I've been recently inspired by many of you hobo nickel carvers out there to get into attempting some nickels of my own. This is really my first time using a flat point to erase certain areas, and a sculpting punch to smooth them out (which gave me the most trouble). When I was attempting to smooth out certain areas to make them look more uniform and natural, I used a sculpting punch that I made using a "mrthe" template, which turned out nice. The problem came in when I started to try and use it, I cant fit the airgraver under my microscope when it's completely perpendicular to the piece I'm working on. So my attempts were simply using my naked eye, which worked ok. Also, it seems that keeping the sculpting punch exactly perpendicular is vital in keeping a smooth uniform surface. Tilting the tool just off a bit makes small stippling-like marks. If anyone could share some input or wisdom when it comes to this part of the process, that would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
The first picture is of the completed coins, the second is when they were almost finished.
