My First Post

[walker84]

Hello out there it is good to be here. I was talking to my good buddy on the phone tonight and in the middle of the conversation it just came to me. I want to start carving. I know that some fish lures are hand carved, and that is really what interested me at first. Then I went on the internet and seen many more beautiful things.
Where do I get started? Does it take many years to be great at it? Wink

[Clifford_Parker]

Hello Walker84 and welcome to the group.

As you have seen, there are many types of carving. For fishing lures or spear fishing decoys you could do most of the work with only a knife while other types of carvings are much easier with gouges, chisels, etc.

I would suggest that you look around at various carving sites and in the galleries here and see what catches your eye then contact Rick at http://littleshavers.com/ and let him know your interests. He will be glad to help you get the tools and books that will be most useful.

Try to find out if there is a carving club near you. Having someone with experience to help you out one-on-one with learning how to use and maintain your tools is especially helpful.

Good luck in your new addiction... oops ... HOBBY and keep us informed as to how you are coming along.

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard Walker84. Lots of great things to carve out there....fishing lures....check out Alfie Fishgap's web site ( www.fishgap.com )and his article in the latest issue of WCI. They will give you a taste of what a great past-time carving can be.....it isn't expensive, or difficult.....just need a little piece of wood, a sharp knife and some time! Presto! Great relaxation! Enjoy.

Bob

[BobD]

Bob had it right...to carve one of Alfie's lures, you need a carving glove, a sharp knife and some sandpaper--and whatever wood you want to use!


Alfie usually posts on the board, but he is swamped wiht work right now...it's the summer season...but if you check out his site, you can e-mail him and he'll give you a hand!

Bob

[walker84]

Thankyou guys or gals. What about these items?

http://www.profitablehobbies.com/Our_Products.html

http://www.profitablehobbies.com/Parablaster.html

http://www.profitablehobbies.com/Parablaster.html

Are these the best for detail purposes?

[AlArchie]

Those systems are all a great deal of overkill for a beginner in woodcarving. They would be great for etching in glass or metal, eroding grain surfaces on wood bases, sign making etc. They are really expensive, though, and similar systems (sandblasting cabinets) can be found at auto supply stores for considerably less money. Northern Supply handles cabinets for around 200 bucks.

I'd start with a good bench knife, a glove and a small set of palm gouges. some basswood chunks and a few books will get you pointed in the right direction. As Cliff mentioned, Rick has just that combo in a kit. There are Several good books with patterns for carving fishing lures and decoys. You can pick them up for less that 20 bucks apiece.

Small basswood blocks can be picked up at most hobby stores for a fairly reasonable price. Three to 30 dollars for good quality blocks that are good for beginners. After you find your direction, wood can be located at many suppliers across the counry for larger quantities at better prices. Scrap pieces of pine, spruce, cedar and some hardwoods can be found either for free or really cheap at smaller lumber companies, and building contractors (not the big box stores). These make good starter woods, especially for such things as fishing lures and fish decoys which were traditionally carved from white cedar and spruce.

Al

[AlArchie]

Just went and re-checked those sites you posted.....those are some remarkable artists that are linked to the sites, and if you care to spend the bucks and take the classes, you could come out way ahead of the learning curve. That said, I don't know anyone who uses this type of abrasive carving method, other than a few top of the line sign makers.

Some people take years to develop their carving abilities and some seem to have inherent skills that just need some honing. You won't know untill you try.


Al (again)

[walker84]

Thankyou everybody and I will keep in touch. I can see how it could be very profitable for someone. I think I am just going to start out with the basics and work my way up. Later on if I like it more I will go with some of those high detail units. Their work is just unbelievable. I think they send instruction videos too but nothing is better than working first hand with someone learning the reins. I just dont now of any people in Nebraska that are doing such work.

[mikeg]

Welcome to a great hobby! I don't think any two people gain experience at the same rate so don't compare your progress to others. I did a couple of times and got discouraged. Move along at your own pace and keep challenging yourself with each carving.

Also, I'm just a hobbyist but I don't think you should expect to make big money from carving without a lot of sweat equity. I may be wrong but I don't think most of us do it for the money.

Again, welcome aboard!

mikeg

[wade clark]

Walker88,
There is wisdom in starting with the basic tools. The artists that did all that incredible work with that high dollar system have a great deal of experience and could also do incredible work with the basic tools.
With a good starter set, you can build your tool collection as you learn more, and you can do great things with just the basic tools!
Wade