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Here we turn to the last of the discrete areas: the hind feet and claws. The carved bat doesn't actually hang by them but when our little furry friend finally roosts up on the wall, it's important that we get the sense that it grips just like a real bat.
This stage is the most delicate part of the carving. Take it easy, and support the carving from behind at all times...
| 26 April 2012 11:45
David - My riffler has 'Corradi Italy' stamped on it: a simple, curved knife edge. I think the Auriou 2-ARR-6-K-S 6 in. Knife/Spoon Riffler would be the closest bet. Why stop at two bats? I imagine a whole little flock (?) roosting in a corner would look something!
| 05 May 2011 07:32
I start the toe separation with a narrow U-shaped gouge rather than a V tool. This gave me a tight groove from which to cut with my thin flat gouge, which I switch to asap. The V tool, even a 45deg one, gives a wider spread of cut and there much more chance that it will cut one the toe sides AGAINST the grain with possibly disastrous tear out - there's not a lot of wood to play with! However, if you only have a V, then you could certainly use it to start off. The really important thing here is that I am SLICING my subsequent gouge cuts as much as possible. This eases the edge through the wood and actually makes it possible to cut against the grain if need be, down deep and through between the toes with little pressure. Hope this helps!
| 03 May 2011 22:15
Hi Chris,
Could you please explain why you did not use a V-tool to separate the toes.
Thanks
Klaus
