× Wood Turning Guide
Terms of use Privacy Policy

Whittling Pencils – A Beginner's Guide



build a nightstand

Whittling pencils make it easy to personalize your wood carvings. The introductory guide shows you how to create Uncle Sam, Santas, Leprechauns, or Santa Claus using a variety tools. These pencils have clear instructions with step by step photos. The author also gives tips on choosing the correct micro-mini carvers. He also gives tips on how to select the right pencils for you and provides basic information about painting and beards.

Dale Vander Linden

Dale Vander Linden (81) still makes pencils despite his years. He made them for over 60 years. He was even a US Navy Veteran during the Korean War. Vander Linden is survived in death by his wife, Cherry Vander Linden (61 years), sons Stephen & JoAnne, as well as brother Pete. He was also predeceased by his parents Guy and Katie Vander Linden as well his brothers Ern Don and Keith.


Dale Vander Linden's whittling pencils

Dale Vander Linden is fond of using rolling pins and pencils for his Santa Claus carvings. He spends the days before Christmas carving Santa Claus from pencils, and other materials. Many would be tempted using a carver's toolskit to carve Santa Claus. But he prefers to use an electric rolling pin.

Wood carving techniques

There are many wood carving methods that you can choose from to make your pencils. Natural oils are one of your best options for finishing wood carvings. Natural oils are a good way to protect wood from dirt and moisture. They also give wood a sheen that allows the eye to see the form. Avoid gloss varnish. It creates a shiny and illegible surface that could confuse the viewer. A second technique is to use wax. This gives pencils a soft and lustrous sheen. This technique is most appropriate for indoor carvings.


Your intended type of carving will dictate the wood type you choose. Choose a wood with fine grain and very little figure for detailed carving. Fine detail may be difficult to read if there is a lot of figure. You have now chosen the wood. Next is choosing the right tools. Safety goggles are required, along with Kevlar-based work gloves. These will protect your hands against wood chips and prevent you from scratching the wood.

sanding edges of whittling and pencils


plywood chair design

Wood carving is a popular form of decoration. This involves carving a tablet or plaque out of wood. Sanding the edges of these pencils can improve the look and feel of the finished product. These pencils can be very useful, regardless of the purpose. You must first sand these pencil edges to achieve a smooth, sharp surface.

You will need to make divots on the graphite's core. You can now use a number-2 pencil to make the marks once you've completed that. Make sure to use sandpaper that is lighter than the mark before you stop. After you've completed the carving process, hot-melt adhesive can be applied to the pencil tip.


If you liked this article, check the next - Visit Wonderland



FAQ

Do you have any tips on starting a woodworking business?

Starting a woodworking business is a lot of work. You won't mind working hard if your hobby is something you love. You might even enjoy running your own business.

Remember that you may encounter unexpected problems when starting a new venture. You might run out money, or you may have to borrow unexpectedly. Maybe customers won't be willing to pay what you want. Preparedness is key to survival in such situations.

A good tip is to open a separate bank account for your business. You'll be able to track how much money comes in and out.


How often should I get new supplies?

Some tools will need to be replaced over time. If you are using hand tools, you will need to sharpen them frequently. Power tools will require replacement parts every so often. Try spreading your purchases over a few months so you don't buy too many at once.


What furniture can I refinish?

Yes! Yes! There are many methods to refinish antique furniture without hiring a professional. Here are a few ideas:

Use sandpaper to remove scratches and stains. Then wipe down the surface with a clean cloth.

Use clear polyurethane varnish. Allow to dry thoroughly before moving furniture.

Acrylic paint can be used to paint furniture.

Instead of using paint, stain is a better choice. The furniture will get a rich look with the stain.

Use shellac wax. Applying wax will give the wood shine and protection.


Where can I find free woodworking plan?

For free woodworking blueprints, you don’t need to read any magazines or buy any books. All you need to do is search Google. Enter "free woodworking", and you will see hundreds upon hundreds of websites offering free plans.


What are the basics of woodworking?

The best way to learn how furniture construction is to make your own bench. This project can be done with any kind of wood that you have at home. If you are unsure what type of wood is best, you can get cheap pine boards at Lowes (or Home Depot) instead. After you've constructed your bench you'll want sand all the rough edges off and varnish it.


Can I make a living doing this?

Yes! Many woodworkers are already doing so. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2012, the median annual income for woodworkers was $34,000 This is much higher than the national median of $31,000 per annum.


What kind tools do carpenters use to build?

The most common tool used by carpenters is a hammer. A hammer can be used to drive nails into wood. It is also used to help hold pieces together while working on a job. Other tools include clamps, pliers, screwdrivers, measuring tape, pencils, saws, drills, and wrenches.



Statistics

  • If your lumber isn't as dry as you would like when you purchase it (over 22% in Glen Huey's opinion…probably over 10-15% in my opinion), then it's a good idea to let it acclimate to your workshop for a couple of weeks. (woodandshop.com)
  • Most woodworkers agree that lumber moisture needs to be under 10% for building furniture. (woodandshop.com)
  • The best-paid 10 percent make $76,000, while the lowest-paid 10 percent make $34,000. (zippia.com)
  • In 2014, there were just over 237,000 jobs for all woodworkers, with other wood product manufacturing employing 23 percent; wood kitchen cabinets and countertop manufacturing employing 21 percent. (theartcareerproject.com)



External Links

bls.gov


amzn.to


en.wikipedia.org


youtube.com




How To

How to stain wood

Stain wood is a process that involves applying chemicals to the surface of wood, which changes its color. This chemical reaction causes the wood to change from white to brownish red. The most common type of wood used for staining is oak, although many other types of wood can be stained.

There are many methods to apply stain to wood surfaces. Mixing the stain in a solvent such as turpentine and spraying it onto the wood is one method. You can also apply a solution containing water and dye directly to the wooden surface. It is possible to mix stain into varnishes and paints, making it part of the finishing coat.

Preparing the surface is the most important step in staining wooden surfaces. Cleaning the wood thoroughly removes any dirt or grease that could interfere with applying the stain. Sanding can smoothen out scratches and uneven spots. Then you must decide what kind of stain you want to use. There are two basic kinds of stains: penetrating stains and non-penetrating stains. Penetrating stain penetrates deeper into wood than nonpenetrating, making them suitable for dark colors like mahogany. Penetrating stains are best paired with lighter colors, such as maple.

After you've decided what type of stain to apply, get ready for your tools. The best tool for applying stains is a paintbrush. It allows you to evenly distribute the liquid over the surface. A few rags are also handy to clean up any spillages after you have finished painting. If you are planning to mix your stain, ensure you have enough containers for each component.

After you have prepared your materials for staining, clean the area. You can remove grime and dirt with warm water and soap. Use a dampened rag and clean water to wipe the furniture. Make sure you eliminate any loose debris, especially if you plan to stain darker wood.

Apply the stain next. Begin at one end and spray or brush the stain on the wood. You should work slowly and carefully. Continue moving along the grain until you reach your opposite end. Keep the stain from dripping off the wood's surface. Before moving on to the next steps, allow the stain drying completely.

Apply a clear polyurethane sealant to protect the painted surface. Apply three coats polyurethane sealer. Allow the third coat to dry overnight before sanding the final coat.




 



Whittling Pencils – A Beginner's Guide