Recent content by peteswright

Thanks for that info Chris. Yes. most of my learning about carving is from US based vids on the tube (Gene Messer) so maybe just antiquing with BLO will suffice. It was more for protecting the piece from constant handling by the thousands of admirers really LOL!!! ATB. Pete.

Have you had a look at Gene Messer on the tube yet? He has some great vids on Flat Plane carving and thousands of em too. Harley Refsal's the boss for me but Gene is great too. Im three months into F.P.C. myself but making decent progress. Keep at it. It's the only way to learn. Good on you for...

Hi. I need to find an oil based polyurethane to seal my boiled linseed oil stained carved figures. Being new to all this, don't know what is commonly used and easily available. Deft spray is recommended but does not seem to be around in the UK. Would prefer Matt or Satin, clear, spray or brush...

Thanks for that info. Not heard that one before. It all helps. ATB. Pete.

The Workzone one is not available, at least in my area. Been in touch with customer services and all sold out online and instore. Might have found a way to use my jigsaw just for the cutting of small blocks. Slower but better that pumping away with a hand saw. Thanks again for all suggestions...

Thanks everybody for the suggestions. Might just wait for the Aldi one as I do shop there a lot. Bought my Jigsaw there recently. I've used handsaws but too time and muscle consuming. Im 67 and although not feeble want the speed and convenience of a bandsaw or similar. Not paying out up to £300...

I need a Bandsaw for cutting Basswood blocks to varying depths & widths for my new hobby of carving caricature figures. I've found some at usual online outlets but all too large & expensive. Want something smaller & cheap! Don't even need it to cut patterns, just straight cuts but need to be...

I can relate to that last comment about the bucket and rock! Cliff Stamp's videos on knives & sharpening turned my head around by sharpening on a house brick to perfection and no stropping!!! Pete. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSt2mCWGFII&list=PL0altu-Zk9P1UjjtcJhQWh8Qq6RkkRz8G&index=2...

Robson Valley. An impressive array of tools with excellent woodworking skills shown in the handles. I'm with you on the soft leather front. I use thin leather on hardwood surfaces on homemade strops to avoid the give which wraps itself up and around the edge causing rounding of the micro bevel...

Excellent reply sir. Nice to hear from one who also takes this very seriously. I've been in touch with Cliff Stamp and others. He recommended 2000 grit paper laid on the strop for regular 20min edge touchups. Might try that on one of my cheaper blades to check for wear & sharpness. I guess the...

As in the title. I'm trying to find what other Basswood carvers use as a best test for sharpness of blade after stropping or actually sharpening with stone belt grinder etc. I currently mainly use push cutting phonebook paper plus blade edge gripping the thumb nail. Would be interested to know...

I joined this forum recently for the reason your quoting! I couldn't find any UK forums for Whittling/Carving (Flat Plane Carving mainly) they're all American which don't help if needing British suppliers & English terminology etc. Keep me in mind if you find anything please. I'm completely new...

Thanks for the link. Will ty them after using the Lime I ordered off Ebay last night if successful. Appreciate it. ATB. Pete.

Funnily enough I ordered some Lime to try last night from Ebay. A touch cheaper than the Basswood. See how we go! ATB. Pete.

Just looked on their site. This is what it says, so maybe it is N American Basswood. A domestic wood cut in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin, desired because of its economy, work-ability and finishing qualities.