Brand New Carver - Looking for Suggestions

[dfoley2]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking to pick up a new hobby and thought I might give this a try. I've always been interested in carving but I need a bit of guidance to get me started. I want to start off very basic. I want to make a 2" by 2" wooden cross as a necklace. I guess what I want to get feedback on is what wood we be best/most durable and what size wood should I start with. I want it to be rustic and raw so preferable not purchased wood but something I can find. I live in southern California so keep that in mind. Secondly, I was wondering what knife I should be using and where I should get it or if it won't matter much because I am starting off so basic. I would appreciate any feedback or advice given. Thanks!

[Kelley]

Look at this thread for a simple good knife for starting carving.

Kelley

Regarding BudK "Whittlin' Jack" knives

[Riverman]

Hi and welcome to the group!
Bob

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Welcome to the forum. Here are some basic knives: Murphy Knives at Little Shavers

Dave

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Here is another: Clip Point Bench Knife from Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers

Dave

[bigEd_H]

Hi and welcome to the forum. The Murphy bench knife is a very good basic knife that comes ready to use. The Whittlin' Jack that Kelly suggested is no longer available from Budk, plus it requires some massaging before it is usable.

[LBlake]

As for wood, basswood and butternut are what a lot of people use for carving, but my opinion is that they wouldn't be strong enough for something like you describe. I once made a rosary cross about that size for a friend - I made it of cocobolo, which is probably very durable, as woods go, but quite unreasonable for carving. Walnut or Mahogany, if you have them, might be good. Cherry or Poplar / Aspen are also good, and have a closer, smoother grain. I hear Western Red Maple (aka Big Leaf maple) is also very nice - but I've never been able to get my hands on it here in the East.

Not sure if you can come across any of those, but I hope that helped, anyway.

[Ashbys]

Hi , welcome to the fourm.

You want a simple cross about 2 inches wide , two inches long. so keep it simple .

Find a tree, look for a limb that needs trimmed about 2and 1/2 inches wide at the center cut it , and cut a 2 and 1/4 section.

Now put the piece in a vice , and saw off the front side , then saw off the back . Get a pencil and a ruler , draw the out line of the cross of the wood.
give your self extra wood of an 1/8 or 1/4 inch around the sides. In other words if you want a cross 1/2 inch wide make the pattern your drawning 3/4 to 1 inch .

Then using the vise again cut along the line again , remove the four cut out sections.

Then get an old glove for hand protection, using a pocket knife, or a kitchen paring knife , start taking light cuts along the edges to bring the edges to where you want them.

Now when using your knife , do not force it , dont dig to take large cuts . Do not tip point the knife into the wood. Use simple slicing cuts, like you would use carving a piece of meat .

If you enjoy it then it will be time to start looking at looking at doing more .

The wood I suggested is green , it has advantages over using dry wood. One is there is less concern about the kind of wood , it will carve eaiser, and will start you on simple cuts. Many carvers started with just such a project using pocket knives. Many carvings have been made using pairing knifes. It is a simple cheap way to get the results you asked to acheive.

The knife suggestions of murphy's is a good choice . If you want to with a knife. It is a good starting carving blade. But if your not sure and want to do something with out spending money , use what you have then once you are sure take the next step .

Ash

[dwlind]

Not knowing what your background is, my advise may be something you already know. I would suggest you spend some time searching these forums for terms like safety, sharpening, stropping this will give you a ton of information that will be invaluable as you are getting started.

I'm not sure that real durable (hard) wood and learning to carve usually go together, even a very sharp knife will need constant attention (stropping) as you carve and the harder the wood the more critical this step becomes. Perhaps in this application you might think about power carving, to get started a dremel tool and a couple of bits will go through just about anything. Then a knife, a rasp or sandpaper could be used to just clean up the surface.

As far as where to buy a knife I would suggest Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply, give them a call, they will be glad to help you out.

Doug

[Mark Dellinger]

Welcoome and glad to have you with us.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark