Replies

1. 
   DCarr10760 | Sep 16, 2005 05:16am | #1

   Well, start with a rasp, then a file (both the sculpters riffler style if you can find them) then a scraper (you can get a small set of profiled scrapers through some of the online places) then sand, sand away.

   Each succesive operation removes the marks from the previous operation.  If your initial carving was accurate this goes pretty quickly despite all of the steps.  If you are still futzing with the curves and shapes you can hog out much of it with a belt sander and a coarse belt.  It's easier with (gasp) the upper guard removed to get to the round end (please observe the appropriate safety rules, wear safety glasses under goggles, a heavy apron, gloves, steel toed boots, a flack vest, a spelunker's helmet and body armor, heck put on a condom too-you just can't be too careful!

   Or stick with hand-tools, put on some good music, sit by a window and enjoy making beautiful things!

   David C.

1. 
   John_D | Sep 17, 2005 01:47am | #6

   I bought rifflers from Woodcraft.

2. 
   Telemike | Sep 16, 2005 09:07am | #2

   Lee Valley sells a spoon scraper for smoothing hollows. I use it for spoons, stir fry spatulas, and other concavities. Never did see any instructions on how to sharpen it or raise a burr; perhaps RLee could give us some more info if he reads this.

   I just flatten the edge of the spoon and raise a small burr with a burnisher like any other cabinet scraper and it works GREAT!

   Small, cheap, and very effective - does it get any better?

3. 
   KeithNewton | Sep 16, 2005 04:19pm | #3

   If you are wanting to make a lot of them, and want to make money at it, you should think about using a power method. The arbortec mini grinder is a good option for the cutting, and it comes with a little disk sander attachment for cleaning up.

1. 
   hitai | Sep 16, 2005 08:30pm | #4

   Does anyone know what is used to make the commercial wood spoons? I mean the ones at the chef supply store. They were apparently made with a large ball gouge that i have been unable to find. Not much for tool marks, and no burning. Are these too dangerous to sell in this country? I ask because these spoons are all imported. I currently bore out the bulk of the waste and use a hook blade knife to finish up. ( NW indian carving type) I think it goes pretty fast,,,,,,, till I look at one of these imports for 3 bucks....

4. 
   3fingers | Sep 17, 2005 12:56am | #5

   here's one I did.  Carved out then sanded smooth.

   
5. 
   jackiechan | Sep 18, 2005 05:29am | #7

   W',

   A Scorp works well for hollowing out spoons or bowls by hand.

   View Image

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

1. 
   wspahr | Sep 18, 2005 06:46am | #8

   Dan

   Where can one get a scorp like that?

   W

1. 
   jackiechan | Sep 18, 2005 08:52am | #9

   W',

   Garrett Wade and Woodcraft both sell the identical scorp pictured in my previous post (see links below).  Garrett Wade's is a few dollars less (under $25), and Woodcraft's is under $30 - but with shipping it may just balance out.

   http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?lGen=detail&itemID=101709&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=101709

   http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=1825Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

2. 
   DCarr10760 | Sep 18, 2005 05:27pm | #10

   I got mine from Woodcraft 15 or 20 years ago, it's made by Pfiel, the same mfgr. as their "Swiss Made" carving tools.

   Make sure if you get it, you also get a conical stone or something to hone the bevel on the inside.

   David C