How Do You Use European Lime In Wood Carving?
Wood from the European lime tree is a favorite of carvers because it’s soft, has little visible grain and resists splitting no matter how you cut or score it. It’s an ideal choice for beginners because it forgives mistakes by not chipping or splintering. Use proper hand tools and techniques to make the most of the European lime’s thin grain and flexible fibers. Purchase the proper hand carving tools for use with European lime. Chip-carving knives and “U” gouges are the most common tools. The blade of the chip-carving knife needs to be made of high carbon steel so it will hold its edge. All tools need to be extremely sharp. Cut or gouge the European lime downward with the wood grain to avoid tearing the wood fibers. Use the chip-carving knife on the European lime. Rotate hand and wrist through the cut with your thumb on the blunt, back side of the blade for added control. Be sure to cut with the grain. European lime is soft enough that this hand/wrist motion is all you need when carving
