Best books?

[JFoster88]

I know that this is probably an impossible question, but I'm just starting out and would like to buy 2 or 3 books that would give me a good beginning understanding. Which ones do you think most helpful for a beginner?

[Just Carving]

Not to be funny, but the best books are the free ones! Check the libraries in your area. If they don't have any, see if they're part of an inter-library loan program.

The reason why I say to borrow rather than buy is that after a while of buying books, you'll have a bunch that sit on the shelf that you'll rarely use. Since you say you're starting out, you could end up going in the poor house buying books until you find out what kind of carving you want to do. (You're going to need all that money to buy all the tools that you're never going to use! LOL)

As far as which books to get, it depends on what you want kind of carving you want to do. I see you say you've done some whittling, so I'm guessing you're leaning towards another form of carving like caricatures, or chip carving, or relief carving--maybe even decoy carving. If you're not sure, than that's all the more reason to try the library. Check out whatever books you can, and then that'll give you some more leads. And then ask some more around here. I'm sure every book has been bought by at least one person here.

But once you do get an idea of what book you want to buy, try Addall.com before you buy the book. It's a website that will let you get a price comparison (including S&H) from different book vending websites. I'll usually search with Google on a subject, figure out which book I think might be the one I want, and then go to Addall to see who has the best price. A lot of the used books aren't used, they're new with a little scuff or dent and can't be sold in a store. So, you can save a few bucks and get a new book (then after saving your money while buying a few well chosen books, you can buy a new knife without anybody knowing! Shhh! I won't tell! LOL)

Good luck!

Bob

[AlArchie]

Bob is absolutely right, but here's a book I've found that covers a lot of the basics in several types of carving, along with dozens of patterns and suggestions on tools and maintenance.

http://www.littleshavers.com/All_Books/20123.jpg

Al

[mdallensr]

How to Carve Wood: A Book of Projects & Techniques
Author: Richard Butz
Product Code: 205
ISBN 13: 978-0-918804-20-4
ISBN 10: 0-918804-20-4
Availability: In stock.
Price: $19.95
A book of projects & techniques. Includes sections on tools, whittling, chip & relief carving, & more.

Elements of Woodcarving
Author: Chris Pye
Product Code: 1081
ISBN 13: 978-1-86108-108-7
ISBN 10: 1-86108-108-1
Availability: In stock.
Price: $17.95
10 projects take you through the entire carving process. Illustrates a range of styles & subject matter.

Woodcarving Tools, Material & Equipment, Vol. 2
Author: Chris Pye
Product Code: 2029
ISBN 13: 978-1-86108-202-2
ISBN 10: 1-86108-202-9
Availability: In stock.
Price: $19.95

[RUssL.]

Ditto to mdallensr's list...and even in that order! :-)

Not to say that there aren't at least a few more after those! ;-)

RussL.

[PeteM]

One of the things I like about whittling and carving is that older books are still relevant. One of my favorites is:

YOU CAN WHITTLE AND CARVE
by Amanda Watkins Hellum and Frank H Gottshall

The books is from the early 1940s, but has alot of good project ideas, and I found it really useful.

You can get it for $4 or $5 on Ebay.

[JFoster88]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help... and for putting me onto addall.com. That made it possible to buy them all and still keep a few bucks for tools. (hopefully the books will help me from asking all of my dumb questions here)