Category Archives: Carl’s For Students

Resources, Sources, Handouts, Tools, etc for Carl’s Students.

Carl's For Students, Tools Carving

Rotary V-Cutter (V-Tool Carving Chisel)

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Meta Description: Carl's new Rotary Carbide V-Cutter is a real game changer. It is like 10 times faster than a good old hand held V-tool or a V-tool in a reciprocating power carver. It is easy to use and control.

https://carlford.us/blog/2023/08/rotary-v-cutter/

Photo: Rotary V-Cutter (rotary_v_tool_snap_02)

In January of 2023, I purchased a Rotary Carbide V-Cutter. It is a real game changer. It is like 10 times faster than a good old hand held V-tool or a V-tool in a reciprocating power carver. It is easy to use and control.

It is great for cutting straight lines or gentle curves. However, tight curves are better done with a good old V-tool.

Continue reading Rotary V-Cutter (V-Tool Carving Chisel) →
Carl's Articles, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools

Rotating T-Square

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Meta Description: Carl's Rotating “T-square.” Unlike a traditional T-square, whose head registers on a straightedge, this one features a circle that registers in the bowl he has turned. This T-square allows Carl to draw evenly spaced lines and replicate patterns easily.

https://carlford.us/blog/2023/08/rotating-t-square/

Rotating T-Square

Here is a pointer to my “Shopmade Rotating T-Square” article that appeared on page 35 of the AAW June 2023 “American Woodturner” Journal.
Continue reading Rotating T-Square →

Carl's For Students, Tools Carving

1/4″ Die Grinders

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Meta Description: 1/4" Die Grinders that Carl owns and recommends. Big 1/4" shaft carving burs work best in an electric die grinder.

https://carlford.us/blog/2023/04/1-4-die-grinders/
Photo: 1/4″ Die Grinders 1 Many of the bigger carving burs have a 1/4″ shank on the bur. Thus they will not fit in a Dremel style tool with a 1/8″ collet chuck. I recommend one of the following 1/4″ die grinders. Continue reading 1/4″ Die Grinders →
Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools

Carl’s Slip On Custom Centering Cones

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Meta Description: Carl now uses "slip on" custom UHMW cones. Slip on cones are better! They are easier to make and they are easier to use. Why? Because, they just slip on!

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https://carlford.us/blog/2023/04/slip-on-cones/

Photo: Carl's Slip On Custom Centering Cones (slip_on_cones_blue)

I now use my "slip on" custom UHMW cones rather than the "threaded" custom cones featured in my 2007 AAW Journal "Custom Centering Cones" article.

Some times you look backwards and realize you had "blinders" on. In 2007 I was replacing the Oneway thread on aluminum cones with my own cones made out of UHMW plastic. Oneway threaded on there aluminum cones thus I thought I needed to thread on my cones. It took years, but I have seen the light.

Slip on cones are better! They are easier to make and they are easier to use. Why? Because, they just slip on! When you press them up against something with tail stock pressure they will stay in place on there own. You don't need to waste time threading them on. Continue reading Carl’s Slip On Custom Centering Cones →

Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools, Tools Sanding

Carl’s Sanding Backup Pads

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Meta Description: Carl likes Sanding Backup Pads (mandrels) that are thin, low profile and HARD. He makes his own out of 1/4" plywood and 1/4" flat head bolts. He attaches firm and soft foam interface pads to make his hard backup pad softer as needed.

https://carlford.us/blog/2023/01/sanding-backup-pads/

Photo: Carl's Sanding Backup Pads (sanding_backup_pads_blue)

Click here for a PRINTABLE version of the above blueprint.

I like Sanding Backup Pads (mandrels) that are thin, low profile and HARD. I add (attach) firm or soft foam interface pads to make them softer as needed.

I don't like thicker pads. Low profile pads are better at getting into the tight space between headstock and bowl. Continue reading Carl’s Sanding Backup Pads →

Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools, Tools Chucks

Carl’s Jam Chucks

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Meta Description: Carl likes jam chucks made out of 3/4" plywood and PVC pipe couplings. Carl's jam chucks are Drum Chucks that you can be used with or with out vacuum. How to make your own.

https://carlford.us/blog/2023/01/carls-jam-chucks/

Photo: Carl's Jam Chucks (carls_jam_chucks_page1_blue)

Click here for a PRINTABLE version of the above blueprint.

Over the years I have made and used a lot of different jam chucks. This blog entry documents the ones I like best. They are made out of good quality 3/4" plywood and PVC pipe couplings. They work good, are stable and vacuum tight. Continue reading Carl’s Jam Chucks →