The letters were all carved in Genuine Mahogany with a mill knife. Lowercase letters are about 2" and caps are 3". Like your project, they will be gilded.
Marty
-------------------- Marty Engel Berkley, MI Hill Mountain Signworks LLC
marty@hillmountain.com 248-890-8265 Posts: 58 | From: Berkley, MI | Registered: Dec 2002
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That was a big help!! Marty, sweet looking job!!! Nice and clean! I noticed that you like a pretty deep"V"....does that help cut down on the "Flashing"? It sure looks rich! I'd love to see pics when its done! Whats a Mill knife look like?
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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Thanks for the kind words on the sign... I too can not wait until it is finished! But that is another story.
The depth of the letter really depends on the width of the typeface and the way you have your knife set up. Those shown have about a 30-45 degree bevel and are deep enough to give the impression of dimension but not too deep to make leafing difficult. I am working on using up a box of patent leaf and can do without the frustration.
I use the 3/4" aluminum/walunut handle with a modified sharp point blade. The book gives instructions on how to do this. You can also purchase this knife/handle combo from Lee Valley or Highland Hardware. You may also want to look at the 1/2" brass/rosewood handle for smaller detail work and serifs. The versatility of ¾” version is rather amazing. You may find your gouges collecting a little dust if you decide to make the switch.
I am amazed at how quick and easy it is to carve soft woods or HDU with this tool. One nice feature is the adjustable blade that allows you to fine-tune the knife for different sized letters. Once you get things set-up the way you like... have fun and let the chips fly!
Cheers,
Marty
-------------------- Marty Engel Berkley, MI Hill Mountain Signworks LLC
marty@hillmountain.com 248-890-8265 Posts: 58 | From: Berkley, MI | Registered: Dec 2002
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I guess I knew what it was, but I didn't know what it was called.....
I use a skew chisel which has a similar designed blade....just a different (unadjustable) handle. I usually end up holding it by the blade where I have a piece of glove leather wrapped around it.
Thanks!!!
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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Tir na NOg means "Land Of Youth". Gaelic legend has it that a couple who wished to stay young were led to "Tir na NOg" by a white horse. This sign is for a middle aged couple who are opening a small ranch in NH where folks can board their horses. The main part of the sign will be a large white horse, a few knots, etc. I'll try to get a few shots of it to post somehow????? or I'll just send you a couple of pics
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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