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Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Dec 19, 2006 3:57pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I tried using my new carving needles today. This is a first impression report.

First off, note there's probably an inherent bias in comparing a brand new carving method to the tried-and-true razor knife. I've had a lot of practice with the razor knife, and expecting to do as well or better with something completely new would be asking a lot.

For long, straight, or gently curving cuts, I found the razor knife to be superior -- but not by a lot. The needles could be used quite effectively for such cuts, especially the larger ones. The biggest problem was my tendency to cut a bit too deep; with the razor knife when you cut too deep it just gets a little tougher to move it, but with the needles a little too deep and it pretty much comes to a screeching halt.

Another issue was understanding exactly where you're cutting. It's easy to see where the cutting edge is on the razor knife, but on the needle it wasn't so clear at first. I was rather surprised to find that it worked better to carve with the round side of the needle pointing up. That way I had no trouble telling where the cutting edge is. Sometimes I turned it back over, with the opening in the needle facing upward, when doing certain cuts. It works either way, probably a matter of personal preference.

For really tiny detail, the needles really stand out -- and I didn't even get to the tiniest ones. Fact is, I don't think my +3.0 reading glasses are up to the task when you can make cuts this tiny. If I want to take things to the next level, I'd need to get a more powerful magnifier. I'm not sure how much farther I can go before I'm cutting details that the ink will just fill in anyway; I've already had some problems with ink filling in details on my stamps.

With experience with the razor knife, I've developed a level of finesse that allows me to make considerable detail. With the needles, finesse isn't needed -- you can just sit down and cut exactly what you want.

I was also pleasantly surprised at how well the needles worked at digging. Thanks to the tubular structure, the larger needles are actually stiffer than the razor knife. You soon find that you can cut all around some little chunk, then jam the needle under it and pry it out.

My first attempt at carving eyes came out just dandy.
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57832 by Kirbert
Dec 19, 2006 4:11pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I would just love some! I guess I'll have to keep an eye out.
Red Soup
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57839 by JennieGee
Dec 19, 2006 4:17pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote I would just love some! I guess I'll have to keep an eye out.


If you're talking about carving needles, keeping an eye out probably won't work. Check out:

http://www.nettally.com/palmk/RubberStampTools.html
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57842 by Kirbert
Dec 19, 2006 4:50pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Oh, I see. you have to make them. Is there some reason you couldn't just leave the needle on the syringe or are these syringes just too big and unwieldly to hold on to?

Red Soup
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57850 by JennieGee
Dec 19, 2006 5:40pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote Is there some reason you couldn't just leave the needle on the syringe or are these syringes just too big and unwieldly to hold on to?


I expect that the needle sticks out too far. I know needles come in various lengths, but I suspect they're all too long to use effectively that way. By chucking the needle up in the pin vise, you can have it protruding only about 1/2" or so, so you can grip it right up close to the point.
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57865 by Kirbert
Dec 19, 2006 5:42pm
Thread (disabled) Board
If you are using medical IV catheters (needles) you will most likely run into a safety feature to protect the needle user for medical purposes. They will lock in place and then become un-usable. Great safety feature for us nurses, bad feature for carvers.

Now, veterinary needles, I don't have a clue on those. Still a newbie.
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57866 by sweet n sour
Dec 19, 2006 5:44pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote Now, veterinary needles, I don't have a clue on those. Still a newbie.


I can answer that! No safety features! So go Crazy!
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57866 by sweet n sour
Dec 19, 2006 5:55pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I tried to purchase some needles from my vet yesterday... No deal! I can't believe it! They wouldn't sell me a "horse sized" needle because...I'm going to use it on myself?! Ok... I asked for a 14 gage! That's like piercing size! Diabetics use a 30... BIG DIFFERENCE. -An explanation of carving in rubber didn't cut it either! I guess I'll be trying the feed store next.

~Queen Beeloved
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57869 by The Gamecock
Dec 19, 2006 6:26pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Where would one go to buy these needles?
Red Soup
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57872 by Queen Beeloved
Dec 19, 2006 7:10pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I ordered several dozen in multiple sizes on-line from a vet supplier about a year ago and had no problem at all. Real cheap too. Did you try an on-line vet supply sight?

Sahalie
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57872 by Queen Beeloved
Dec 19, 2006 9:20pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote I tried to purchase some needles from my vet yesterday... No deal!. . . . .I guess I'll be trying the feed store next.


I purchased some from my feed store and from the pharmicy. The pharmicist just showed me what he had and I purchased 2 different ones to try out, now weird looks or questions why.

But when I tried them I did not like them, maybe later I will give them another try but for me it is the speed ball and a small blade (the size of the ones that swivil but is set in a retractble pen) if you are wondering I got it in a scrapbooking store.

Mystic Dreamer
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57866 by sweet n sour
Dec 20, 2006 4:43am
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote If you are using medical IV catheters (needles) you will most likely run into a safety feature to protect the needle user for medical purposes. They will lock in place and then become un-usable.


I actually have a catheter needle around here someplace, has a solid core that is removed after insertion. It's old, though, might predate such safety features. I'm curious: how could a safety feature prevent you from sawing the needle itself off and using it for carving?
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57920 by Kirbert
Dec 20, 2006 5:03am
Thread (disabled) Board
Not that kind of safety feature. The ones we use are called "Protective cath". That means once you use it on a patient, there is a feature that allows the needle to retract into itself to prevent sticking yourself once it has been contaminated with the patient's blood. Thus decreasing the risk of HIV, Hepatitis transmission.
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57865 by Kirbert
Dec 20, 2006 8:37pm
Thread (disabled) Board
>quote<I expect that the needle sticks out too far. I know needles come in various lengths, but I suspect they're all too long to use effectively that way. By chucking the needle up in the pin vise, you can have it protruding only about 1/2" or so, so you can grip it right up close to the point.>/quote<

Kirbert, thanks, this is where I went wrong. I will be buying the pin vice. I saw some carving at a gather here in Maine last fall that I can only aspire to reach in terms of beauty and detail. I know I have to be able to work on a smaller scale to produce art like that. When I tried carving with a needle, it was connected to the barrell and plunger and of course I had about three inches of needle that I couldn't manage because in affect, I was holding it like a paintbrush instead of the way I would hold a writing tool. All I could do is poke with it not cut.


Thanks,

Eaglewatcher
Re: Carving Needles
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #57866 by sweet n sour
Dec 21, 2006 10:53am
Thread (disabled) Board
Quote If you are using medical IV catheters (needles) you will most likely run into a safety feature to protect the needle user for medical purposes. They will lock in place and then become un-usable. Great safety feature for us nurses, bad feature for carvers.


Ahh yes, I do have a small collection of various sizes. Very careful not to hit that button....

I use the large guage to make my circles and they are a little stiffer too. Not too useful for much else, small handle and all... Great for veins, not so great for rubber :o)

I can't wait for my carving needles to come in.. I love christmas presents...

-Buxton Boxers