Making of Hickok

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Butternut Brooches

I have been getting requests to carve more cameo and rose brooches. I added a new style rose, as well as a horse head design. These were carved from wormy butternut. I begin by cutting the blanks out of 5/8" stock with a band saw. Then I clean off the saw marks and shape the brooch with a belt sander. I transfer the design to the wood using graphite paper. I start with a v-tool to outline the design and use a #3 gouge to lower the background. I use various other gouges and veiners to define the carving. I then hand sand each brooch beginning with 150 grit, progressing to 220 grit and finishing with 320 grit. I apply several light coats of Deft lacquer satin allowing each coat to dry. The grain in butternut really pops when you apply a finish. Finally, I attach a pin back with epoxy and sign the back of each piece with a wood burner.