Category Archives: holding

“Turning” Without a Lathe

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Dave Fisher

Months ago, I had a certain passage of poetry tumbling around in my head, and I envisioned it on a bowl.  But the bowl had to be round, and here I sat without a lathe — sort of. Actually, I do have a … Continue reading →

Posted in adze, axe, bowls, holding, layout, Lettering, tools, Uncategorized, walnut | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

White Oak Bowl — Hollowing with an Adze

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Dave Fisher

When I have demonstrated at festivals, I have noticed several different types of reactions and comments among observers.  By far, the most common reaction is sincere interest and curiosity that elicits good questions from open minds and enjoyable conversation. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in adze, bowls, carving, holding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments

And Now for Something Completely Different….Chestnut

Posted on July 18, 2015 by Dave Fisher

My latest bowl, this boat-inspired piece, came from a Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) tree that grew a couple miles from my home.  In the photo, it is riding on waves of walnut bark on the wood stack.  I’ve got more … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, holding, layout, patterns, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 19 Comments

Hooks from Crooks

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Dave Fisher

When splitting branch crooks for spoons, I often end up with a thin split from the upper portion of the crook.  Sometimes such a piece may have potential for a smaller eating spoon, but I also like to use them for wall … Continue reading →

Posted in green woodworking, holding, Uncategorized | Tagged | 5 Comments

Basking in the Sunshine

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Dave Fisher

The plus side of the cold temperatures lately has been beautiful clear sunny skies.  I propped up this cherry bowl in the window to bask in the sunshine and help along the curing of the flax oil.  I do this … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, cherry, holding, layout, patterns, tools, Uncategorized, video | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Hollowing with an Adze

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Dave Fisher

Following up on my last post about adze design, I wanted to share a series of photos that show the procedure for my adze work.  At the stage of the first photo (above), I’ve hewn and hand planed the upper and … Continue reading →

Posted in adze, bowls, holding, layout, Uncategorized, walnut | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Prepare to Pare

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Dave Fisher

I was paring the interior of a cherry bowl recently.  Whenever I perform this operation, I hold the gouge in an unorthodox carving grip, reminiscent of a scene from Psycho or Julius Caesar. This allows me to register my thumb against … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, cherry, holding, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Sand Bags

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Dave Fisher

Sand bags are usually called upon in times of life-and-death seriousness; like for parapets and levees.  I have one in my shop that serves a less intense purpose.  The last few evenings, I have been carving and refining a walnut … Continue reading →

Posted in bird bowls, carving, holding, Uncategorized, walnut | Tagged , | 6 Comments

I hope you love birds too.

Posted on January 17, 2015 by Dave Fisher

I hope you love birds too.  It is economical.  It saves going to heaven. -Emily Dickinson It is very pleasant work carving bird bowls.  I start with a branch and a few roughly sketched lines.  After much bulk is removed … Continue reading →

Posted in bird bowls, cherry, holding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Hold Fast!

Posted on January 3, 2015 by Dave Fisher

So you’ve sandwiched the bowl between extended bench dogs and you’re making the final paring cuts when an unfortunate series of events occurs, all within a split second.  The end on which you are working goes down suddenly, the gouge makes … Continue reading →

Posted in cartoons, holding | Tagged , | 15 Comments