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'Backcutting', as opposed to 'undercutting' is exactly that: removing would from the back to creat drame of a sense of thinness to the edges. It's effectively undercutting but you can work from the back of the carving, which usually means finding a different way of holding it. Undercutting is working from the front and is technically, usually, a lot more challenging.
| 27 April 2014 10:50
Ann - No really. Though they do thin towards the edge they remain quite strong and thick in their middles.If I was doing a truly 3D leaf, then I would thin right across. What I'm always asking is, what is the effect? How little do I need to do to get what I want - to get the edge looking thin from the viewer's point of view?
| 27 April 2014 09:55
Chris, are you thinning out the leaves when you back cut them?
| 25 December 2013 22:06
Another cool holding tool and holding technique to put into your "Vises and Holding Techniques" video... hint hint...
| 03 December 2013 13:57
Derek - You are right: regrettably, we can't show everything - hence the comment boxes for questions just like yours! A narrow, shortbent gouge is exactly what you need. But here's the rub: manufacturers vary as to the amount and placing of the bend they put on their shortbent tools, so you need to be careful when you buy them; have a look at it first; will it do the job etc. With the right tool it's still a matter of being careful. Best tip is to finish from the back, out - rather like painting a floor. That way you finish the teeth last and safely. The cleanly cut surface comes from slicing cuts (Tools > Shortbent Gouges). And there's nothing to stop you boring out a lot of the waste before you go in with the gouge. Yes, it's tricky work, but don't you love a challenge?!
| 30 November 2013 09:07
Hello Chris, I'm just curious as to how you worked the hollowing/excavating of the mouth considering it's such a narrow space, even more difficult it would seem with the teeth "in the way". The only tool I could think of that would work in that area is a very narrow short bent gouge & have been curious as to how you achieved such a nice hollow in the mouth area & how you got it so cleanly cut & smooth back there.
I understand that there's only so much actual footage you guys can include in these excellent video lessons & I'm certainly not complaining, I've learned & continue to learn from your informative lessons & your apparently natural gift at teaching wood carving. I've just been wondering how you went about excavating in such a narrow space w/ the neatly cut teeth covering most of the area. Thanks & Happy Holidays, Derek
