{"id":15753,"date":"2017-10-16T15:00:05","date_gmt":"2017-10-16T19:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woodcarvingillustrated.com\/?p=15753"},"modified":"2017-08-16T13:52:33","modified_gmt":"2017-08-16T17:52:33","slug":"all-about-punches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/woodcarvingillustrated.com\/all-about-punches\/","title":{"rendered":"All About Punches"},"content":{"rendered":"

Add texture and designs to your carving with these simple tools<\/span><\/h3>\n

by Roger Schroeder<\/i><\/p>\n

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This article was first published in issue 46 of\u00a0<\/em>Woodcarving Illustrated.<\/p>\n

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Essentially, a woodcarver\u2019s punch is a steel texturing tool with a pattern engraved on its tip. Just when woodcarvers started to use them is unknown, although examples of punched backgrounds are found that date well into the last millennium.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common designs consist of a single dot, a series of dots, an asterisk, or a cross shape. But don\u2019t be surprised to find letters, acorns, hearts, anchors, stars, and crescent moons, among others. <\/span><\/p>\n

To use it, place the punch perpendicular to the surface of the wood and strike it with a hammer. It\u2019s as simple as that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from the notion of a textured contrast, there are other reasons for using a punch. For one, it disguises a ragged background. Some species of wood, especially when relief carved, simply defy clean cuts where the grain changes. When hard-to-remove splinters show up in small crevices, the pros recommend you find a punch that fits in the space and compress the wood.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Chris Pye creates a textured background with a simple punch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Punches for Convex Effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

Instead of the design standing proud of the surface on a punch, the design can be recessed on the punch to create a convex shape on the wood. Eye punches were designed to compress the background so a <\/span>round or oval mound is left. Punches can also be used to make scales and buttons on clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

One clever use of a punch is raising bumps. This technique is perfect for creating bumps on a frog. Give it a try using these easy steps and some basic shop materials:<\/span><\/p>\n