Holding Wood? (sounds kinda dirty, but it's not!)

[new_guy]

Hey Guys,
I should be receiving my Beginner's Kit soon from Rick and when I do, I would really like to do some relief carving. The problem that I forsee is that I have no workbench to hold the wood while I'm carving. Does anyone have any good ideas that can help me get around this problem until I can get something more permanent?
Thanks,
Seth

I don't recall what it is called, but it is a flat board about a foot long and wide with two wood strips attached at either end on opposite sides. *( Kind of shaped like a Z )

It catches the edge of the table with one end; and the edge of the wood being carved with the other.

Here is one;
http://www.carvingpatterns.com/brace.htm

That's basiclly what I use, or a variation there of. Just a scrap piece of plywood (thicker the better) about 15' X 15', with a scrap 2' X 4' attached to the bottom underside and along the top of the top. I don't use the side pieces.

What I do use though and suggest, is some of thet router matting for the surface, it keeps things from sliding around. I don't glue or attach it down, just lay it under the work, it can be removed to shake off the wood chips.

Works well and is cheap. Another tip....with your gouges sharp, make short trough's in the top 2X4, the shape of your most often used gouges, and rub Gold or Green Compound in them, it gives you a handy place to give them a quick stropping.

Have fun...

Bob

Carpenters have used them for years, think its called a bench hook.

[mdallensr]

I use a larger version, with a shelf at the top with holes for my gouges. Foam carpet pad works well to keep your carving from moving. For relief carving, put a wood strip across the top of your bench hook to catch the top edge of your relief board and keep it from moving. If you build up your bench hook a little, and give it a 10-15 degree angle, it can really reduce the stress on your back.

Good idea...any help for the back is appreciated!

http://www.carvingworld.com/index2.htm.
I can't beleive you guys. Right in this Site is how to make a Bench hook.There are lots of things here beside the message board.

Sam is correct. On the bottom of the same page as the folding tool holder by Lynn Diel is a bench hook pattern.

http://www.carvingworld.com/tips/toolholder.htm

[new_guy]

Thanks,
I knew you guys would come through!!

New Guy here's one that I made and it works pretty good.

http://www.strobertmo.us/e107_plugin...age.php?pos=-8

Some one changed the url to an img tag. my gallery doesn't work with them.