PROJECTS: Carved Wooden Chain
3. CUT THE LINK OUTLINES
The first cuts are pretty easy since they’re all on
the outside — be sure to refer to Figures
C
and
D
as you work
!
Measure and mark the length in four equal
parts, and then:
3a
At the halfway mark, cut a notch on one arm
of the X and then in the same place on the
opposite arm.
3b
At each of the quarter marks, cut opposing
notches on the other two arms of the X.
3c
On the arms notched in Step 3b, remove the
material from the notch to the end of the
blank.
3d
On the arms notched in Step 3a, make four
half-notches at the ends of the arms. When
you’re done, you’ll be able to see the outlines
of the three links in your chain (Figure D).
4. HOLLOW THE FAR ENDS
Hollow out the fully exposed centers of the two
end links (Figure
E
). These internal cuts start
to get more difficult. Make stop cuts along the
outside of the target area and keep reinforcing
them as you go deeper — they will prevent you
from tearing out material beyond the center.
Take your time and don’t try to remove too
much material at once. I tend to use long V-cuts
along the grain to pull out little toothpick-sized
bits, alternating each side of the piece until I’m
able to break through.
To learn more about woodcarving cuts, the
best intro I’ve seen is the “4 Basic Cuts” video by
Woodcrafter's Corner (youtu.be/82aZIw_Wfss).
Other popular resources are
carvingjunkies.com/
wood-carving-cuts.html and woodiswood.com/all-7-
cuts-to-master-in-wood-carving.
5. FINISH HOLLOWING THE END LINKS
Finish hollowing out the less-exposed centers
of the two end links (Figure
F
). Use the same
technique as in the previous step, being sure to
keep strong stop cuts all along the outside. At this
point the piece will start becoming pretty fragile,
so be very aware of where you are applying force
with your gripping hand and as you press in with
the knife point.
When you’ve finished this step, the end links
are clearly visible and almost complete.
D
3a
3b
3c
3d
C
D
E
F
Cut
Don't cut
Don't cut
76 makezine.com
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