Handle Experiments

[Colonel MacNeal]

My cocobolo pistol grips are gorgeous. (Browning HP) This wood would probably also make gorgeous sgian handles.

[Thorin]

You're absolutely right Tartan Hiker, I use disposal heavy duty dust masks from the hardware store. I do need to clean my work station though, it is a dust related nasty incident waiting to happen.

And Celtic Cowboy, that is the most concise carving advice I've ever heard, I think its awesome. I will be sure to keep that gem and pass in on.

[wyldathart]

After wood you guys need to try working with antler or horn. It's quite pleasing to work with and it beautifull after your done.
Again just be sure to wear dust protection as the dust can be toxic

[David Thornton]

I took my family on a visit that included your province last year. My sister is over there now, I couldn't make it back. I like the Celtic knot, I would like to have something like that just because of my relationship with your country.

Good to have you here.

David

[shawhighlander]

Thorin, I have always wanted to do this, but have a hard time keeping the dremmel from jumping around. Is it a speed control issue: fast/slow??

These look fantastic. People are gonna want to buy them soon, I'll bet!

[Kerr the Walker]

After wood you guys need to try working with antler or horn. It's quite pleasing to work with and it beautifull after your done.
Again just be sure to wear dust protection as the dust can be toxic

Horn stinks to high heaven if you use high speed tools on it. Polishes up somethin awesome though.

[Thorin]

Thank you all for your encouragement!

That was my first attempt at a Celtic knot - might've been beginners luck - will let you know after my next attempt. Dave I'm glad to hear you know my province. At first I thought I should keep the materials super authentic and use typical Scottish woods - but I'm not a Scot but rather a South African with Scottish heritage and should embrace using indiginous materials. Plus I have access to some really awesome local woods.

Hey Shawhighlander,
When using the dremel's engraver bits I first score the pattern with a file or the nearest sharp pointy device I have. Then I start with low speed and use the scored pattern as a slot to guide the bit. It takes multiple passes (the engraver bit isn't really designed for this I don't think - but we all have to use what tools we have in creative ways ) Then only when it gets deeper, and there's less risk of it jumping out do I up the speed. I also don't use the engraver like a drill ie: perpendicular to the surface. I use it at a very tight angle to the surface - 40 degrees or less.
Please let me know if this helps?

[David Thornton]

You are in good company, I hunt semi regularly with a distant cousin McDonald in the Limpopo area, his mother was quite the historian and traced the family directly to Flora. She enjoyed my kilts, the kids not so much.

Keep up the good work, stay in touch, who knows I may be back in a few months.

David

[The Barry]

Very nice! Well done!