Mon Graffito Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Not knowing where to drop this question, I thought in "techniques - how to" would be closest to my point: how do you reduce the danger of work related damage? I carve (Proxon & smaller "dentist" type power tools) wood, bone, antler, alabaster, marble. Small statues (max 25 cm tall) or pendant/small size sculptures that can be worn. And I love working details! The smaller ones work better if I hold them in my hand and rotate them, while working. I hold them tight and before long, I got the tendon of my left thumb really hurting. Doc says it's tendonitis. What would you suggest I'd do to reduce future damage Thanks Mon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janel Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 I use a carving peg with some poster putty, which is malleable and a little tacky, stuck to the end of the peg. It holds the small piece, provides protection to the carving when placed against the wood that serves as support. Other maybe "larger" pieces I use a leather bag filled with sand. Such things are used by jewelers. This is a very long ago image but it does show the carving peg that is screwed from underneath to the bench top, with the poster putty in place for use with the mammoth tusk piece that I was carving the time. The putty was a great discovery and is responsible for much relief for the "holding" hand. The piece can be stuck to it and can be removed and turned to the next position needed. When a piece is in the fine detail stages, I take a thin white glove and cover the putty so that the little bit of oils in the putty will not influence the wood surface. I will also wear those gloves, with finger tips cut out on the tool-holding hand. This image below shows the leather, sand-filled bag. The carving peg itself has been much used/abused and has rough spots that can hold a piece when pressing against the carving while carving. This discussion includes some information about carving holding and pegs: Best wishes, Janel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.K. Henderson-Winnie Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 Hi Mon and Janel, I have been trying out the mounting putty that Janel suggested, and I really like it. It does help with reducing the tension of my grip, and I feel that my cuts are surer since there is a solid backing supporting the stroke instead of just my hand's strength. Bonnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janel Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 Yay! I am glad that you found some and that it is a positive tool for you. Janel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts