Books for a beginner

[Kitbass]

Hi folks,

I wanted to ask all of you if there are any books you can recommend to a beginner to hand carving as I dont want to spend a lot of cash on something that is useless. I have tried my local libraries and they have virtually none to loan. So any recommendations on what to buy and read?

Thanks

Keith

[twoclones]

Tom Wolf has written a lot of books on carving specific figures which you could use to get started. That way you'd learn to carve a dog, for example, using step by step instructions rather than trying to learn wood carving in general.

Eventually you will find reference books more useful than 'how to' books.

[highlakejohn]

Keith,

For a beginner, or anyone for that matter,I would recomment Chris Pye's books.

His "Woodcarving Tools, Materials, and Equipment" is a two volume set that will answer questions that you haven't even thought of yet about tools, what you need to get started, how to sharpen, wood, Etc., Etc.. Check out Fox Chapel or Amazon. He has other books on learning to carve and I think they are the best. (My humble opinon.) Also check out his "Relief Carving in Wood" and "Elements of Woodcarving". Money WELL spent!

[Hooked on Carving]

What type of carving are you interested in doing? Whittling,Caricatures, Chip, Relief, In the round, Santas, Chainsaw, Architectural? We'll be able to give you something that will help with your interests. The Complete Book of Woodcarving by Everett Ellenwood is a good basic book, with easy projects like a snowman, cat.

[uvawyo]

For a characature carver I think Jack Price has the best books. You can learn a lot at no cost by from Gene Messers u tube videos or from Lynn's web sight and if you browse wood carving tutorials on this sight there is lots of good information

[Robert Cahill]

You did not mention the style carving you are interested in. Carving Small Characters by Jack Price in one of my favorite books another is Carving egg heads by Mary Finn. Mary has you do a 3 or 4 study sticks that are useful for other projects,
I also go to Fox Chapel Publishing and get the title and authors of any book I think I will like. My local library will usually be able to get it through inter-library loan. Then if I like the book I purchase it
That way I know what I am getting,

[Kitbass]

Firstly thank you for all the suffestions folks and I should have mentioned the style I was looking at.
I am giving everything a go at the moment just to see what suits me but I am interested in charicatures and small toys.
I have had some requests from family about carving some figures in the style of the Willow Tree characters here Willow Tree by Susan Lordi
As I say though I am still new to carving and I am willing to give anything a go for now.

[BRIAN D]

As you can tell, theres alot of different opinions. You can pick up a lot of books or there is the internet, some of the best in my opinion are: Woodcarving Patterns, Classic Carving Patterns Online, Wood Carving Designs and Patterns Online
WoodBeeCarver . Above all SAFETY FIRST, and have fun. BRIAN D.

[SlowMover]

I agree with others that Jack prices book is great..it had the most influence on my caricature carving of any books I have. Also Pete Leclair has three good books, I think the one on carving heads is the best, then the one on full figures second..the one on busts is about the same as the otheres, ok, but nothing different. Read as many books as you can, watch a lot of free videos on the internet..and if at all possible, take a carving class from someone as it really helps to actually see someone carve.

[Donsexton]

You can’t go wrong with these two books for an overview of all styles of carving. Don’t dismiss them because they are old the information is still relevant. Chris Pye has some very informative books out as well as mentioned.