Some progress on the map project.
I was able to get hold of some pear wood from Hearne Hardwoods, a wonderful place with all different species of hardwood. The piece was 2″ thick and very curved, so I had it planed down and it is now about 1.5″. The board is 12″ wide on one side and 13″ wide on the other, with a large crack 3″ from the edge. I have 2 feet total and am working on an 8″ section. I sanded the section I am working on first with 100c grit and then with 150c grit.
I have tried two modern methods for transferring the image onto the wood. I photocopied my image, covered the copy in rubbing alcohol, and then laid it image side down on the wood and pressed on the back with the barren as if I was printing. This failed to transfer anything. Then I tried using the photocopy as an iron-on. This transferred some of the image, but not enough or clear enough to be useful for carving.
Due to the difficulties with the modern methods, I decided to use a period method. Gluing the paper face down and then coating the back with oil. This method is described as a way to make tracing paper, in “Il Libro dell’ Arte” (The Craftsman’s Handbook by Cennino d’Andrea Cennini which was written in the 15th century and is a guide to the methods of painting. I am using a translation by Daniel V. Thompson, Jr. originally published in 1933, republished by Dover in 1954. The making of and use of tracing paper is on pages 13-14. This book also mentions pear or nut is the best wood for woodblocks on page 116.
I glued the image down with a modern washable glue stick. I am not sure if I have to worry about getting all of the paper off when it is time to print, but I figured that may be easier with a washable glue stick. I also wanted to be able to get rid of any excess glue if necessary.
I am now carving the image. I am using a Flexcut mini detail detail knife, two Flexcut v-parting tools, a 4mm and a 1mm, and several Dockyard Model Company micro carving tools sized 1.5mm and 3mm. I am mostly using the U-gouges from those sets. Carving is a little slow going, and I did not use enough glue everywhere on the paper, so I have reglued some areas. I am still working on the outside border of the map, and have not attempted the words yet. I think I may go over the words on the paper in a fine tipped Sharpie marker to make it easier to see. The Sharpie does not bleed or feather when used on the oiled paper and it still writes fine.