees me from worrying that I may not have enough skill. The advert says they come sharp enough to use, so that is another worry gone. Another part of...

I like the sound of that - very much so.

Interesting. I do like the look of them (not what I should go by but there is precious little else to go on web-shopping) and I do like the idea of buying British. Bit pricey but whats an end-of-year bonus for?

Looking at Pfeil... are there any opinions on medium v full size tools? Are they all malletable? I have hand carving tools, so I want to make sure they will withstand impact. I have a classic looking beech wood mallet - I may want something different in the future but I suspect that it will...

Thank you Adam for clarifying. I had seen the Ashley Iles gouges, and liked the look a lot... but having to regrind them before use would put me off. Pfeil sound good and I will check them out....

I don’t understand what you mean. This may be another opportunity to learn…….

Hi all, A recent carving nudged me into using a gouge an mallet for some of the rough shaping. I liked the technique and was thinking of getting a set of gouges to use for my next carving. Doe any one here have some opinions that they can share? I want a set that will arrive sharp - some...

Please supply your evidence for these climatic reversals. This link provides a good representation of temperature over that period. I see no rapid changes.

Good shout, but not quite right according to WaterButtsDirect. I specifically asked by email as a result of your suggestion (to avoid surprises). Their customer facing staff are very patient. I think that that is my preferred solution at the moment....