Sandblasting vs. lettercutting by hand

["Disbrow Consulting" <diz@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

Hi Ian,
It took me a couple of reads to get this one to sink in.  Although I plan to
begin studying and learning my letters this winter when the outdoor
temperatures move to "frightful" I do see some advantages in learning to
"speed cut" letters.  I have seen and used this as an actual learning
technique in other areas, and have seen excellent results.  Here are some
things to consider:

1.  The technique will only work if the person who is learning affirmatively
chooses to use the technique.  It will not work if the person is not fully
committed to it.
2.  The novitiate must have at least have a basic skill level.  I would
estimate that would mean in letter work that they can carve at least one
font correctly.
3.  This should not be attempted where it matters.  I am going to guess that
as in other things big mistakes will be made.. so don't practice speed
carving trying to  finish the Third Pieta (The best example of a muff job
in my mind).
4. Make it fun... a little race is fun if you want to pair off with a
carving buddy, and go for the gold.
5.  Don't beat yourself up if you completely blow it right out of the gate.
(This really is all about getting better at something)

I was introduced to the technique by a university band leader, who used the
technique very well (Thanks Stan), but didn't actually teach it as a method.
He would
have us play things, and then once we could make it through the piece he
would crank-up the metronome and make us run all hell bent for election.
The Star Spangled Banner isn't too hard at triple speed, but I was sure we
were all gonna die when we tried that with the overture from Schwanda the
Bagpiper.  The first benefit is that you  will be going too fast to dwell on
what you are doing.  Our conscious mind is a fairly inefficient thing when
it comes to thinking and learning, especially when we are doing something
physical (carving, playing, singing, talking..)  The subconscious on the
other hand is the real ticket.  It thinks and learns much faster because
there isn't so much in its way.  Speed learning as a technique makes you
more focused into your work and detail too.  It can be mentally exhausting,
but you can take
a break anytime.  It also makes speed an option if you decide to do
something quickly too.  I know a phenomenal wood turner who just plain likes
to work that way.  I'll keep you posted on how the technique works for
letters in about a year.
I can give more detail to the technique if anyone wants to hear it.  I don't
want to bore folks mindless.

Craig Disbrow, MBA, JD.
Disbrow Consulting
603 523 4259 (Voice)
603 523 4574 (Facsimile)