As a tree grows, lower branches often die, and their bases may become overgrown and enclosed by subsequent layers of trunk wood, forming a type of imperfection known as a knot. The dead branch may not be attached to the trunk wood except at its base, and can drop out after the tree has been sawn into boards. Knots affect the technical properties of the wood, usually reducing the local strength and increasing the tendency for splitting along the wood grain, but may be exploited for visual effect. In a longitudinally sawn plank, a knot will appear as a roughly circular “solid” (usually darker) piece of wood around which the grain of the rest of the wood “flows” (parts and rejoins). Within a knot, the direction of the wood (grain direction) can be up to 90 degrees different from the grain direction of the regular wood.
In the tree a knot is either the base of a side branch or a dormant bud. A knot (when the base of a side branch) is conical in shape (hence the roughly circular cross-section) with the inner tip at the point in stem diameter at which the plant’s vascular cambium was located when the branch formed as a bud.
In grading structural lumber and lumber in general, knots are classified according to their form, size, soundness, and the firmness with which they are held in place. This firmness is affected by, among other factors, the length of time for which the branch was dead while the attaching stem continued to grow.
In some decorative applications, wood with knots may be desirable to add visual interest. In applications where wood is painted, such as skirting boards, fascia boards, door frames and furniture, resins present in the timber may continue to ‘bleed’ through to the surface of a knot for months or even years after manufacture and show as a yellow or brownish stain. A knot primer paint or solution, correctly applied during preparation, may do much to reduce this problem but it is difficult to control completely, especially when using mass-produced kiln-dried lumber stocks.
Wood knots are sought after today for carving ornamental wood spirits.
Photo Shop
“Photo Shop” is the section of Wood Chip Chatter where carvers can send in photos of their wood carvings for display. It’s your chance to show off your work…sort of a show and tell. The photos will only be displayed and no comments or critiques will be made. For critiques on your carvings send them in to the “Carver’s Corner.” Send your photos to: carverbobk@woodchipchatter.com
My first entries to the Photo Shop come from my good friend, Ray Steinhart. Ray writes:
“Hey Bob, really happy how these turned out . It’s amazing what you can do one chip at a time .
Thanks”
Looks like you’ve been busy, Ray. Very nice work. Thanks for the photos.
My next entries to the Photo Shop were submitted by my good friend Kerem Kozak.
Very nice work, Kerem. The surfer is very original and I really like the campfire scene with the various characters! Keep ’em coming!
Next, we have an amazing bust carved by my very good friend, Dean Stewart. Dean writes:
"Bob,
I wanted to share my recent carving. My carving group took this one as a group project. One expert carver guided us through the journey. We started last April and I just completed it this month. My wife liked it so much she helped with the paint and the beaded feather holder. It’s basswood on a pine base about 6 inches tall. Painted with acrylic paint and finished with clear wax."
Outstanding job, Dean! I really like it! Great detail and painting!
Next, we have a terrific corner carving done by my very good friend, Jim Babcock. Jim writes:
“Bob:
The image is Kevin Applegate’s. Carved in the corner carving style; basswood
finished with walnut oil and diluted acrylics.
Jim Babcock
Columbus, Indiana”
Nice job, Jim! Very clean work. I love the hair!
My very good friend, Todd Martin, of Huntington, Indiana sent in a photo of some excellent carvings he recently finished. Todd experimented with the antique finish on these carvings and writes:
“Hi Bob,
I always enjoy look forward to getting Wood Chip Chatter, and I appreciate all the work you put into that, and all the advice you offer.
Here are a few smaller pieces I’ve done recently, each 4″ tall.
I tried a new finish, Howard’s Feed n Wax mixed with burnt sienna oil paint (after spraying with a polycrylic) . I usually use burnt umber. I’m not sure I like the reddish tint that has resulted, rather than a the brown, antiquing effect of the burnt umber.
What do you think? Any and all feedback always welcomed.
Best,
Todd”
Thank you for your kind words, Todd! Terrific carvings. Excellent carving work, and I really like the detail and finish on them. Perhaps you can share how you mixed the paint and wax, and what proportions you used.
Just a side thought about paint colors. I always thought burnt sienna has more red in it than burnt umber. Any thoughts?
Woodcarving Tip
Carving Faces
Carving faces can be a fun challenge… unless it becomes frustrating. Here are some quick facial proportion suggestions from Carving Woodspirits: Beyond the Basics by Hendrix and Peery:
Keep eye lines halfway between the top of the head and the bottom of the chin.
Make ears nearly 2 times longer than their width.
Line up ear bottoms with the bottom of the nose.
Line up ear tops with the top of the eyebrows.
Half of the mouth should be visible in the profile.
The back corner of the jaw line is nearly straight down from the front of the ear and lines up with the bottom part of the lower lip.
Source: carvingjunkies.com
Pattern of the Month
Hillbilly by Kevin Applegate
Upcoming Workshops
Non-Dodge Darryl
Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell
April 15,29 – 6PM Eastern
Twiitling Tuesday – 4 hours ( 2 sessions – 2 hours each day)
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
2.5×2.5×7.25 basswood block needed for pattern
For details and to sign up click on Dwayne’s website https://www.dgosnellwoodcarving.com/
Ellender’s Window 10.5″
Teacher: Janet Cordell
Dates: May 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 2025
Times: 2-4 p.m. Pacific Time // 3-5 p.m. Mountain Time // 4-6 p.m. Central Time // 5-7 p.m. Eastern Time
12 hours ( 6 sessions – 2 hours each day)
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
Cost: $175 (includes one large roughout)
For details and to sign up email Janet janet_cordell@yahoo.com
Beach Attire Tom
Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell
May 13,27 – 6PM Eastern
Twiitling Tuesday – 4 hours ( 2 sessions – 2 hours each day)
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
2.5×2.5×7.25 basswood block needed for pattern
For details and to sign up click on Dwayne’s website https://www.dgosnellwoodcarving.com/
Maximus
Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell
June 10,24 – 6PM Eastern
Twiitling Tuesday – 4 hours ( 2 sessions – 2 hours each day)
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
2.5×2.5×7.25 basswood block needed for pattern
For details and to sign up click on Dwayne’s website https://www.dgosnellwoodcarving.com/
Online Classes With Chris Hammack
Teacher: Chris Hammack
Chris Hammack is offering a new series of online classes to help students learn and sharpen their woodcarving skills. Individual and Group Classes are available through his web site chrishammackart.com/groupclass
Twhitling Tuesdays
Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell
Dates: Two – 2 hour classes each month on Tuesdays
Location: Online (Via Zoom)
To sign up contact Dwayne Gosnell via email dagwood_76@gmail.com
Woodcarving Academy
Established in 2020, the Woodcarving Academy offers dozens of videos and seminars created by some of the country’s top level instructors. More videos are added regularly as they are created by the instructors.
With a paid subscription to the Woodcarving Academy you can view any videos you like for as many times as you like.
Subscription rates: Monthly = $19.95 Quarterly = $49.95 Annual = $139.95
There is even a Free level which allows you to tour the website and watch the sample videos and content, and receive email updates as new content becomes available.
Check out the Woodcarving Academy and learn with the masters right in the comfort of your own home! Go to: www.woodcarvingacademy.com or Email: support@woodcarvingacademy.com
News & Announcements
Some timely show information from my good friend, Jim Carlson from Boone, Iowa:
“Hi Bob,
For anyone who is looking for some great in-person classes in combination with a competition and show, plus some great vendors, I would like to recommend the International Woodcarvers Congress. A wide variety of classes are available from one day to five days. Living in Iowa, I am fortunate to be within 3 hours of the quaint small town of Macquoketa, but instructors and students attend in June every year from all around the USA. If you have any room, I will attach some information and registration forms for the Congress.
Jim Carlson
Boone, Iowa”
Cottonwood Bark Class
The Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Woodcarvers will be hosting Cottonwood Bark Carver Harold Kaltenbach, May 3rd & 4th in Suburban Philadelphia. If interested contact Wade Huggins 215-531-0238.
The International Association of Woodcarvers has upcoming Zoom meetings on the following Saturdays at 3PM EST with special guest presenters. Check them out…
Zoom: 310-460-3575
Presentation Schedule:
4/19 – Chris Gardea
4/26 – Tyler Borg
5/3 – Joe Savarese
5/10 – Joshua Walters
5/31 – Karla Harman
6/14 – Greg Wymer
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOODCARVERS
COME JOIN US!!!
The Jersey Hills Wood Carvers (JHWC) club is a small but growing group of wood carvers sharing their time, knowledge and joy of woodcarving. The JHWC generally meets from 7:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of each month (when school is in session) at the Jefferson Township High School wood shop classroom.
Membership is “FREE” and open to anyone interested in woodcarving regardless of their ability.
JHWC’s Upcoming Meetings and Events
2025
April – 24th
May – 1st, 15th, 29th
June – 5th
For more information contact:
Al Santucci alsantucci4@gmail.com President
Bill Brunner billbrunnerdesign@gmail.com newsletter/website editor
Or visit:
Website: https://www.jerseyhillswoodcarver.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/736479646821641/
AML Wood Carving Knives
AML Wood Carving Knives are handmade by Andy Loughlin in Monroe, New York.
Each blade is meticulously crafted from 1095 high-carbon steel, ensuring easy sharpening and long-lasting edge retention. The diverse exotic woods used for the handle styles are sourced from around the world, adding a touch of elegance to these knives. You can find these exceptional knives for auction on eBay under ‘AML Knives,’ with bidding usually starting at $22 and most knives selling for between $40 and $100.
Unpack your AML Wood Carving Knife and experience its razor-sharpness right out of the package. Each knife comes with a custom-made magnetic wooden sheath, a thoughtful addition at no extra cost.
I now own three AML Knives and can speak personally about their quality. These are not production knives. Each knife is handmade by Andy himself. The knives are sturdy, well made, and will stack up to any other knife on the market. These knives have quickly become quite popular and sell out fast, so check the site (“AML Carving Knives” on EBAY) often for availability.
Andy has recently begun making knives with handles made from exotic woods and colored epoxy, creating some stunning and unique handle designs. Below are examples of some knives currently available or which have recently sold:
The next issue of Wood Chip Chatter will be posted on May 2, 2025.
Keep a sharp eye out for it.
Keep a sharp edge, and keep on carvin’!
Funny Bone
Wood Chip Chatter 