If you don't ask...you'll never know!

[submarinersg]

I just recent became a member with WCI, but I want to share this with everyone.
I'm in the Navy, a bubblehead (submariner) stationed in Pearl Harbor. So, about two weeks ago I have this realization, that I should try woodcarving...and I start to look up everything I can on the web. I don't know how, or when, but I found Lynn Doughtys' page. I was pretty much floored, I mean that's some really cool art... ok enough for now... we don't want to blow up his head too much! All joking aside, I wrote him an email asking some fairly specific questions, and he sent me back some great info and personal recommendations. I went back and found some more about Lynn, uh, wow, I felt a little funny, he's kinda a carving superstar...I bet it must have been funny getting an email from some random sailor right outta the blue! But he took the time to help me out, and that was really cool. Well, I guess what I'm try to say is thank you Lynn, and tell all the other folks with questions, ask these carvers some questions. You'll get your answer and will be even more excited to start a new project! I managed to finish a Santa ornament thanks to Gene and his great videos, a utility knife, and a scrap of basswood. His videos made it so much easier, I would've made so many more mistakes without those! I haven't painted it yet, unfortunately, I'm back in a cast (no, not from the knife...I had a previously broken bone that didn't quite heal so well!) so my carving days are on hold for a month or so, but I can still scour the web, catch up on some good movies and think of some more questions to ask!

Thank You
Scott G

[againstthegrain]

Forgive my ignorance, but how do you get wi-fi when you are miles underwater?

My husband was an unrestricted line officer for 20 years, and being above the water line, a signal wasn't an isuue.

[knarl]

Great comments, and very true, you carve under water, and right now I'm under snow...been snowing for three days.
Weclome aboard.

Knarl

Twisted Pine Studio - Wood Sculptures - Haliburton, ON

[Donna_T]

Scott,
You're right--you will find carvers are the most helpful artists in the world. Most will tell you everything they've learned--much of it the hard way--if it will help you. Ultimately, it will be up to you to try most everything, too, and see what works for you. There's a number of top notch professional carvers on this board--and hundreds of great carvers who haven't gone professional here, too.

I would think that finding good basswood would be your biggest challenge, but don't forget, you can carve just about any wood (and things that aren't wood) with varying results. First recommendation is to get a carving glove to ward off wayward cuts to your hand that holds your carving---then get a good knife and sharpening/stropping device.

Hope you hand heals quickly.

Donna T

[Joy]

Scott, you have already discovered two of the best things about carving: Lynn and Gene--- and many many others who are willing to help. Happy carving!

[Joggernot]

Submarinersg, Glad you found us! I'm just thinking of the logistics of carving in a boat. The mess would be good, but cleanup might be difficult. Any other place would be a bother to everyone else...and think of how much wood you need to take on a 6-month tour... Pearl should have lots of good, beautiful woods to carve.

Bob T has the Gene Messer videos available on CDs that you might be interested in. KeepVid: Download and save any video from Youtube, Dailymotion, Metacafe, iFilm and more! is a good site to use to download the videos directly to your computer. Remember to make sure the format you choose can be viewed on your computer.

Joggenrot -- I built them; never sailed them.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

I would think Lynn should pop in here at some point you should have put his name into the title. You will find a ton of very friendly and helpful people on here. One thing I have noticed is no matter where you go in this world woodcarvers are the nicest people you will meet.
Carl

[Buckskin]

Welcome to the board Scott. I think you will, in general, find, as I have, that carvers are a helpful lot.

Thank you for your service!

[K. Ellenburg]

Hello Scott
Thank you for your service. Are you on a boomer or fast attack? I never understood how anyone could be in a Sub. That's why I was in the 101st, I would rather jump out of a plane or repel out of a copter than be under water lol. Keep your head down and your spirits up. If you get a chance post a few pics.
Kevin

[submarinersg]

Happy Thanksgiving!! Thanks for the kind words, I a grateful. Let's see here, I want to get everyone answered... currently, I am attached to a training command, and I am an instructor for Ship Control ( I teach other submariners how to drive submarines!). So for now, I get to come home to see my lovely wife every night, and visit with all of you. I have been stationed on three different types of submarines, and have spent almost 12 years on sea-duty. I've been in for just under 16 years, so it's what I know. It's a god job and it's always an adventure, that's for s
ure!
Hooyah! Kevin, and thank you for your service. I do it because I love it and work with awesome people. I go to sea on a boat that sinks on purpose, you fall out of the sky...hey, somebody has to do all the fun stuff!
Cheers

As far as carving underway, I would probably only do 1 or 2 small carvings a month, to limit what supplies I would need, and to keep the shavings to a minimum.

So yes, wood can be very expensive her in Hawaii. I was looking at a local wood working store, and found a 4"x7"x15" piece of basswood for only $49.95!! There is a lumber yard that can get it, but they only get limited quantities. I can order from Heinecke woods, pay for shipping and still save 50%. I actually had a small piece in my garage that I got from a co-worker a few years back, so I cut it and went for it!. I have all my safety gear, and ordered a few Ferguson knives, and am anxious to get back at it when the cast comes off.

Well, don't listen to me ramble, you should be with friends and family... eating green bean casserole,pumpkin pie, telling stories and taking a nap!

Here are a few pics of my first project... I'll post them in the beginners section as well.

Scott