Dumb Question --- I've Read

[PaulPinkston]

Hi Everyone,

Being a New Carver, I am reading everything I can get my hands on.

I have read articles stating the carver takes his Carving Knife and Wood everywhere he goes ---- the Dr. Office, Anytime he's waiting, the Restaurant, and ect. Is that possible and how would one contain or clean up the mess created. Sounds like something I would like to do.

Thanks,

Paul

[Tom-H]

Paul,

Here's the way I handle it. I have a good pocket knife. I whittle small. By small I mean, I start with a piece of Basswood that is 3/4"x3/4"x6", or smaller. This means less mess. In the Dr's office I spread a magazine on my lap to catch the chips. At the restaurant, I sprerad the paper napkin on the table or counter to catch the chips. Finally I make sure that the waitress, and other staff get a carving.....

Tom H

[Paul_Guraedy]

Paul, my wife and I have reached that stage of life where visits to the Dr.'s offices are a constant (had 4 last week). At first I was a little hesistant, most of my carvings fall into the 12-18 inch range. Then I was at a carving show where Larry Yudis (The Woodcarving Shop) was the "supplier" and saw what I call a "kangaroo apron". It is like a shop apron, but the bottom has velcro along the sides and can be folded back on itself to make a pocket.

At first, I chose only small carvings as part of my "traveling kit". The carvings created so much interest and were so well received by the medical staff (including the Doctors) and patients that I started bringing whatever I am working on at the moment. Recently I carried a carving of an eagle with a trout in it's talons sitting on some rocks. The whole thing is at least 18" tall. I have a "riggers bag" to carry my tools and such. The sharp tools are in "bait" boxes. I was a little concerned about sharp tools but am careful to have out only the one I am using.

So, I recommend that you carry your carving work wherever. But, realize it will attract a crowd and interest. Do not plan on working on a part of the carving that requires concentration. You will usually do more talking than carving. I carve a lot of birds and usually have one or two that I can work on the feathers. With animals I try to bring along one that is sufficiently underway to show some progress. Recently, I had a Nurse chastise me about my carvings by commenting, "We only get to see your unfinished carvings! Next time bring one that is finished and especially one you have worked on here."

My wife's hairdresser does not take long enough to make carving there worthwhile; but, wants me to bring along a recenly finished piece for him to see. There is tremendous interest in woodcarving. We need to encourage it by public carving.

[squbrigg]

No such thing as a dumb question, unless you don't ask it. How else will you learn?

Like many others, I carve while waiting, and never get tired or bored while waiting. I go prepared. I use an apron to handle my chips and always pick up any strays before I leave. Like my friend Paul, I too use a riggers bag as my travelling/waiting kit, and inside I have two custom leather holders for gouges and a shaving bag for assorted tools. The side pockets of the bag hold pencils, a good set of diamond files and a full set of Dockyard micro gouges.

I will often carry a finished piece with me, so my regular viewers get a look at finished pieces. The bag is spacious, so carrying some finished work isn't a chore, as long as they are small enough. Not only do I get to carve while the wife shops, or we're waiting in a doctors or dentists office, but I get to chat with the nicest folks who like to see what I'm doing. It never hurts to encourage new carvers or show folks that the old art forms aren't dead or forgotten.

Bob

[gene-messer]

Paul . try this if you like the idea
I went to wal mart and purchased a small fishing box and removed the insert.. I carry my carving tools inside and a few small pieces to carve and when I carve .. I simply carve over the box and let the chips fall into my box ..
I then when I get home .. simply dump the wood chips in the garbage
below is a picture of this box
Gene

[Ezzylearner]

I have a "kangaroo apron" described above by Paul, and I bring along a small collapsible cardboard box with me when I carve outdoors. I dump my wood chips and shavings into the mulch bin, my wife says its good for the garden when she spreads the compost (so far no termites - <smile>).

[Buffalo Bif]

I've always treated my carving like drinking- best done at home. Reading the posts here has started me thinking otherwise.

[PaulPinkston]

Originally Posted by gene-messer

Paul . try this if you like the idea
I went to wal mart and purchased a small fishing box and removed the insert.. I carry my carving tools inside and a few small pieces to carve and when I carve .. I simply carve over the box and let the chips fall into my box ..
I then when I get home .. simply dump the wood chips in the garbage
below is a picture of this box
Gene

Gene,

I've taken your advice. The Small Fishing Box from Wal Mart has done the trick. Did some traveling this past weekend and your fishing Box did the trick. Thanks,

Paul

P.S. I've just about worn out your Beginning Carving Videos on YOU Tube. Thanks again

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

[QUOTE=squbrigg;422725]No such thing as a dumb question, unless you don't ask it. How else will you learn?

Well said Bob!!

Dave