White pine or any other easily whittled, straight-grained wood will do for this whittling exercise (Fig- 339)

Before beginning work read carefully Marking, Rule, Knife, in Part V.

First get out a cubical block, each edge of which may be, perhaps, 1 1/2" or 2" long. Gauge a line around each side parallel to the edge and about 1/4" from it (see Gauge). Cut straight in on these lines and then make slanting cuts to meet those first made. Remove the wood on the same general principle as in cutting a notch, gradually shaping the middle part into spherical form; while the cuts which are parallel with the sides finally meet and form four posts between the top and bottom. The wood must be removed by cuts, not by prying. Trim the ball to be as nearly spherical as you can. If you wish to make the ring or handle shown on top, additional length must be allowed in getting out the original block. The whole can be sandpapered with fine sandpaper (see Sandpaper) and finished with oil or shellac (see Finishing).

Fig. 339.