The plaster carving period has been successful, I can now create a number of forms working first from a drawing, then scribing the outline onto the plaster, then finally carving.
Hammer & Chisel
The best results so far have been using the hammer and chisel to cut away the waste in large chunks. This leaves a very rough surface and I have found that if the plaster is still fairly damp it can be made finer with the chisel and using my hand to apply gentle pressure. If the plaster is drying out the carving is harder as mistakes are easily made, it is too easy to gauge out too large an area. I’m not sure if this is the correct method but before cutting away a large area I use the hammer and chisel to deepen the scribe marks to create a small v-cut, this seems to prevent the plaster chipping away behind this v-cut.
Surform Tool
This is great for making large sweeping curves if the plaster isn’t too wet. If the plaster is freshly cast then the Surform tool clogs up easily, if the plaster has stood for a few days first then I have found the Surform performs better. At first I was washing the tool at the end of the day, I have found that leaving it on the radiator overnight works as the plaster dries up and after a few taps of the tool the plaster just falls away.
Drill
Using a cordless drill and a flat ¾ inch drill bit has been great for removing inner areas of plaster, it works well at a medium speed and not forgetting to pull out the drill bit from the plaster block to remove any plaster that has adhered itself to the drill. The drill saves such a lot of time especially when wishing to remove a large channel of plaster from the centre, drilling multiple holes in a line and then breaking through the small areas between each hole with the chisel to connect each of the holes.
Scrapping tools
I found a collection of tools for potters which had two scraping tools that look a bit like an open potato peeler. I have found they are only suitable for very light gauging and finishing. They seem to be better when the plaster is damp, I use one yesterday on really dry plaster and the squeaking was terrible as you worked the tool over the surface, something to be avoided if black boards being scrapped with finger nails is something that makes you shudder.