From paper to wood, from one dimension to three- the tree takes shape. This is the second post detailing the creation of a new custom door handle and how it is made by Martin Pierce.
The process of designing a custom door handle involves several steps which take the piece from a one dimensional sketch to three dimensional pattern.
A sketch is drawn, allowing Martin to make adjustments as he goes along. Once he is pleased with the sketch the next step will require a three dimensional model. In this instance, the tree model or pattern was outlined and cut from 2" thick basswood using a band saw and the angular tree topography was then carved with chisels. The use of a V chisel creates the sharper ridges that separate the different planes of the model.
The depth of the carved tree and the layers are more clearly seen from this profile and,if you look closely, you will see, to the left, the flat paper template of the same design.
The next step for this particular door handle design was to carve the tree canopy that will sit atop the trunk and branches.
The next step for this particular door handle design was to carve the tree canopy that will sit atop the trunk and branches.
The canopy was also carved from 2" basswood using a spoon gouge with a swan neck, so called as the gouge is bent at the end
