eyes

[dervishcarving]

Given we seem to like discussing techniques etc i thought i would see how people do eyes

for larger pieces or for human faces (im still not v good at them) i carve the eyes with the saw (like most) but what about smaller carvings?

I found a handy technique if you just want a simple small eye

get a set of alan-keys (cheepo ones)

find the one that is the rights size for the eyes you want

heat the tip with a blowtorch till its glowing then 'brand' in the eyes. the metal will burn into the wood forming a nice depression that has a slightly 'star' shape to it. V effective on my smaller hedgehogs and woodpeckers. Is especially effective on carvings that are intended for children as they seem to like the 'stary eyes'

[wisewood]

I usually use carving chisels, bare minimum get a flat, a gouge and a skew.

I don't have a die grinder but would like to try one out on these kind of details.

[Happycarver]

dremel with a pointy cutting piece, or cone cutter bit, or a 6mm flat chisel, die grinders are good but a bit powerfull for real detailed work