Comb - TUTORIAL

[jon r]

Split a slither of wood off a block. The grain in my comb runs vertically so that the teeth have much strength. I chose to use Ash wood because it is quite strong, when the wood seasons it will become harder and stronger.

I used this knife to do all the carving on the comb, Its my Grandads old farming knife. It has a few different sized knives and a tool for making wholes in leather which i find is also good at making wholes in thin wood.

Carve the sides of the split wood smooth ans straight.

I also rounded the top two corners.

I drew a straight line across the wood to show me where the base of the teeth should start. I then made a small whole in the centre with the whole boaring tool (you could simply use the tip of your knife or just try carving without these wholes)

I carved the wood out between the bottom of the comb and the whole to create a small gap.

Keep making the wholes along the line and carving out the gaps to make individual teeth.

You are going to need some patience for this job... Round each tooth off and point the bottom slightly.

Finished comb:

 

[michiel]

Great job. I love your tutorials!

Michiel

 

[John Fenna]

Very nice!
If I had hair I would try one of these!
Actually. I will be growing my beard for a play I am going to be in this Xmas....hmmmmmm!
John

 

[g4ghb]

A masterpiece as always Jon! - :You_Rock_

 

[jon r]

I made this little one yesterday as an experiment then i made the larger one in the tutorial today to a higher standard

 

[heath]

great tutorial yet again

 

[Heathenpeddler]

Only thing I'd suggest is to put a support along the top edge with the grain running the other way as that will help prevent the comb breaking in half, much the same way as bone/antler combs were made.

 

[jon r]

Only thing I'd suggest is to put a support along the top edge with the grain running the other way as that will help prevent the comb breaking in half, much the same way as bone/antler combs were made.

I had thought of doing that but im going to wait and see how durable it is when the wood has dried.

Maybe i should have made it from a piece of wood near to the side of the log so that the grain is straighter in the horizontal direction too, if you get what i mean...

I'll make another proberbly. This is only my second.

 

[jojo]

Lovely work, Jon. You've really got a good eye for clarity in your tutorials.:You_Rock_ May be you should become a teacher.

 

[Greg]

Nice job as always Jon.

 

[JonnyP]

Good one Jon.......:You_Rock_

 

[mr dazzler]

I think youd find beech easier to do because the grain is fine and not as agressive and leading as in ash. Or elm might be worth a try it doesnt split easily because of its wild grain structure, but you would need real sharp blade to carve elm cleanly. You could start out with the blankk about 1/2 an inch or so thick, then thin it down on the teeth area to a few mm, so the handle is extra thick and strong. Maybe a hot wire or nail would make the holes neater? Or a little bow drill with a nail bit? Saw kerf to get a real fine tooth pattern?
I once made a big comb to knock threads down on a loom I made some year's ago, and found it essential to carefully smoothen and polish the insides of each tooth so as it wouldnt snag on the threads, and the tooth spacing had to be exact also.
cheers Jonathan

 

[fishfish]

fabulus! can the same be done with bone?

 

[Heathenpeddler]

Yes, you can use bone though antler is a better material as it's stronger. Have a look at this site - http://www.regia.org/bonework.htm