Originally Posted by
Michael Lewis
Some steps need to be done before you get to other steps or the process can get out of hand.
First make sure the bottom (inside) of the plate is flat, as this is your gluing surface for attaching to the sides.
Second i cut out the basic shape to closely match the rim (sides), and establish the edge thickness. I do this with a drill press by setting the quill stop to leave between 1/4" and 3/16" and drill all round the edge and in for about an inch except near the scroll and button of the heel. Think of your shapes and how they stand and flow, then make sure you don't cut too much away.
Next I establish the long arch and cross arch, for which I have made templates to check progress as the carving evolves.
It becomes obvious what needs to be removed at this point to fair the arches and shapes together. Once you have made the outside of the plate as perfect as you can muster, only then do you drill the inside to get your graduations. I set the quill stop for the thickest areas and drill those, then step by step work down to the recurve area which is my minimum thickness. I drill about 1/2" grid and then can carve mindlessly to the bottoms of the holes.
I tried using a forstner and large twist drills to remove as much material as possible but found by using 1/4" or smaller the actual carving was much easier with the finger planes because they would glide on the wood and through the holes rather than bumping against the blocky and chunky surface left by the larger drills.
There is no quick way of getting through this with finger planes but this sequence will allow you to see the shape emerging and you will end with a part you can use and be proud of. The biggest pitfall is to hurry because you are bored or tired. Just take what time it requires and work with intent and build your skill, and you will get to the end. Isn't this fun?
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