my dad carved wooden chains. i never asked him where he learned to do it. they were not elaborate. they may have been tramp art. i found this example on a hobo page here is the link. any one still do this or know anything about it?http://www.worldpath.net/~minstrel/hoboart.htm

-- js (schlicker54@aol.com), January 13, 2002

Answers

carving chains is not a technically difficult task the trick is to not carve the links end to end. but with the links slightly off center this makes separating the links much easier I learned this by trial & error. try to create as much space as you can between the links this will make it much easier to carve. remember patience is a virtue! you will be a virtuous person if you carve more than 2 links good luck!

-- old hippie (foghill5@netscape.net), March 26, 2002.

My grandfather carved wooden chains out of cedar. He taught my Uncles as well as my mother how to do it. They in turn have taught me. I have carved a couple, but I'm limited on free time so I haven't been able to work on any more as of late. Not only do we carve the chain links, we can also carve a box with a wooden ball inside. The ball moves around, and is held in place by the four corner posts of the box. It's very relaxing, and I would be willing to answer any questions you may have to assist you. One final note, while working on the last one I made, my knife slipped and I ended up with 5 stitches in my left forefinger. So BE CAREFUL!!! Good luck.

-- Roy W. Rosenbaum (rosenbrw@aol.com), March 27, 2002.