This isn't the first time I browsed this thread, but I understand it better each time I visit it. I've just about finished reading Paul Hasluck's old book on carving and I'm getting more serious about getting some carving tools. I think I learned much of the Swiss system of measuring sweep this weekend, and now I find out there's a Sheffield system too! Gosh! Thank you --to Mike Henderson and everyone else who helped made this lesson educational and interesting!
I think I would like to build a decorated coffee table ("architectural relief-carving"?). That's probably a tall order, but it gives me something to think about! : ) I have found thinking about trying to "fill space with wood and space" in an artistic manner to be more intriguing than I might have expected.
1.5 years later, this thread is still teaching! Thanks!
Bill (in Indianapolis)