A
Joined: Sep 27, 2004
Posts: 2434
|
A
There could be several causing factors:
How do you carve? - are you hell bent on getting something done with one swing or do you tap your way through a carving?
How long do you carve? - when your done, are you done (meaning that you have exhausted all your energy) or do stop often?
Where are the logs that you carve in relation to body position? - WillCarve showed me that bringing you carving up to your own personal level will help with fatigue. We use a system of stacking cement blocks (to adjust the height) and using 4x4s as rails (so the logs can easily roll). Straining to reach a certain angle or position will add to the discomfort of your elbow, or back, or neck - so make sure to move around.
What type of mallet are you using? - Urethane mallets soften the blows. The mallets weight could also be affecting your injury - I use a 20oz mallet for the roughing an a 12oz mallet for detail, and a small homemade tapper for fine detail.
How sharp are your chisels? - Sharp blades means less effort in getting them to cut (Benzartism). Knowing how to sharpen a blade can not be stressed enough!
Is it a repetitive injury or something you did with one misguided blow? and kept working?
TOOLS - there are a million of them to choose from. Work smart, not hard. Good luck and feel better.
|
