nyds
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2018
Posts: 3
|
Post by nyds on Aug 13, 2018 23:51:51 GMT -5
Hello, everyone.
I came into the world of carving thanks to a kind glassblower whom admired my traditional art. She asked if I wanted to try my hand at coldwork--glass carving.
I eagerly took up the opportunity.
My process is:
sketch out my desired design, re-draw it onto the piece via sharpie, then bust out the dremel and the rest is history. It isnt a 3D carving like you are probably imagining (though "deep carving" is most certainly a thing) but merely a lifting of the surface color to reveal the glass's true color. Usually black, deep cobalt or dark green. In short, it looks similar to a drawing on the glass itself.
Almost a year has passed, and while my passion for coldwork has flourished, I find lapidary art--cabs, carvings, as well as reverse intalgio-- really perk my interest.
I have A LOT of rough material like jasper and rose quartz--along with a bunch of other rough rock I can't identify-- and want to do somethig with it. Free form carvings will probably be my first experiment, then I will eventually move up to 3D type things such as animals, but honestly?
I haven't an idea of where to begin. I don't have money for equipment. I have a dremel, and bits. Also can't find a lot in the world of youtube as previously hoped. For cabs? Yes. But for what I really want to do--3D stuff-- there isnt much in the way of advice, starting points, recommented burrs or tools, ect.
I know the only way to really get it is to jump in and figure it out for yourself, but I also know that a little wisdom never harmed anyone.
The lapidary artists on Facebook are quiet about their knowledge and prefer to keep their secrets or have someone pay to learn them. Can't say I blame them, but I never quite fully understood greed with knowledge.
Which is why I'm here! Thanks, Google. Anyways, thank you for sticking through my insufferable introduction. I hope to learn a lot in this forum. See you along the path!
|
|
|
Post by MsAli on Aug 14, 2018 9:21:22 GMT -5
Well I cant help you with carving but welcome to the forum!
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Aug 14, 2018 9:43:57 GMT -5
Welcome from Northern Arizona!
I'm not a carver, either, but some day I would like to try my hand at it.
kk is the resident carver who does amazing work. I believe all he uses is a Dremel-like tool and diamond bits and then sandpapers, etc. by hand. I'm sure he'll pop in and give you some advice.
|
|
|
Post by kk on Aug 14, 2018 10:05:27 GMT -5
Hi there. It sounds like you got everything you need. Including basic knowledge of how things work. Equipment is sufficient to get started, and varies little with selected materials. Your experience with deep carving/engraving will lead automatically to eventual 3D carvings. Don't push it, let inspiration guide you. Perfection will come in time. If you got questions along the way, let us know, and quite a few of us will give you suggestions. Don't be afraid to ask, no one here will be disappointment if you don't follow through on suggestions, and instead make it work your own way.
|
|
|
Post by vegasjames on Aug 14, 2018 18:51:50 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH
|
|
|
Post by Rockoonz on Aug 14, 2018 19:26:55 GMT -5
Welcome from another Washingtonian. I do a bit of fairly simple carving, I use my cabbing equipment along with a flex shaft, but just the dremel alone is enough. First off, safety. Just like glass, most rocks are primarily silicon, not something you want in your lungs. I wear a mask and frequently dip stone and bur in a bowl of water to keep the dust down and extend the life if the diamond burrs. Burrs... While you're figuring out what you like go to harbor freight and get the inexpensive burr assortment, if you find there's shapes you prefer a little searching ebay will provide sources for inexpensive burrs in your preferred shapes. I mostly go through ball end burrs, even use them for drilling, or at least starting holes, as they are easier to prevent them from skittering. Felt bobs or nylon brush wheels with diamond paste is a good way to fine sand and polish, I have a set of Diamond Pacific soft burrs but they are a bit spendy.
|
|
nyds
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2018
Posts: 3
|
Post by nyds on Aug 16, 2018 4:05:33 GMT -5
Thank you for the warm welcome and advice, everybody!
|
|
Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
|
Post by Fossilman on Aug 18, 2018 9:50:55 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH
|
|
goatgrinder
spending too much on rocks
Make mine a man cave
Member since January 2017
Posts: 368
|
Post by goatgrinder on Aug 18, 2018 11:26:03 GMT -5
Hey now! Welcome to RTH. I am not a carver, more of a tumble and lap guy but since you mentioned reverse intaglio I have to mention that as much as I enjoy using a dremel for small, easy carving jobs the important things get done more quickly with my Buffalo Dental Mfg #15 desktop drill. This old chrome beauty came cheap ($70), has a 30" arm and zero weight at the pen. I see them occasionally on Ebay, more frequently on gov surplus sites and obsolescence makes them very affordable. Dental drills come in very fine sizes and are fairly cheap too. Please check one out. Best.
|
|
|
Post by TheRock on Sept 5, 2018 22:37:25 GMT -5
nyds to RTH Forum from Duke in S/W Michigan
|
|