Checkering ?

[snag]

I want to try my hand at checkering. I bought a good starter set of tools. This morning I took out some alder and drew a basic diamond shape. Then I carved the border outline. Then I started in making the rows inside of this diamond. My question is when you are doing the rows and get up close to the border how do you carve into that border without notching across or on the border? Is there a special checkering tool just for this area?  Thanks, David

[Apex Predator]

I'm following this one.  I have some tools, but haven't tried them yet.  

[BWD]

Don't cross the border. Are you laying out your rows with a double pointed checkering tool. There is a file you can use to sharpen your points and work in border areas, after you lay out our rows. You can also use that file to ease up to your border, so you don't cross it. While I am not an expert at this, and haven't done it in a while, I use to start with a shallow border then go back over it later. Usually when you go back over it, and make it deeper and wider, it helps remove slight over runs, providing they aren't too bad.

[Ray_G]

David,

I will give you a call.

Ray

[snag]

Thanks guys.

BWD, that was part of my problem...going to fast and trying too go too deep. Like Ray told me start slow and shallow and work up to it getting deeper and deeper.

Just got off the phone with Ray. He used to do this as a profession. I truly appreciate your guidance Ray. I found out I need a small cutter for cutting the lines from the border and cutting away from it. Talk later Ray,  David

[BWD]

If you have been talking to Ray_G, then you are plugged in. I figure he also told you it was slightly easier to see what you are doing if you are looking thru one of them big self supporting magnifying glasses.lol

[Ray_G]

I did talk to Snag about lighting but I prefer the flip up magnifiers, myself.  I find that magnifying lamps are in my way - field of view.  I like light to be behind and low so that you see a contrast on your work as the diamonds come to a point.

[Allen Ziebarth]

Maybe someone could make a
"checkering-a-long" thread?
I'd love to learn how to checker a bow handle.

[snag]

I need much more practice to do a tutorial!!! Maybe Ray could?

[tim roberts]

Pictures????  

[snag]

Ok...here's my first practice try to see what these tools can do....lots of more practice is needed! But it's fun trying so far.



I am overrunning my borders and not taking my time. More practice.......

[snag]

It's pretty bad! But you know you have to start somewhere I guess. I need to slow it down and take my time so all those mistakes don't happen. I had some accidents as you can see where I hit some diamonds with the tool. But I was so eager to see what these tools can do...

[tim roberts]

Where did you get the beginner set of tools?
Thanks,

[snag]

Tim, I bought them from Fur and Feathers. But have since been told that Brownell is a great source for them.

[tim roberts]

Thanks!!!

Tim