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hi all
i am very new to carving in the round well carving all
together . i dont have any place around where i live to learn or to even get anything to learn from so i am teaching myself.
i am trying to do wildlife carvings and any help or pattern would you could send me in my email would truly be helpful.
thank you
timothy peterson

[Chahlie]

Hi Tim,

Just starting myself...so I know the boat your in. I have gotten lots of info just reading the BB's. I have even started a thread about the choice of wood to carve. My lovely bride got me a Santa carving book and some basic carving tools for X-mas. I read the book cover to cover and then just started with the first project. I have run into a problem as far as wood selection is concerned...I couldn't find any source for Bass wood. Since I live in Portland, Oregon I couldn't believe it wasn't available...come to find out that I just hadn't looked in the right places...a fellow woodworker at work suggested a local source called Crosscut Hardwoods, found it and even went by it's location...of course they were closed...so the next day I called their office and they do carry Bass wood. I look forward to getting some to work with.

I tried to and continue my first project using a blank of laminated poplar. I am learning things with each cut and each wood shaving. If I have learned one thing so far...sharp tools are essiential... and the idea of stropping your tools as they need to be touched up is best.

Sorry if I am rambling....well anyway...check your local library for carving books, and continue reading and asking questions in the BB's. you will find lots of friendly helpful people...I have.


Charlie

[jamesfa]

Hi Tim
i was in the same situation as you are not to long ago,what is it you would like to carve.wood carving illustrated has some great step by step instructions for various projects.
you have to have sharp tools and i would recommend getting a piece of basswood. i started with laminated construction pine it worked ok but now that i use basswood what a difference and results are better.
post a message of what you have in mind to carve i may have it in my box of carving stuff &patterns

For you beginners why not Go to Past Articles in this web site.And go to Cutting Corners by Joel Hull.It is a good project step by step for a beginner.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I just looked up Joel Hull's site, thats a great site to refer a new carver too! I am going to save in and pass it on!! thanks

[Callynne]

Hi Timothy, Welcome! I've been carving for three years and haven't been able to take any classes either. Everything I've learned has been from books and the generous people on this board...so you've come to a good place!
I would suggest you check out your local library, they may have some carving books, if not they may be able to get you one on loan from another library.
If not then you should check out books available to purchase, there are many of them out there. Just pick the one that is the closest to what you want to carve. I'm a book nut and would buy lots, lots more if I could afford them, everyone helps me just a little bit more! Good luck! Callynne

[Texas_Jim]

I found a new source for wood at Lowe's.

They have oak, red oak, poplar and 'craft wood' which is probably white pine. So, for a couple dollars I bought the 'craft wood' and I use it to practice on just before I carve on my 'good' project. It carves very nice and is about like carving with bass wood and it is very cheap. Try it, at least for a 'practice' board.

I had not carved anything since I was a teenager until I became unable to work in July 2003, and I am 52 now. back then all i used was a pocket knife. I have received a lot of help here on this list and a couple of others that I am on. There are a lot of great people here that are glad to help you and answer any questions you have. Remember the only stupid question is the 1 you did not ask.

[Colin_Partridge]

Tim,
We all had to start somewhere and if you could have seen my first carving you would have laughed you head off. I still have a pile to learn and do so everyday and with every carving I do. I agree experience is the best teacher watch and ask questions, one thing about wood carvers they are always willing to share there expertise.
Colin

[Anthony Filetti]

Learning is always tough...I first learned through watching Rick Butz carving show on PBS he was a wealth of information. When I began to get serious though I learned by buying Tom Wolfe books as he has step by step instructions which include color pictures.

My 2 cents: Don't skimp on tools. If you do you'll have to replace them before you know.