Len Q. asked:


Whittling has been around for many hundreds of years.  All the way back to the days of cavemen.  One could say that it is because we began to whittle that technology began.  It was the shaping of wood, after all—after the discovery of sharp edges—that sparked human imagination to make carts, cooking implements and clothes, weapons for hunting and methods of food gathering.  Who would’ve thought?

So you want to whittle wood.  Good for you.  Whittling is the simple removal of pare shavings or cutting small bits from a piece of wood with a knife or a similar wedge-edged tool.  No more, no less.  So what does it take to become a good whittler?

To become a good whittler, you’ll need to know several things.  You’ll need to know how to choose the right wood and the right knife.  You’ll want to know some basic whittling techniques and just a bit about maintenance and storage.

Choosing the Wood. 

-  Soft woods are best for whittling.  Pine cuts very easily but isn’t able to hold detail well.  Basswood and Balsa are also very popular. 

-  Birch, cedar and maple aren’t considered to be soft woods but they are often used for whittling.

-  When selecting wood for whittling, rely on two things:  a straight grain and uniform color.  A straight grain is usually a softer wood than crossed grains.  Because changes in color usually mean changes in hardness, you’ll want to avoid this.  When all else fails, press down on the wood with your thumbnail and rely on that to tell you how hard it is. 

-  If whittling wood is difficult to purchase, you could check your local lumberyard for a scrap bin.  You just might find a treasure trove. 

Choosing the Knife.  There is no one specific type or brand of knife that is best for whittling.  Mostly, it’s a matter of comfort. 

-  Avoid stainless steel knives.  It isn’t easy to sharpen them correctly.  Even when you do, they usually can’t hold a very sharp edge for too long.  This makes them highly inefficient.

-  Most whittlers like small knives that fit in the palm of your hand.  Others like pocket knives, switchblade knives or folding knives (with lockable blades) that can be opened with one hand.  Comfort and portability rule.

-  Special whittling knives have short plump handles that give you an easier grip and better control.  And because whittling involves extended periods, this is really great for precision and control.

                                                                                

-  Some whittling knives come in kits.  These kits may have several knives, each with a different edge shape.  Or the kit might have a knife handle and several differently shaped blade edges that are interchangeable.  Different edges allow for much better maneuverability.   

-  When you’re ready to buy one, shop around.  Test them out.  Give yourself time to find the best fit and comfort for your hands.   

Safety Tips.

-  You’ll be working with a small piece of wood and a small knife.  First thing then is the knife.  It should be balanced and have light weight.  More than anything else, it must be comfortable in your hand.  If it isn’t, you shouldn’t use it.

-  Wear gloves.  Think of it this way, if you cut your hands or fingers, you’re done.  You won’t be able to whittle at all until it heals.  Wear them, at least until you’ve developed some real skill at handling the knife.

-  Be in a good frame of mind.  Or at least a reasonably good frame of mind.  If you are the type of person who becomes aggressive when upset, it’s probably not a good idea to whittle at that time.  (Imagine losing a finger!)

Basic Whittling Techniques.  It goes without saying but you’ve got to be sure.  Keep fingers and all other body parts away from knife edges.  Take no chances. 

-  When gripping your knife, your thumb should be against the spine with the edge facing your fingers.

-  Each knife stroke you make should be away from your body.  Never stroke towards your body.  You know you’re just asking for it.

-  The hand holding the knife should be further from your body than the hand holding the piece of wood.

-  Lock your wrists for better control.

-  Tuck your elbows into your sides to limit free movement.

Whittling Recommendations. 

-  Use a wide-beveled knife edge to cut soft wood or semi-soft wood.  Conversely, use a narrow-beveled knife edge to cut hardwood.  A narrow bevel means a higher cutting angle which means a stronger edge.

-  When you’re done for the day, clean and dry your knives.  A light coating of lubricant is recommended for your knife blades.  Linseed oil is recommended for your wood handles.  Take care of your knives and they could last your lifetime.

-  If your knives don’t already have a case, store them in a way that protects their edges.  Be sure that wherever they are, it’s safe and secure.  Only you should be able to get to them. 

-  If you decide to use more tools than just a knife, you’ll be entering the world of detailed wood carving.  Just clarifying that for you.

Sharpening Your Knife.  Factory-made whittling knives are often unsharpened.  This is preferable to a sharpened knife because dedicated whittlers prefer to make their own sharpening angles. 

-  You can use any of various coarse grade sharpening stones or a ceramic steel to create the cutting angles. 

-  A diamond slipstone or a diamond pocket file are great portables for times when you’re on the go.  Or you can use them for quick touch-ups on your edges.   

-  A well-sharpened knife edge will need a strop to remove the burr and all other micro-bits from the edge.  This improves the whittling process and delays further sharpening.  If you prefer, a honing compound and honing board will also get that edge smooth. 

-  If you haven’t learned how to sharpen a knife and maintain its edge, these are among the first things you should learn.  You’ll be more independent and as efficient as possible.  

——————————————————— 

Len Q. is a master blade sharpener and an adventurer who strives to protect the natural world.  If you would like to learn about

           -  Knife Sharpening:  How to Sharpen Knives, Maintain and Store Them

           -  Sharpening Other Edges

               (e.g. Chain Saws, Gardening Tools, Axes)

           -  Or maybe you could use a Free Guide on  Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades

Find it here at www.MakeKnivesSharp.com. 



TERENCE

Lena Kavhovsky asked:


With the high needs for comfort and style, many house owners prefer the use of wood doors not just to promote security but style and fashion at the same time. How is this possible? For one, using PVC or installing some metallic hollow doors may promote security for your house. However, spicing up the entrance part of your home prompts householders to re-image their houses by accentuating the house’s beauty through the use of wood doors.

Wood doors are greatly valued especially in households where county or classic house themes are preferred. Pleasing visitors or your neighbors by re-imaging or putting more style to your wood doors promote self-accomplishment for householders. While it’s true that high maintenance is needed, maintaining the very entrance of your house invites comfort and accommodation for those who come frequently to your home.

Wood doors may come in variety. There are the sliding doors, exterior folding or French double wood doors. Other choices include panel doors with stiles, rails or mullions. Depending on your choice and house style, you can actually reinstall new wood doors for your house if you think you wish to change the style of these doors. However, if you wish to maintain and accessorize your wood doors, you may want to check the following cool materials that are helpful not just for maintaining your wood doors but would promote the style of your entrance doors:



Wood doors handles can come up in various shapes and designs. You can purchase these accessories for less than $50 in home stores near you. Also, you can choose varieties of wood doors handles online.

Flip lock for sliding doors can be purchased for less than $10.00. These are best for your safety and best for sliding doors even windows.

Door knockers are also cool stuffs for your wood doors. When you purchase these, make sure to contact the home maintenance stuff for installation. You may want to check if you can purchase customized door knockers and if not, always check the best knocker for your wood door.

Wood door chimes can add beauty and music to those who will open and close your doors.

Chain bolts for your wood doors can enhance the security of your home. Seek for the home maintenance crew’s assistance prior to installing these bolts to avoid damaging your wood doors.



These are just few of the items you could purchase to enhance your wood doors. The best part is that these items can be used for your interior or exterior wood doors. Professional help is needed when installing some of these devices so make sure to seek the assistance of a home maintenance crew during your purchases. Further, check for some other items available in the home store, for sure there are new items released for your wood doors.

Remember, customizing and adding some personal touch in establishing your home like choosing the best wooden doors for your home promotes not just the security but the establishing a good residence with style at the same time.



LANCE

Stormy B asked:


OK, we are planning to cut a pass through with a bar in the wall between our dining room and kitchen. On the dining room side the walls are drywall; on the kitchen side they are wood paneling. We would like the interior of the pass through area to be drywall but we unsure how the drywall of the interior could meet the paneling in the kitchen. Could we just tape and mud the corner like we will on the dining room side? The alternative is to just use wood trim but we would really prefer the smooth look of drywall. Has anyone done this before?

kimberly wood