How to Make Micro Carving Tools
Micro carving tools are the primary instruments of many master woodworkers and sculptors. Their small intricate blades are prized for the fine lines and angles they can be used to produce. Their only drawbacks are they can sometimes be expensive or hard to find. With some savvy shopping, ingenuity and the right tools you can have your own set for a fraction of the cost.
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Things You'll Need
- 8" or longer screwdriver or other steel-shafted hand tool, 5
- Photo of carver or chisel
- Steel scribe or heavy needle
- Bench magnifier
- Bench grinder or double-sided file
- Hacksaw
- Hand-held grinder
- Vise
- Butane torch
- Water quench
- Scrap leather or heavy cloth
- Electrical tape or small braid twine
- Scissors
Instructions
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Shopping
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Tools don't have to be expensive to be functional. Purchase your materials in the bargain bins or clearance shelf in your local hardware store. You can often find generic hand tools for less than a couple of dollars or an entire set for only a few dollars more. Make sure the shaft is "full tang" or runs the entire length of tool to the end of the handle.
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Never try to cut anything that has not been secured. Secure the screwdriver in the vise. Cut off the utensil head (machined end of tool) with the hacksaw. Repeat this step with each tool you plan to alter. Cut tools so that at least six inches is left in case you make a mistake and need to start over.
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3
If your scribe point is too big, you should opt for the needle; its fine point will offer a more defined line when altering. Display a picture of the carver or chisel near your working area to study the shape; much the same way an artist uses a model. Use magnifier to observe your work. Firmly grasp the vise-held tool with free hand to balance your upper body. Scribe or score area at end of shaft with writing hand.
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4
A bench magnifier is a great tool for anyone doing intricate work. Begin to lightly remove steel at the opposite side of scored line with the hand-held grinder. Slowly remove steel until you have reached the scored mark. If you are using a bench grinder, grasp handle in your nondominant hand and slowly guide the scored shaft to the wheel at the machine-guard platform. Stop once you have reached the scoring lines of each tool.
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5
Use hand files to hone precision angles. Return tool to vise and secure. Use fine surface of file to file the tool to the desired thickness of angles.
Temper the Steel
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Unless you have a large fuel supply, using a small torch will greatly limit the hardening process. Heat end of utensil head with small blue flame from torch. Head will undergo color changes which can indicate the approximate temperature. Heat until head turns a pale yellow, then quench in water. Repeated heating and quenching hardens the steel. Repeat process several times.
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Use a sharpening stone to get the cutting edge. Sharpen the utensil heads. Hold a sharpening stone in your nondominant hand. Push or drag the utensil head across stone until sharpened.
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8
Braided twine offers a more comfortable grip. Cut leather or cloth into four-inch squares. Center squares onto the butt of the handle and secure with tape or twine. Wrap twine or tape from top to bottom and secure. These squares will soften the pressure on the palm from guiding the tool.
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Tips & Warnings
Investigate bargain shops for cheap tools.
To learn more about heat tempering, study metallurgy concepts.
Follow fire safety when using torch.
Wear thick leather gloves when handling heated tools.
Do not remove or bypass machine guards when using grinder.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit tool bench image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com screw driver image by Alfonso d'Agostino from Fotolia.com hack-saw image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com drill image by Federico Romano from Fotolia.com magnifying glass image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com three file image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com hand held torch image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com oil and grindstone image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com scissors image by Pefkos from Fotolia.com
