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Read Thread: Laser carving

Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Feb 4, 2013 9:39am
Thread (disabled) Board
I went to an event this past weekend. Some amazing carves.
I thought I was getting pretty good at carving (still have a lot to learn) but these were PERFECT. Do people really carve that well or are they using tools I'm not?
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757697 by Photo Dabble
Feb 4, 2013 9:46am
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What tools do you use, and what medium?
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757697 by Photo Dabble
Feb 4, 2013 10:18am
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most of the carves you saw at the event were done with combination x-acto knife and/or small gouge.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757697 by Photo Dabble
Feb 4, 2013 11:41am
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What tools are you using?
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757697 by Photo Dabble
Feb 4, 2013 3:04pm
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so, did you like your first event? didja?? didja?? did you have a blast and now you want to do it again???

inquiring tiggers want to know. . . .
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757770 by tiggermama
Feb 4, 2013 3:34pm
Thread (disabled) Board
so, did you like your first event? didja?? didja??

That is the understatement of the century! I'm sure I looked like a bloomin' fool sitting there just a grinnin' and a stampin'. But the best was when Baqash brought out the 4th Order. I thought I was just gonna cry right there in front of everyone (from happiness of course).
When is the next one??????? I'm so there.

MamaJones- who can hopefully calm down enough to take pictures next time.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757726 by Baqash
Feb 4, 2013 3:37pm
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I'm using gouges. But I'm open to other things. I've been known for my crafting ability (not to be confused with creative ability) and steady hand. But those stamps looked professionally made.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757777 by Photo Dabble
Feb 4, 2013 3:44pm
Thread (disabled) Board
The various carvers thank you. if you are using pink carving material, it is somewhat softer and harder to get fine detail. PZ was my go to material for the longest time, especially if i wanted detail. Neither PZ nor Orange are available any longer. I have heard that the new OZ is close to PZ but not quite there. I haven't tried it yet as I have a stock of other materials to use up first; including some bargain basement PZ.

I can tell you that many of the stamps you stamped in with were carved either on PZ or Firm Kut (very firm, very elastic, but nice for thin lines if you can't have orange). Take a look at the Stampeaz web site for alternative materials to the pink found in Michaels.

Many carvers also now use a Kirbert modified (miniaturized) gouge which allows for an even finer line.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757777 by Photo Dabble
Feb 4, 2013 5:25pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Did you see small gouge marks or knife marks on the stamps? I bet you did.

First, improve your tools as much you are able. Get the mini or reverse Steadlers. Get the materials you need. Get the magnifying lamp. Learn to transfer in a way that works best for you. Often times the transfer STILL trips me up!! Take a carving class if there is one near you and just watch some people carve. The more you practice, the better you will get. And most of all, remember it is all about patience. It can't be hurried because that is the moment a mistake occurs.

Whatever each of our level of ability is, we each can improve. Our stamps might not look like the stamps of another carver, but if we each are improving, that is what counts!

bluebirdlover
still looking to improve
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757795 by bluebirdlover
Feb 4, 2013 5:33pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I have a magnifying glass (no light attached) for carving, though I find I make more mistakes using it rather than with the naked eye..... Any idea on how I can "trick" my eyes into being able to use the magnifying glass better?

Also, I agree with the Staedler 1V tool. The thing I don't like about them is that you can't change out the nib, but have to buy a whole new tool. I did buy a modified gouge from stampeaz, which I use quite a bit! I don't use the other Staedler tools, but use Speedball 1, 2, and 4 for most larger area stuff. I've been also known to use an exacto, especially when I need to get nice clear lettering. (Though I'm usually too much in a hurry to use an Exacto and then I screw up....sigh).

My carving's gotten worse in the last few years, mostly due to the different carving materials (after PZ Kut left). I'm finding that with the OZ Kut, I'm starting to get decent carvings again. I just now need to practice and get used to the material. I think my carpel tunnel and vision issues have hindered my carvings too.... I guess I'm getting old.... sigh.

BB
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757775 by Photo Dabble
Feb 4, 2013 6:01pm
Thread (disabled) Board
You are so lucky to get to see one of the Orders!!!! Jealous!!!!!!!!!!

I'm still honestly shocked at some of the precise and creative carving, box making, clue writing talent we have.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757800 by Bungalow Boxer
Feb 4, 2013 6:01pm
Thread (disabled) Board
My magnifying glass has a light attached to it and I would not trade that combo for anything. That light right on the material is essential for me!! I have a hunch it would help you as well. Also, different magnifiers have varying strengths. Make sure that you are using a magnifying with as strong as a magnifying power as you can get. (Can you try someone else's out??) I'm pretty sure that mine is 4x. Many out there are only 2.5x.
I wrote on another conversation earlier tonight that I wear contacts, but have to take my contacts out to see with the magnifier as close as what I want for the detail I like. You should see how close the carving material is to the other side of the magnifier!! I think it just takes some practice to find where you need to hold the material so you can focus. It is work for my eyes. I have to take breaks. That's ok too.

Do you live close enough to me to meet up & try mine out?

bbl
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757800 by Bungalow Boxer
Feb 4, 2013 6:37pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I use readers over my trifocals instead of a glass along with a folding ott light. I vet the magnification i need witbouy fighting for.space with a glass. The ott lights are marvelous for bright light full spectrum light.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757780 by Baqash
Feb 4, 2013 7:13pm
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Are you talking about the pink stuff for carving? Michael's carry's it?
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757823 by DeeCee
Feb 4, 2013 7:31pm
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Are you talking about the pink stuff for carving? Michael's carry's it?

I'm talking about materials to use OTHER THAN the pink stuff.

But yes, most Michaels I have been in have carried pink stuff. always take your coupons.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757826 by Baqash
Feb 5, 2013 6:10am
Thread (disabled) Board
always take your coupons.

there's an app for that. you can download it to your phone and it will always be with you. also, they will take ACMoore and Joanne's coupons too. hee hee hee.

~tigs(there's always a coupon somewhere)
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757808 by bluebirdlover
Feb 5, 2013 6:59am
Thread (disabled) Board
Do you live close enough to me to meet up & try mine out?

I live in Olympia, WA. Is that close enough?
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757874 by Photo Dabble
Feb 5, 2013 6:58pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I live in Olympia, WA. Is that close enough?

Are you flying in to NY? Just let me know when you will arrive!

bbl
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757826 by Baqash
Feb 9, 2013 2:56am
Thread (disabled) Board
I haven't been able to find it at Michael's. Can get it at Hobby Lobby.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #758450 by DeeCee
Feb 9, 2013 6:30am
Thread (disabled) Board
When you look at Michael's are you looking in crafts or fine arts. Its in fine arts. Ask.for.their speed ball.poducts.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757795 by bluebirdlover
Feb 10, 2013 10:49pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Any idea where to get a mini or reverse Staedtler 1V gouge? It looks like they've been discontinued and stampeaz is Sold Out.

Any info you can provide would be very much appreciated.

Best,
St. A.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #758786 by St. Ampersand
Feb 11, 2013 3:55am
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mini or reverse Staedtler 1V gouge

Kirbert re-purposes those for Stampeaz. It is the only place they are available.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #758797 by figureeight
Feb 11, 2013 4:17am
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Super - thanks!
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #757697 by Photo Dabble
Mar 1, 2013 12:22am
Thread (disabled) Board
I use 22 gauge hypodermic needles. You can get them at farm supply stores. Clip the needle off at the base with wire cutters and then put it in a pin vise. Use the edge of the needle just as you would an x-acto knife. You can get incredible detail. Look at my profile pic. That stamp measures 2.75" x 2.5". Carved only with the needle, it took a little more than 20 hours to carve. Of course you need SERIOUS magnification to do detail that small, but it's totally possible and honestly pretty easy. I use the following type of magnifier (not the same brand): http://www.doneganoptical.com/products/optivisor
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #761603 by System
Mar 1, 2013 8:02am
Thread (disabled) Board
I have tried needle carving and I'm apparently doing something very wrong. I can not seem to get a straight line. I'm using it just like an exacto (my preferred carving method) but the curve of the needle seems to make the needle go off in it's own direction. Hints?

Same exact problem - my needle knife sits lonely in my kit because of this. I cannot control the cut for the life of me. Any ideas much appreciated ;)
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #761624 by Bumble
Mar 1, 2013 9:04am
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You guys might need to try a heavier gauge needle cut off a bit shorter so it doesn't stick out of the pin vise so far. That way, you should have enough control to force it to cut in whatever direction you want, even if the cutting edge isn't perfectly aligned with the cut you're trying to make.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #761636 by Kirbert
Mar 1, 2013 9:50am
Thread (disabled) Board
Should you have to "force" it, though? Right now, when I force it, because the shape of the tip is essentially a half moon, the round part of the tip of the needle really wants to steer which is what gives me problems. This is even using the tippiest part of the tip - no more than half a millimetre.
Re: Laser carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #761649 by Bumble
Mar 1, 2013 1:47pm
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the round part of the tip of the needle really wants to steer

This is what I think is the beauty of a needle. You twist the vise to make the needle go one way or the other. Think of this action like you were paddling, twist a double bladed paddle one way it will slide away from you and twist the opposite it will come in to you. I try to find a place to start the cut a little distance from the line being made. If I am not mistaken Kirberts tutorial demonstrates this. This helps get the needle going straight. To be clear I use both needle and miniaturized gouge for detail.
I found Kirbert's tutorial under links, carving.