soliciting - UW pumpkin carving

[msandler]

Taking the Kids (12 & 13) to the quarry for UW pumpkin carving contest. Any hints on technique or tools?

Thanks much!

 

[Warren_L]

Pumpkins are pretty buoyant. Might want to take some extra weights and put them inside the pumpkin once you've cut the hole in the top to help it stay down.

 

[jbd]

If you want an elaborate design then its a good idea to pre- punch the lines into the pumpkin before getting into the water. The little pumpkin carving kits that are sold are very useful.

Hopefully you will get to do a night dive with the jack o lanterns. If so put several cylume sticks in them to make them light up.

Have fun!!

 

[eponym]

Taking the Kids (12 & 13) to the quarry for UW pumpkin carving contest. Any hints on technique or tools?

Mike, Hi.

The hardest part is holding the thing down while getting the first cuts in. A lightweight mesh bag (like for laundry) and some rocks will come in very handy, if they're allowed. Overweighting yourself can be useful too. Once you've got the top off and the fluff out the pumpkin will be less of a balloon.

To start, single-edged knives, so you can push on them safely, with serrated edges for easier sawing. For finish work, something small for whittling away.

Have fun!

 

[msandler]

Thanks a lot. Really appreciate the help!

-Take care

 

[CUunderH2O]

Put your tools in a little mesh bag, if you have one, it'll be easier to keep track of them. I used an ice cream scoop to scoop out the seeds and thin out the walls, it worked very well. We weren't allowed to use any other knives execept dive knives, so take more than one with you, with various edges/lengths. And try to draw the pattern on the pumpkin before you go in the water, if possible.

Above all, have fun!