Holiday Fireplace Mantel Insert

[jwblazek]

Here is an insert I made for the mantel I designed and made. It was carved from solid cherry and took 23+ hours

Looking for suggestions on improving texture without hours of sanding. Was carved on BEST setting

[twinpeaksenterprises, LLC]

Looks pretty good to me as is.... Is it removable and are you wanting to re-finish? I have had pretty good luck using a 220 grit sanding mop on carvings.

[jwblazek]

It is removable as I plan to make seasonal inserts for my mantle. I could use 220 or better but there is a lot of detail here and looking for ways to make the next ones better, short of going to optimal as it would go 30+ hours
Thanks
John

[dbfletcher]

Thats a really cool idea with the seasonal inserts though. What a great idea!

Doug Fletcher

[AskBud]

Here is an insert I made for the mantel I designed and made. It was carved from solid cherry and took 23+ hours

Looking for suggestions on improving texture without hours of sanding. Was carved on BEST setting

I'll bet a brand new (or almost new) bit would greatly improve this 23+ hour carve in the cherry. Older bits would do for the other "grunt" projects, but "New" would be my choice for this one.
AskBud

[Griz64]

I think AskBud is on the right track as far as a new bit goes. I just bought a new bit from rjustice and his is a 4 flute design as opposed to the 3 flute design that came with the machine. I have noticed that my carves do come out a little cleaner. Another thing I do is along the lines of twinpeakes and I use a 220 grit sanding mop. After using the mop I use my new dremel multi max thingy on my edges. I am super pleased with the results as it usually as smooth as a newborn baby. BTW I love your work and idea on the seasonal mantle...very creative.

[RayTrek]

Wow! That is Very cool! 23+ hours, amassing and I love the idea,
That is a beautiful Mantel
Thanks for the share
Cheers ~ Ray

[Smoken D]

Sanding Mop really helps. I go to Springfield, Mo. once a month, so Grizzly gets visited. Here is what I use, attach to the wood lathe or use in the electric drill. There are I believe 3 grit ranges. I use the 240 grit.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Sand...240-Grit/G3302

That IS a beautiful piece, nice work.

[jwblazek]

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments. The bit was new when I started the cut and I see very little, if any, difference from start to finish. I am thinking about the 4 flute bits though.