[Thomp]

Originally Posted by Tom H

Hi Ho is right, correct, right on, tells it like it is. There are two required ingredients for a successful (at any level) carving experience. Sharp tools and good wood. An awful lot of the basswood sold at Walmarks, Hobby Lobby, etc. is hard as "ed cat Poop" (That's what Thomp would say")
I have seen several new carvers get discouraged when they try to carve that kind of wood. If you have to buy some of this wood, and it's the only wood you can get; try to take your pocket knife to the store and try a little cut at the end grain. If it cuts HARD try another. Just don't get caught. You'd probably be charged with breaking some type of homeland security law.

Tom H

___________--------
Absolu-tu-a-tly,

tom,
micheals basswood will get you over a fit of needing to make chips, but so will construction pine.....

but with a srink wrapped walnut hollow basswood block 3"x3"x10" costing 28 bucks you get out of the mood fast,
i reccomend going to the ilse where they sell balsa wood look for the bags of economy basswood its only 8 bucks

tools, wood and a plan is all you need for a start,,,
hey dont think your knife proof even with your carving gear, you can get stabbed with all the tools especally small palm tools

[doris]

welcome bnoles... how about trying to carve a stylized owl ? thats what i did for my very first carving, just with a dull pocketknife (i did not knew how to sharpen then and would now recommend chisels and gouges). you can make it as easy as you like, or go further and make more shapes and detail. mine was very simple, as you can see on my homepage, if you want to look for inspiration...

[bnoles]

Y'all have been so very helpful and I cannot begin to express my appreciation for al of the great advice and tips you have offered this ole newbie. My tools did arrive from Little Shavers yesterday and I spent the evening getting them razor sharp and ready to embark on my first piece of wood. I have much to learn and I hope you will bare with me along my journey and dumb questions ahead.

Many thanks to each of you who responded.

[santagibbs]

This reply is coming in a few days late, but I wanted to offer a suggestion..I consider myself a beginner as I can't make my own patterns..so I have to use roughouts..That's a great way to start also .. All though one of the roughouts was hard as Tomp's expression.. Jon Nelson has some rough outs and his basswood is GREAT to carve.. It's a pleasure to carve good wood.. They are not too large but just right for a beginner to hold.. Also I have a H L Enlow carving stick that is a stick for a face.. That has helped me very much and each time I look at it for a new piece it gets better .. This time the nose came out a little better.. Just wanted to add this to see if it will help..Charlotte

[Dan S]

MY only suggestion is to pick something really simple. Yuo want your first carving to turn out well. If you pick something far above your skill level you may get frustrated and quit. Save the first carving. It's a good benchmark. My first carving is the picture that comes up when I post.

Dan

[Robert Cahill]

I would suggest going through the tutorials on this forum. Pick one you like and go for it. I did one of Gene Messers and was quite pleased with the results.

[redbird46]

Bob, I know this will probably be too obvious but make sure you get a copy and then a subscription to this magazine.... Woodcarving Illustrated! The magazine has tips,projects by the pro's with step by step details, etc. You can also get books by the teachers, dvd's by teachers and some here like Mark have good ones. My best suggestion that I think helps the most is to look around and find a good carver/teacher that you can take some classes from in your area. There is nothing that will push you to realize what you can really do like sitting with a highly creative instructor!
Norb

[hruukki]

Hi bnole, I practically just started myself, and (depending on what you want to carve of course) I recommend the Chris Pye /Rob Cosman DVD Ornamental Woodcarving. It will run you through the basics step by step. My technique improved enormously by watching it and trying the project.

[tvance124]

Good luck with your new endeavour. I would suggest that you see if there is a carving club in your area. Someone or all will be happy to get you started and might even provide a real good piece of basswood. Here is a link to Will Hayden's web site. He has some excellent beginner projects with step by step instruction.

http://www.willhayden.com/HaydensClassroom.html

Again good luck,

[tvance124]

Hey Bnoles -- I just looked and see you are in or near Atlanta. There are several clubs in your area. You can PM me and I will put you in contact with someone in a club up there.