[michaelgarner]

Hello friends,
Sorry to jump in with out introducing myself. But I have a question that a needs timley response. I am deploying to Iraq agian and the last two times I was there I missed woodworking. I own a custom furniture and cabinet shop that I run part time. I was thinking that I could take up relief carving while deployed this time, I would be able to coninue my education and benifit my furniture building when I get back. The only problem is that I have NO clue on what I need. I am gong to get this book

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/156...Fencoding=UTF8

To do after I get the hang of it. I really really need some advice friends. I have to take everyting with me the first go around becouse sometimes I am in a remote place that I will not be able to get to any mail for months. As of right now I have no carving tools, so I would need the tools, prop sharpening equipment, the proper wood blanks, holding device, ect ect. thanks for your help. Be blessed friends.
michael Garner

[Sue in Eureka]

Hi Michael;
Well I can't answer your question but I just wanted to tell you to come home safely. Bless you and all of our military folks for all you do.
Sue

[Ron Davidson]

I have a Flex Cut travel set that would do the job. It's 11pcs and comes with a strop. I think if it was me though I would give Rick at Little Shavers a email and see what he can fix you up with. Good luck come home safe and thanks for all you do.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I agree with Ron...Those FlexCut tools are nice. I've got both the large and small chisels and use them quite a bit.

Good luck on your deployment. Keep your head down and come home safely.

[Big_Al]

God bless and keep your head down!. Big Al

[Kenny_S]

Best to you and thank you for your service to us and our country.

Ron is right on, Flexcut travel gouges or contact Rick at www.littleshavers.com or both.

[Canopener]

Good advice above, maybe Rick could recommend a book or two.
Good luck in Iraq, and thanks for your service.
Jim

[whitecree]

A couple of knives, some 1500 grit wet/dry paper to sharpen and some small chunks of basswood.

Ignore the so-called news people. They have their head up their arse. You are doing a valuable and much appreciated job 'over there'.

[Thor]

Best wished for your well being in Iraq again, and to your family while you are gone.
My only comment about stuff I would want with me would be my bench hook that I made. It is just a piece of plywood with some strips of plywood glued and screwed into it in a couple of places, but is easily transported, and makes carving without clamps very posible and safe.
I don't have a picture of mine, but maybe someone can send you one. They are very commonly used for carving small reliefs.

Mine measure about 12" square, has a 1" strip of plywood glued and screwed on the bottom of one edge to hook onto the edge of a work surface, and two 1" strips of plywood screwed and glued to the right and top edges on the top.
It makes a good lap carving surface as well. I have found that I don't use my clamps much anymore with it, and that a little scrap of non-skid shelf rubber stuff on it really helps keep the wood in place as well.
It's a very inexpensive and indispensable work surface for me now.
Thor
.

[michaelgarner]

thanks everyone,,have a blessed day