This blog post has been written to accompany a video I filmed with Zed Outdoors to provide more information and links about the specialist tools I use to make shrink pots.
Check out the video and Zed’s YouTube channel Shrink pots are hollowed out logs with a base fitted. The body of the pot is worked green, i.e. with a high moisture content, and by allowing it to dry and therefore shrink onto a base made from dry timber you end up with a vessel with an integral bottom. Lids can be made once the pot is dry. Augers – The term auger is used widely to describe an Archimedes screw style drill. They’re used for lifting water and agricultural materials as well as drilling holes in ice, soil and wood. In relation to drills in wood there’s a division between bar augers and auger bits.
Wherever you find an old auger or one which needs sharpening there are a few things to know –
Gouges – Most gouges you will see will have a bevel on the outside of the shaft of the tool and a clean channel or flute. Such gouges can described as an Out-cannal or Out-Wall gouge but are often just called gouges.. The more specialised type of gouges used for shrink pots are called In-Cannal or In-Wall gouges. This is where the bevel is inside the flute (curve) of the gouge and the outside of the tool is flat. In-Wall gouges allow you to cut vertically downwards inside the shrink pot whereas an Out-wall gouges would get fouled and stop cutting since they need to be presented at an angle to the surface being cut. Finding good In-Wall gouges can be tricky. The first one I owned was very small and had a short tang so didn’t last very long when making shrink pots. Also, you will be striking the gouge handle so ideally the handle should be bound – both at the bottom with a standard ferrule (band of metal) but also at the top of the handle with another ferrule to strengthen it. The gouges you see me using in the video are the Two Cherries brand – 16 and 22mm which I ordered from this website - Part number - 1481000 http://www.kirschen.de/en/Mortise_Firmer-gouges_p4.html The flat handle option allows you better grip for twisting the gouge if (when) it gets bound. It is possible to convert a gouge from an Out-Wall to an In-Wall with care and some specialist tools, check out this article on the Axminster Website - https://knowledge.axminster.co.uk/using-in-cannel-gouges/ Flexcut scorp – To cut the groove in the shrink pot which accepts the base I followed John Mullaney’s advice and use a Flexcut scorp. There are other ways to cut the groove such as the tip of a knife to create a V-cut but the scorp cuts cleanly, quickly and consistently which is a boon to me. You can find suppliers or Flex Cut tools online. The tool I use in the video is a 5mm Right handed version - https://www.flexcut.com/home/product/kn22-316-5mm-right-handed-scorp. Shrink pots are a great, fun project to have a go at. I hope I have inspired you to locate some tools and enjoy making..
7 Comments
james beirne
20/9/2018 04:44:57 pm
very good video thanks
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Jose Antonio
22/9/2018 03:17:04 pm
Sorry, what about the intermediate gouge ? Used for to smooth inside the pot. Will be possible some link to buy it?
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Chris
26/9/2018 08:57:40 pm
Hi Jose, the tool I used to smooth the inside wall is a hook knife made by Nic Westermann. Here is a link to Nic's website where you can buy one - http://nicwestermann.co.uk/shop/greenwood-carving-blades/fawcett-blade/
Chris
26/9/2018 08:51:29 pm
Hi James, thanks, really pleased you enjoyed it!
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Chika
23/9/2018 08:38:41 pm
I've been watching the DIY videos (woodworking, restorations, yard tools fixing, deck building, car fixing, etc.) among many contributors from different countries. I have to say that Christ's woodwork is a dedicated and elegant work. From this "How To Carve A Shrink Pot" video I saw the old fashion craftsmanship instead of machinery work. Thanks, Christ, for such a wonderful demonstration.
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Chris
26/9/2018 09:00:37 pm
Hi Chika, I am very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the video so much. Have you also seen the Whale Scoop carving video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wEQH5AaZNQ&t=1278s
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13/1/2019 09:52:13 pm
Watched the video,,,, great, full of information for anyone who wants to do shrink pots,,,,till today I never heard of them but you can bet I am going to give it a try,,,,thank you for a great video
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