I have been doing what someone labeled as “Hobo carving� or some call whittling. Stuff like “ball in cage� and chains. I have come across a few people who have peaked my interest in carving in the manor of this board. So, I guess I qualify as a newbe.

I have looked around the site and other sites and have found that no one has a free hard copy catalog. What’s the deal? I want to buy the appropriate tools and find I have to pay to see someone’s catalog so I can buy from them.

Here are a few questions?

*Where can I find softwood? I have gone to my local lumber stores and no one cares basswood or other softwoods.

*Is there any free catalogs out there or do they all cost?

*What is a good first project?

Thanks for all you input!

Larry

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

almost all the suppliers I have contacted in one way or another and that is a 'LOT' all have catalogs they will send you....just type in your name and address and request a catalog! do a google search of carving tools, carving suppliers, woodcarving etc....you will have catalogs coming out of your ears! as for wood.....I like to get mine from Don Wedll.....but there are many many wood suppliers out there as well.

The style of carving you are referring to is called 'whimmsies.' About the most knowledgeable person that I know on the subject is Rick Ferry (rick in seattle). You may want to send him an email
at rick@littleshavers.com and explain you interest and need for tools and supplies. Suspect he can fix you up with most of it.

[squbrigg]

Hi Larry,

Don't know where you hail from, but in Canada Lee Valley Tools will send you a free catalogue on request, as will Chipping Away.

As for wood, Basswood is actually a hardwood, but a soft variety. Any wood will do, just some are easier than others. Butternut or Walnut are nice to carve. Check out your local building/lumber supply stores. Chipping Away and Lee Valley also sell some limited woods, but other folk on here could help direct you more than me.

Good luck with whatever you carve. Just make sure you have fun.

Bob

Larry here's a few links for you. Dick in Florida will send you a free catalog, just fill out the short request form on his site. He also has a decent online catalog too! http://www.qualitycarvingsupplies.com/ He's a good guy to buy from, I've placed several orders.

For basswood, I've been buying mine from here http://www.itascawoodproducts.com/ the wood is good quality and at a better price then most!

Both places have good shipping prices and fast delivery.

For a first project, I really can't recommend one. You might try taking a look at a chunk of wood and 'seeing' what's inside. If that doesn't work, take a look around and something will give you inspiration.

Well it is refreshing to see that there is new interest in the carving hobby/career. It seems that you are truly a 'Newby', and the best advice that I can offer should answer most of your questions.As with an apprentice in any profession, looking for answers-- spend some time with the people that have gone through it. You could look in your local area for carving clubs and by all means stay with this site. Both feature seasoned carvers that 'Do it' nearly everyday, and can answer most of these simple questions(simple to them). Recently there was a question raised on this site on how to keep interest and carving clubs alive with younger members. Well you are a great opportunity for us to strengthen our persuasive and guidance skills. Thank you for being honest and allowing us the opportunity to broaden our skills as well as remembering what it was like to look for a project and what woods would be perfect.

What worked for me when looking for a good carving wood, was to take a hike or walk in the forest or in a park. I would pick up a piece of 'fallen off wood', and carve a little to check it's qualities (hardness,color,grain). At this point it never mattered to me what species it was-I just carved something from it. Eventually the carving abilities got better as well as the species recognition. Be safe, have fun, and we will be looking for your first pictures and your progress.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I was getting some things at home depot yesterday and walked by the lumber/trim section, they had some redwood 2x2's standing in a rack....one caught my eye, the full length was clear redwood....the only one in the rack. I bought it and brought it home to carve...it carves beautifully! I had forgotten, it has been so long since I lived in the redwoods where it was so plentiful, but cuts like butter....it does chip a little but not as much as, say ,aspen.....but is fun to carve. But this is one of many many species....always fun to find another or go back to one!

I've got an old 10 foot redwood 2x4 from a WW II building they tore down on the fort about 10 years ago. I've often thought about trying to carve it, I guess I'll give it a try.

Thanks for all the great replies. I will be checking out the links that were passed on. I have seen a lot of redwood at the local lumberyard. I did not know it was good for carving. I will be going to buy some tomorrow!

I live in Newton, Kansas. Anyone in the Newton / Wichita area or know of a club in the area? I did a little searching on the WWW and could not find a club. But I realize that not every club has found the wonders of the web.

Again, thanks for the comments.

[BobD]

LarryB,
Check out our main site www.foxchapelpublishing.com When you are there, click on the 'Resources' tab. Then click on the Carving Clubs. Then you can search for carving clubs by states. There are several clubs in Ks, but I'm not familiar with the state geography, so I don't know how close to you they are.

Bob