Negatives to carving soap.: Impermanent, and fragile.It's almost a waste, unless you consider it in line with producing a sand painting. Positives.: Cheap and plentiful. It doesn't matter if you make a mistake, or eff it up. A good practice medium, before tackling a piece of stone. Still takes as much skill, and mostly the same technique. Perfect for knocking out a study piece first, if your still unclear of your design, or are just doodling. Also , a good practice again, for carving casting wax(for lost wax casting). I also wonder if you can't use it to cast(metal), instead of wax. I've seen styrofoam used, in place of wax.
Yes. The difference is, you need to keep your carving tools razor sharp when cutting wood (sharpen a tiny bit every few cuts if you can) because a SLIGHTLY dull blade, will dig in deep and want to split the wood instead of being whittled. Basswood with minimal lines/tree-rings will make it easier and is available at Hobby Lobby. You can also use a Box-Cutter and a strap of leather + the green knife polishing/sharpening compound (available on the internet). Even if your knife is super sharp, you really want it as sharp as absolutely possible when whittling wood. rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575137642&toolid=10001&campid=5337742584&customid=&icep_item=303106956222&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg $2.63 for "3pcs Leather Strop Sharpening Polishing Compound Leathercraft Abrasive Tool" shipped from China (free shipping, takes 2-6 weeks to arrive) Although this listing may not last forever, hopefully it will remain useful, since i included the description and price as of today. "•Material: abrasive pastes Apply by rubbing on fabric, linen, or leather strops for a keen edge on straight razors. Can also be used on other metal and woodworking tools and high speed polishing. Enables you to put a sharp polished edge on your straight razor blade."
the soaps you are using are either a brand that is not suitable for carving or it has dried out and become brittle. Some types of soaps are too brittle to carve. I have found that Ivory and jergens are the two best brands for sculpting. they are more moist than other brands and it makes them less brittle. If your soap is old or dried out you can try soaking the bar of soap over night and it will make it less brittle. Thanks for watching and I hope you have success in future attempts!
thanks dave, you got me a 100 percent on my project
My screen has received a blessing in the form of this visually stunning and captivating video.
nice polar bear Dave
thanks now i have project
Can you do water buffalo?
Negatives to carving soap.: Impermanent, and fragile.It's almost a waste, unless you consider it in line with producing a sand painting.
Positives.: Cheap and plentiful. It doesn't matter if you make a mistake, or eff it up. A good practice medium, before tackling a piece of stone. Still takes as much skill, and mostly the same technique. Perfect for knocking out a study piece first, if your still unclear of your design, or are just doodling. Also , a good practice again, for carving casting wax(for lost wax casting). I also wonder if you can't use it to cast(metal), instead of wax. I've seen styrofoam used, in place of wax.
You think i can take the same concept and apply it to wood
Yes. The difference is, you need to keep your carving tools razor sharp when cutting wood (sharpen a tiny bit every few cuts if you can) because a SLIGHTLY dull blade, will dig in deep and want to split the wood instead of being whittled. Basswood with minimal lines/tree-rings will make it easier and is available at Hobby Lobby. You can also use a Box-Cutter and a strap of leather + the green knife polishing/sharpening compound (available on the internet). Even if your knife is super sharp, you really want it as sharp as absolutely possible when whittling wood.
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575137642&toolid=10001&campid=5337742584&customid=&icep_item=303106956222&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg
$2.63 for "3pcs Leather Strop Sharpening Polishing Compound Leathercraft Abrasive Tool" shipped from China (free shipping, takes 2-6 weeks to arrive)
Although this listing may not last forever, hopefully it will remain useful, since i included the description and price as of today.
"•Material: abrasive pastes
Apply by rubbing on fabric, linen, or leather strops for a keen edge on straight razors.
Can also be used on other metal and woodworking tools and high speed polishing.
Enables you to put a sharp polished edge on your straight razor blade."
what will happen if you have too soft of a soap?
hey Dave, I tried this, but haven't been able to get it, without the soap breaking, what might i be doing wrong?
the soaps you are using are either a brand that is not suitable for carving or it has dried out and become brittle. Some types of soaps are too brittle to carve. I have found that Ivory and jergens are the two best brands for sculpting. they are more moist than other brands and it makes them less brittle. If your soap is old or dried out you can try soaking the bar of soap over night and it will make it less brittle. Thanks for watching and I hope you have success in future attempts!
204dave204 thanks Dave, I'm not great at it yet, I've whittled on wood as well, but I really enjoy trying to carve with soap
Dave Zackary.
it looks like you're slicing tofu
I’m only 13 and I can curve soap sculptures much better than you
he is trying to help people with this video, why bring him down? I am sure you are good, but you dont have to bring him down