superman911_usmc Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 So I just got a draw knife and I'm learning to use it. I have an issue I'm running into. On the same piece of lumber some places it's shaving like butter and other parts it's splintering badly. What would cause this? Am I doing something wrong or is it the wood? I'm pretty sure it's hard maple if that helps. Thanks for your time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 A picture would help, but it is normal for grain to swirl in some areas of a tree. It is also possible that you are not practiced enough yet to find and keep the right shearing angle. Just know it is a rough tool with a spoke shave being a finer tool with rasps in between 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superman911_usmc Posted February 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 hope that helps. I got two types of wood. Hard Maple and Hickory. I've never worked with either so I'm not even sure which one this is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 Hickory will have a coarser grain and more darker streaks. Hard maple will vary in color but it has a much finer grain Could be the knife isn't sharp enough , just a possibility . As soon as you see tear out try cutting from the opposite direction . Some areas of grain will behave better if you make shearing diagonal cuts, varying the angle you are holding the knife. Practicing on scraps is a great way to learn what works for you before you mess up on the pieces needed for your project. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superman911_usmc Posted February 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 I found it odd that there would be such a difference in the same piece of wood. In literally went from butter to big chunks coming out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 Like Steve said, shearing cuts will help. Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superman911_usmc Posted February 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 Luckily these two are for practice. I've made probably 10 longbows with power tools but I'm trying to only use hand tools and natural materials and see how that works out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 With experience you will learn that careful stock selection will produce better results. Keep your eye out for the grain patterns that caused your tear outs and avoid choosing those. I would think that you would want clear straight grain for a bow. Wether or not a naturally curved piece is good for making a bow the grain still can be straight and clear of swirls and knots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superman911_usmc Posted February 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 Thanks for the advise. It's a learning process for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superman911_usmc Posted February 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 It seems like working in the opposite direction is helping. It looks like I was catching the edge of a growth ring and that what kept lifting up. Thanks for that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 Over time you'll learn to read grain direction. It is something that can be explained but it didn't fully sink in until i was working with hand tools steadily now it's second nature. Keep practicing and it'd be cool to see some stuff you've made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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