TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

1. TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ Whittle Designs PRESENTS

2. Project Samples TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

3. Overview This presentation provides: • Tools and materials needs more • Step-by-step instruction more • Finishing tips more • References more • Resources more • Patterns more TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

4. Introduction Years ago an article in Chip Chats inspired me to started whittling covers (TipZ) for my knives. At first these were used as a decoration. Later I found that they saved my tools when they fell or were dropped. I found the patterns can be adapted to cover gouges (TopZ), name tags (TagZ), magnets (MagZ), and zipper pulls (ZipZ). The project was not only decorative and fun, but also functional. Despite having carved many T-T-M-Zs over the years, I still find carving them a challenge to my creativity and ingenuity. TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

5. Objective This presentation describes how to make a tool cover, or blade cover, for your whittling or woodcarving cutting tools. This project strives to fuel your creativity while using basic whittling skills. TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

6. Scope • This presentation describes the general steps used to create a basic project designed for new whittlers. Advanced whittlers also can get wonderful results. • It is possible to sheath gouges and chisels with wooden covers. The instructions in this guide are limited to knives. • Carve one for a knife first. Once you have experience, you should be able to make a cover for almost all your carving tools. TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

7. Tools • Saw (band, jig, scroll) • Bench knife • Strop or buffing wheel • Hand and finger protection • Pencils and ruler • Clamps or rubber bands TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

8. Selecting Wood :A • Use Basswood strips or scraps for your first project • Using 1/4" wood for each side, the resulting object will be somewhat compressed or squished in depth. If you want, use 3/8" or 1/2" for a more three dimensional look • White pine, sugar pine, or butternut may be used for projects not requiring great detail NOTE:Adjust the size of your wood to the patternselected and the size of the blade to be covered TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

9. Selecting Wood :B • Use basswood because it is not too soft and carves and finishes easily • Most knives will require a rectangular cover about 3/4 inches thick • The length and width will depend on ̶ • Your pattern • Size of the blade being covering HINT:Save the scraps when you cut blanks.You may be able to use these scraps for tool covers. TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

10. Materials & Supplies • Paints and brushes • Wood or craft glue • Oils, stains, or sealers • Sand paper • Hardware • pin backs • screw eyes • magnets TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

11. Before Starting… • Decide on a design or pattern • Develop a template from the design • Gather all tools and supplies • Allow sufficient time • Select an adequate work area TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

12. Whittling steps • The steps in the next section describe the steps needed to complete this project. • The process is the same no matter which shaped cover you choose. • Some of the Patternsmay be carved in the round or with one side unfinished. The latter lets the tool lay flat. • RELATED PROJECT NOTES: • For zipper pulls, skip steps 3–6 • For name tags, apply the pattern on the selected wood block, skipping steps 3–6 TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

13. Step 1 :A Every project begins with an idea. Where do ideas start? • Cards • Books • Magazines • Coloring books • Gift shops • Craft fairs • ? ? ? ? ? ? TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

14. Step 1 :B • Decide on a design to use for your cover • Make a copy of the design in the size that you need • You may need to enlarge or reduce it • Glue the pattern onto an index card (card stock) and cut out. • Save this template for later use NOTE: Generally, make the pattern about 1/4 ̶ 1/2" wider and longer than the blade TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

15. Step 2 • Scribe the border of the template on the wood • Scribe the borders of the block • Saw the block TIP:If you have a bandsaw, saw only part way along the length. This keeps your fingers from coming in contact with the blade. Turn the block to complete the cut • Usually you want the grain to run the length of the wood—parallel to the blade NOTE: You may want to adjust the drawing slightly because the handle of some knives is at an angle where it meets the blade— the block should be larger than the design you selected TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

16. Step 3 :A • Re-check that the two pieces (halves) are sized to fit the pattern • On the inside of one side, trace the outline of the blade you want to store in the sheath FRONT BACK NOTE: Center the blade on the block and the design as possible TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

17. Step 3 :B • Stop cut around the edge and remove a thin layer of wood, forming a depression into which the blade will slide • Using your knife, U-gouge, V-tool, or flat chisel, continue to remove wood inside the blade tracing (slot) • NOTES: • For soft sweeps, cut a slot the width and height of the tool • For V-tools, use the tool to start the slot and complete with a knife • For deep sweeps, use the tool to create the slot TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

18. Step 3 :C • Hold the two sides together and try to slide the blade inside • If the blade causes the pieces to gap, remove more wood until the gap is closed and the blade slides in smoothly • Smooth the blade slot and edges TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

19. Step 4 • Use a small amount of wood (or craft) glue to glue the two halves together • Spread the glue over the surfaces that come together • Spread the glue thinly near the slot CAUTION:If you have a bandsaw, saw only part way along the length. This keeps your fingers from coming in contact with the blade. Turn the block to complete the cut • Clamp the two halves together using large binder clips, mini- clamps, or rubber bands TIP:If you are using white (craft) glue (slow drying), add a drop of super glue to speed up the bonding time TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

20. Step 5 • Be patient, let the glue set according to the label instructions—usually overnight • Slowly insert the blade into the slot— • If the fit is snug and the cover does not fall off, go to the next step. • Mark the slot side with a V-tool to indicate which way the cutting edge is inserted TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

21. Step 6 • Lay your template onto the block • Scribe the outline onto the block • Use a band saw or coping saw to cut out the outline TIP: Save the template for later use NOTE:If using a band saw, be careful cutting out this small block • Sketch the design details onto the blank as pattern appropriate TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

22. Step 7 • Now carve your cover— • The amount of carving you do will depend on the design and size of your cover • Use a wood burner to add small details • Clean up and remove any fuzzies or unwanted tool marks TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

23. Step 8 • Finish as desired— • If you used acrylic paints, spray acrylic sealer to protect the finish • If not using paints or stains, spray with lacquer or polyurethane to protect the wood from oils and dirt • Sign and date your project TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

24. Step 9 If adjustments are needed: • If the blade is a bit too tight — • Slide it in and out working it around until it fits properly • Sand lightly with a small strip of sandpaper or emery board • If the blade is too loose, insert a wood shaving (chip) TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

25. Finishing Tips :A • Smooth up, removing tool marks and fuzzies • Scrub the carving— • Use hot water and dish detergent using a stiff brush • Rinse well and let dry • Spray with two light coats of Krylon® Matte #1311 • Paint with acrylics, thinned 1:20 • Mix well on divided pallet, try to paint wet on wet to blend colors • Thin colors for buttons and buckles just enough to get paint to flow more... TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

26. Finishing Tips :B • Let dry after painting and give another coat of Krylon • Antique if appropriate • Let dry after painting and give another coat of Krylon • Sign and date E N J O Y ! TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

27. References • Knife Covers: Protective Projects in Ten Easy Steps, Kathleen Schuck, Woodcarving Illustrated, Spring 2002 • Sheath Making, Pinewood Forge, accessed August 29, 2011, available at:http://www.pinewoodforge.com/sheath.making.html • Carving a Knife Sheath, Exciting Scout Craft, accessed on August 29, 2011, available at: http://www.e-scoutcraft.com/wood_carving/sheath.html TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

28. Resources • A Beginner's Book of Carving Neckerchief Slides, Pins, & Magnets, Robert Reitmeyer • Carving Caricature Pins & Bolos, Gary Batty • Carving Pins, Mary Fin, Schiffer Publishing • Carving Halloween, Paul F. & Camille Bolinger, Schiffer Publishing • Halloween woodcarving, Paul F. & Camille Bolinger, Fox Chapel • 60 Patterns for Santa Carvers, Al Streetman, Schiffer Publishing • Northwest Woodcarvers Association, patterns, accessed from:http://www.woodcarvers.org/ TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

29. Patterns :A TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

30. Patterns :B NOTE: Some people like to cover their knife blades and gouges with clear plastic tubing so they can see the tool. Others like to make sheaths from birch bark —-you can substitute thin leather for the bark. Still others braid sheaths from rope for some of their thin gouges. But for straight blade knives many people like to practice their skills and be creative by carving a sheath. TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

31. grainthe direction, texture, or pattern of fibers produced by the fibers in wood patterndecorative design, form, or model considered for or deserving of imitation; SEE template Pull cutknife cut made by drawing the blade toward the thumb on the knife hand; AKA: Thumb cut, Paring cut, Cut Back; See Push and V-cuts Push cutknife cut made by pushing the blade away from the knife hand; AKA: Levering cut, Push-Away cut; See: Pull and V-cuts Stop cutknife cut that is very similar to a V-cut, incorporating two cuts—the first cut is straight (perpendicular); the other cut slopes or slants into the first cut templatecutout of a pattern used to transfer the design to the wood; gauge, such with a cut pattern, used as a guide in making something accurately for carving projects or profiles; SEE pattern V-cutknife cut that uses the Pull and Push cuts to form a V-shaped feature in the wood; SEE Push cut and Pull cuts whittlingany carving done with a knife; SEE woodcarving woodcarvingcarving with chisels, gouges, and mallets; SEE whittling Terms TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

32. Summary In this presentation you learned: • The required tools and materials • The steps to complete the project • Tips to finish the project • References related to the project • Resources to help with this or other projects • Patterns for other projects TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

33. Whittle Designs Carved Art from Virginia’s Heartland whittle.designs@gmail.com http://whittle.designs.tripod.com/  http://whittledesigns.wordpress.com/ TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ

34. My ideas usually come not at my bench, whittling, but in the midst of living. — Anais Nin (paraphrased) TipZ, TagZ, MagZ & ZipZ