A New Tool For Christmas!
Here’s the semi-finished version of Michael with some fine sanding completed. I can see that I’m going to want to do a few touch ups before I call this panel figure complete, but I’m pretty happy with the way that it’s turning out. As you know, I don’t typically sand my carvings but I’ll be finishing this particular carving in a fashion that’s more traditionally seen in churches.
And here’s the start to the next panel where I was able to use the tool that I found under the Christmas tree! Actually, I already had the Dremel tool…but, when I was at the last carving show, I spoke with a friend who did a lot of incredible relief carvings and he mentioned how he uses a router base made for the Dremel.
After doing a bit of research, I decided that the best base for my needs would be the one manufactured by Lee Valley. It’s definitely pricier than some, but the higher quality of the base is obvious. What this does is allow me to set the depth of the 1/4″ bit and plunge down to trace along the lines of the drawing that I’ve glued in place on the face of the wood. It saves a bit of time and makes very accurate cuts.
Tomorrow, I’m going to use it to outline the hands, loaf and chalice to gets some depth around those figures as they will be the highest figures carved into the relief.
I wish each of you all of the best in 2017!
tributesinwood 
Bill, thanks for the comment left on one of the photos. I’m not entirely sure how the laminate trimmer might work. I can tell you that I’m pretty pleased with the Lee Valley attachment. Unlike some other versions of the plunge base, this particular one is rock solid with no slop or play in it whatsoever. Which in itself makes me wonder if the laminate trimmer has a plunge feature, which is very handy. I used a 1/4″ straight bit and could take off about 1/8″ depth at a pass without noticing any labouring of the Dremel. It is a bit pricier than some and maybe the same amount for a laminate tool. Mark
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