Curvy curves

[Al Navas]

From my blog:

Some practice time with the bow saw:



http://sandal-woodsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/curves-1-2.png (http://sandal-woodsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/curves-1-2.png)




http://sandal-woodsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/curves-2-2.png (http://sandal-woodsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/curves-2-2.png)



http://sandal-woodsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/curves-3-2.png (http://sandal-woodsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/curves-3-2.png)



http://sandal-woodsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/curves-4-sanded-2.png (http://sandal-woodsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/curves-4-sanded-2.png)



I did a little sanding on what was left over, in the last photo. But HOW in the world does one sand the tightest spots? And.. uhhh... I really must find Sandy's Pfeil carving tools - I know they are in the shop, somewhere.




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[Bob Easton]

... But HOW in the world does one sand the tightest spots? ...

Very fine sawing Al! Looking good.

One of the techniques I've used for sanding, for model building, is to make sanding sticks from things like popsicle sticks. Cut them to the size and shape needed. Then, use rubber cement to attach sandpaper. Of course, self-adhesive sandpaper would work. For the curved shapes, split off some small bits of wood and carve a curved shape, or use dowel stock of appropriate size. Once you make a couple of sanding sticks, the ideas will start flowing.

[David Gendron]

I guess we could say that you mastered the bow saw!!
Good work!

[John Keeton]

Impressive! Gives on a new appreciation for the "old school" way of doing things.

Saw a tip somewhere the other day about using a piece of wax paper over a stick of molding, and filling it with Bondo to form a sanding block to match the profile. Probably has no application here, but neat tip on sanding unique profiles.

[Eric Brown]

Did you do all the cutting at one time, without unclamping the board, or did you reposition?

I have found it's fun to keep the frame straight up and down and just keep turning the blade as I cut.

Don't know if you saw my suggestion on stoning the back edge of the blade, but it does help.

Eric

PS: Thanks for the tip on Dovetail chisels. I sent my request in but never got a response yet. Hopefully soon.

[Bob Lang]

What you need to remove the saw marks is a modeling rasp, and of course the pricey French ones are the best.

Bob Lang

[Al Navas]

Very fine sawing Al!...For the curved shapes, split off some small bits of wood and carve a curved shape, or use dowel stock of appropriate size. Once you make a couple of sanding sticks, the ideas will start flowing.
Thanks, Bob - it works!






I guess we could say that you mastered the bow saw!!
Good work!
David,
Thanks! I am not so sure - mastering will likely take a long time. I took my time... :)





Impressive! Gives on a new appreciation for the "old school" way of doing things...
John,

It does - the old school folks sure knew what they were doing. And to think I am just re-discovering it.





Did you do all the cutting at one time, without unclamping the board, or did you reposition?

I have found it's fun to keep the frame straight up and down and just keep turning the blade as I cut.

Don't know if you saw my suggestion on stoning the back edge of the blade, but it does help.

Eric

PS: Thanks for the tip on Dovetail chisels. I sent my request in but never got a response yet. Hopefully soon.
Eric,

I unclamped, and clamped again. It was easier this way, to prevent snapping off the weaker tips; I was able to see the smallish pieces move a bunch as I was sawing. But on much of it I turned the blade, and kept going. I found turning was quite easy, by cutting and turning using the full length of the blade.

On the DT chisels: You are welcome!




What you need to remove the saw marks is a modeling rasp, and of course the pricey French ones are the best.

Bob Lang
Thanks, Bob. I believe I have a birthday coming in a few weeks. What could be more appropriate?


My thanks to all for reading, and contributing your thoughts and suggestions!


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