8.0 : ICE CARVING :')

- Definition -

Ice sculpture is a form of sculpture that uses ice as the raw material. Sculptures from ice can be abstract or realistic and can be functional or purely decorative. Ice sculptures are generally associated with special or extravagant events because of their limited lifetime.
The lifetime of a sculpture is determined primarily by the temperature of its environment and thus, a sculpture can last from mere minutes to possibly months. There are several ice festivals held around the world, hosting competitions of ice sculpture carving.

The 7 Systematic Steps: 

No	STEP	DESCRIPTION
1	Design	Using a template, transfer your design to the ice.
2	Punch out	Using a chainsaw cut out the silhouette.
		Keep all cuts at 90 degrees.
		Be very precise, avoid overcuts.
		Use a die grinder for tight turns & spaces.
3	Blocking in	Most difficult step to learn
		Push in reference lines with a die grinder
		Use a chainsaw to push back levels
4	Rounding	Cut off the corners using a combination of these 3 tools: i.Chainsaw ii.Chisel iii.Die grinder with a shaping bit
5	Sanding	Using an angle grinder or pistol grip sander, sand the areas you would like
		to have smooth & free of tool marks.
6	Detailing	Apply detail with a Vee bit or similar.
		Add textures for contrast
7	Cleaning	Clean all slush, drips, snow, & small tool marks. Refer to the chart below for which tool(s) to use.

TOOLS IDENTIFICATION

No	TOOL	DESCRIPTION
1		Prong Pick  Used to split large blocks of ice for use in smaller ice boxes.
2		Chainsaw To cut ice into desires shape. Replacing handsaw used as it is more handy.
3		Hand saw To cut ice block into desires shape. Creating a corrosion surface.
4		Blower To clean up any drips or slush.
5		Pistol Grip Sander For creating a smooth surface or creating the smoothness of skin.
6		Chisel flat blade creates basic geometric shapes.
7		Tong Designed to lift 300 pound ice blocks for ice sculpting.
8		Vee Chisel V-shaped chisel is needed for detailed effects

PERSONAL AND SURROUNDING SAFETY

It is extremely important carvers are aware of safety practices. Many of the rules and regulations are common sense, but, even so, being proactive and applying due diligences pay off.

A good example is the use of hand power tools and chain saw. Read the operator’s manual for any of these products and it clearly stated “Do not expose power tools to wet or damp conditions”. That is difficult in our industry. But you can take precautions.

Safety falls into THREE basic categories:

1.      Personal safety :

a.     Set up a clean, safe working station and when carving make sure chain saws and sharp tools are directed away from co-worker or spectator.

b.     Always keep electric cords in good repair. Cracked, cut, nicked and scuffed cords with bare wires showing are a source of electric shocks.

c.     Keep long hair pulled and tied back from the face and remove all loose jewelry.

d.     Never wear scarves or loose clothing when working with power tools.

e.     Don’t forget to wear safety clothing that are designed for ice carving purposes; steel toed rubber boots, gloves and jacket.

2.      Surrounding

a.     Be aware of co-workers.

b.     Never leave power tools, extension cords etc on the floor. Have a work table or a shelf close-by the work area. Double check the work station is free and clear of any obstructions before start to work.

c.     Have a proper place to hang power tools, chain saw when work is finished.

d.     Try and dedicate a specific space for equipment repair.

3.      Equipment

a.     Avoid petroleum-based lubricant, instead, use vegetable based lubricant for maintaining tools and machinery.

b.     Do not modify chainsaw by removing a section of the side guard to allow ice to clear the machine.

c.     Before start you work, all machines is in place and functioning properly. Note any failures and arrange to fix them as soon as possible.

Video that will learn for making Ice Carving:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9v82LNgD9g