How to Carve a Shell Top Corner Cupboard
Carved shell details are often found in traditional furniture. The top shelf of a corner cupboard is an example of a common application of the shell carving. The shell is carved into a panel and the panel is installed into the cupboard. The panel should be out of the same type of wood as the cupboard so that it matches and appears as a cohesive part of the furniture piece.
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Things You'll Need
- Wood board, size of top shelf opening
- Protractor
- Flexible curve ruler
- Work bench
- Bench knife
- Parting chisel
- U-gouge
- V-gouge
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Place the board on a work surface with the front side of the board facing up. Draw the shell design onto the board. Be sure to make the shell to scale for the board. Use the protractor and flexible curve ruler to create a symmetrical design.
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2
Clamp the board to a work bench. The front face of the board should be upright so that the pattern can be carved.
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3
Score the outline and detailed lines with a bench knife. Carve away the wood around the outside of the outline with a parting chisel. Remove thin shavings a little at a time until the outline is raised approximately 1/8 inch.
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4
Round the edges of the outline using a bench knife to slice thin chips off of the raised edge of the outline. Continue working the outline until you are satisfied with the overall rounded edge.
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5
Carve the scalloped inside details of the shell using a U-gouge. Select a gouge that fits the scallop closely and remove thin shavings at a time by holding the chisel at a shallow angle from the surface of the board. Continue the process until the scalloped details inside the shell are to your satisfaction.
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6
Refine the details inside the shell carving such as the ridges along the scallops with a V-gouge. Apply slight pressure to remove a precise v-shaped sliver of wood from the carving to create fine details.
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7
Sand the carving lightly with fine-grit sandpaper until it is completely smooth. Always sand with the grain of the wood. Lightly sand areas with fine detail.
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8
Apply a wood finish to match the cupboard. Allow the finish to dry prior to installation.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice the carving on a scrap board prior to making the final carving.
Wear eye protection when working with wood. Keep your hands away from the path of the carving tool blades.
