Spoons

The top and bottom spoons are Myrtlewood from Oregon,and the center one is Mahogany.Each took about 1.5 hours.The handle of the top spoon is a twist,but didnt photograph very well.
I noticed the recent contest posted by Osageman and was impressed with both his skill and his big heart.
Be sure and take a look at his page and make a guess on that wood.
I couldnt identify that wood,but it got my attention.
It got me interested in making a few spoons this last weekend and I wanted to share my approach.I dont wish to draw attention away from what Osageman is doing on his blog,but rather,I hope this info encourages others to give spoon making a try.If you have never carved anything before then a spoon is a great beginner project,its functional,very straightforward,and is pretty quickly done.
I will start by saying that I have made several styles of spoons and other treenware over the years and many are still in use today.
If I just want a spoon to give as a gift to someone that will really use it as a utensil,then I dont spend a lot of time on design,carving,super fine sanding,etc. I find that people will often display a gifted spoon on the wall if it is too nice.Thats flattering,but I would rather they use it as intended.
So…keep that in mind when starting on your spoon,Art or utility.

Wood:
If this is your first spoon,then you may want to start with a soft wood,such as Poplar,Alder,Cyprus…etc.
Soft woods will fuzz,but with a little care they can be used for years.My Alder spoon is over 10 years old and I use it several times a week (I do a fair amount of cooking too)
Starting off with a chunk of Eastern Maple or Bloodwood may discourage you,so be kind to yourself,and get a spoon or two under your belt first.

Design:
Find a spoon you like and trace it on paper,top and side profile.If its for your use then pay attention to grip.Place the edge of the spoon on the flat of one palm and drag it back and forth,the handle shouldnt turn easily or you will have to squeeze very hard in order to use it.
The depth of the bowl depends on if you intend to ladle food with it or simply stir.I tend to make shallow bowls,more for stirring,soups,beans,making bread batter,etc..
Most of the final design will evolve as you do your final shaping.It should feel balanced and smooth.
A spoon is a tool (unless its for Art) so it should feel functional but graceful.

Carving:
I have tried all sorts of ways to make spoons,and I still enjoy just using handtools,the peace and quiet of it all.
But here is my latest approach.
I mark my design onto a blank with a whiteout marker as shown in photo two.It is easy to see at any angle and with dust on glasses :)
I then rough out the blank a little over sized on the bandsaw.Then,making sure the back is flat,smooth,and clean,I glue it directly to a corner of my bench using super glue.I put about 4-6 drops scattered on the backside of the blank and press it onto the counter and hold for a bit.I use the accelerator and spray it directly onto the counter and when I press the blank down,it grabs instantly…no waiting.This is effectively the clamp to hold the blank while I carve out the bowl.It works like a charm !
When you are done,just a gentle rap or two on the side of the blank knocks it free.Seldom does it pull any wood loose.If it does,the final shaping will remove the damage.
I use a straight 1/2’’ chisel to start my rough bowl shape.There are gauges that would work better,but this works ok for me.After removing to a depth of abot 3/8’’ I switch to my Scorp,which is used on the pull stroke.Carefully go from side to side and switch end for end with shallow strokes.Then I use a Dremel with a flap sander to smooth it to a fair surface,checking often.Then hand sand with 100 and progress to 220.
I use an inflated drum sander to shape the backside of the bowl and handle.You can gauge the bowl for even thickness by pinching it between your thumb and forefinger,like a caliper.Its very accure and fast.

The final work is hand sanding to the desired finish you are after,then coat with Mineral oil,or whatever type finish you prefer.

Thanks for listening.
Andy

-- " If I can make it,so can you" Andy in Oregon