Begginers books/instructions

[Big_Al]

I think the best book on the market ( for starters) barr none is:" The Beginners book of Woodcarving" by Chas Beiderman and William Johnston. Published by Dover press. I think it's available at almost any wood store as well at "Little Shavers". Owner is Rick Ferry and is on this site frequently. You will find yourself reffering back to this book as long as you carve. Good Luck. Big Al

[Donna_T]

Likewise, I have a couple of Tangerman's books and I still refer back to them from time to time. There's lots of simple carvings there. But, I'd also like to second the suggeston about Rick Butz--his book is a great all-around beginner's instruction book. I'm sure there are other "general" carving books, but you'll usually find books are "topically"centered...animals, caricatures, santas, chip, etc. Just find a good one, start with it, then go on to another one with a different subject featured. Be sure to try different kinds of carving--in-the-round, caricature, santas, realistic humans, animals, chip, relief, etc. You may find one or two styles are more to your liking, but until you try them all, how can you know?
Donna T
PS: If there is any way possible for you to find a carving club nearby, it's a great way to be exposed to the whole process of carving.

[Clifford_Parker]

For general information I feel that there are three books that belong on EVERY woodcarver's shelf.

Whittling and Woodcarving, E.J. Tangerman, ISBN 0806977787

Complete Guide to Woodcarving, E.J Tangerman, ISBN 0806979224

How to Carve Wood, Rick Butz, ISBN 0918804205