[dbirish]

hello everybody. im a soldier currently serving in iraq near the bahgdad area. i have been building furniture as a hobby now for 5 years or so, and had just finished building my new shop when i found out i was getting deployed with the army reserves. so now i am sitting here thousands of miles away from all my new tools. what a bummer. i have always had an interest in woodcarving but never started up. i dont know much about it but i figure it is something that wont take up much room and would be a good thing to make the time go by quicker. the only problem is i dont know where to start. i would appreciate any information you guys have on where to get started, like what tools i should get what types of wood to use or any good books i could buy to get me started. any information you can give me would be great. Thanks for all the help. - sgt thompson

[rick-in-seattle]

Sarge,
Give me a good address and I'll get you started.

Rick
rick@littleshavers.com
www.littleshavers.com

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard Sgt Thompson.....carving is a great compliment to your furnature building, and seeing as you will have some time on your hands, a natural solution. The up side is it's also a great stress reliever and relaxer, you don't need much for tools or wood to do it. I began aboard ship while I was in the service, (RCN) back in the 1970's, and never stopped.

As to what to carve....there's no end of the things to try.....small enough to fit in a footlocker. Canes are popular and fun....no end of the heads you can carve, look through the gallery and make a choice. You can even carve pull tabs for zippers, or 101 other useful little things for around the camp .

If you send me your mailing address I'll see what I can find that you might be able to use, something small portable and a bit of wood to get you started. my e-mail addy is squbrigg@rogers.com

My respects to you Sgt. Please take care of yourself over there. Carving is a great hobby and ice breaker......carvings speak a language of their own, so may come in handy.

Bob

[Callynne]

Welcome Sergeant Thompson! Sounds like you already have a good start coming your way! You've definitely come to the right place for support, information and friendship!

I'm the 'safetly advice' lady, always reminding everyone to be safe, to wear a carving glove and thumb guard. For you, I hope and pray you keep your entire self safe from harm. No matter what anyone thinks of 'why we are there', we all support you and pray for your safe return! Oh yes and be sure to wear that glove and thumbguard when you're carving!! Callynne

[Mitchell]

Sgt. Thompson, We'd enjoy it if you would post here on occasion to let us know about your carving progress. When you get home, try to find a carving club near your area. ---(Thanks Rick).

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Hello Sgt..saw your post on "Wood" Magazine forum, the Rick of littleshavers that I suggested there you contact is the Rick in Seattle here....Also the Nancy Goff that posted there that was going to send you a knife and some basswood is also here....you see, woodcarvers get around!

[rick-in-seattle]

Mitchell,
I owe a debt, this is my chance to repay it.

One night thirty-three years ago I was in a lonely port far from home and broke. I was sending most of my pay to my wife and trying to help my parents stay afloat by sending them what I had left.

Although I wanted to get off the ship, without folding money, I had no place to go. Then this old timer told me to come with him; I told him I was flat broke, so he said he would buy me a beer.

That was one of the best times I remember that year, he bought me that beer, some chips and a game of pool; the kindness in his heart still touches me today.

That old man's name was John Huffer, long since passed I am sure; but he is the only sailor I served with whos name I still remember.

You see, I am only repaying a debt long overdue.

[BobD]

Rick,

That post just brought a tear to my eye...I can't articulate it, but in my minds eye, I saw you sitting in that port...you have such a way with words.
Bob

[Anthony Filetti]

Sarge,

Welcome aboard! I'm pretty sure this board will server as a nice diversion and you will usually find someone here at all times of day and night as we keep some strange hours.

Please post your progress as we'd enjoy seeing your work.

Stay low and stay safe!

(BTW...what area are you from? as you can see we have carvers from all over the U.S.)

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Having server on an aircraft carrier I can tell you that some of the loneliest times are aboard ship with 3000 other men.....sounds ridiculous but true! I am sure the Army, Marines etc are the same on shore!