What to I need to get started?

[ShallowJam]

I looked around some in the existing threads, and searched around a bit on the net but couldnt find what i was looking for. Frankly, i got more confused than when i started!

I am wanting to get into carving. My goal (although set i bit high, i know) is someday be able to carve myself a chess set. With the biggest piece being around 4'' tall. I know what it looks like in my head, but i want to develop the skills to do it myself, instead of buying it.
I have done a bit of woodworking and whittling in the past, but I have decided on some carving as a happy medium. The big question is:

What do I need to get started?

There are tons of kits available, gouges, knives, mallets, and vices. I saw some gouges that were hand-only (not with mallets) and I dont think that interests me. I want to be able to grow into this set. Budget-wise, i id rather not exceed $400-ish.
Maybe a knife, mallet, brush, gouges, and a mediocre vise? I'd love some wisdom on how to get myself off on the right foot. I am looking for quality items.

[carvedbears61]

Be sure to take some classes, try to buy a kit that has safety glove and thumb guard. Subscribe to this Mag. and others, let this board help you along
they sure have for me !
CB

[Kenny_S]

Contact Rick Ferry at www.littleshavers.com
He has a real nice beginners kit which includes knife, set of gouges,carving glove,strop,compound and a real nice case. Very reasonable even for a limited budget.

Look for Beginners kit at his web site.

[gypsy]

Get Cyndi Joslyn's book "Easy Woodcarving". Great beginner's book and includes information on what tools to buy.

[Ashbys]

You don't really need much to start.

For 3 D figures to start

1, A knife

2 A wood Block

3 This message board.

4 a good carving glove

That is really all you need to start. The next thing is a simple pattern or idea.

Then practice . Learning cuts.

The first would be a slicing cut . Learn to shave wood . Learn the difference between cutting the wood and pushing the wood.

1 ) stop cut a simple line along a pattern edge Take your wood block and draw a line , slice the wood at that line this give you a single cut

2 ) relief cut on a shallow angle, cut one side parallel to the first line this will produce a wood chip .

3 Your carving

Everything from this point is just learning , to use different tools , and how to sharpen tools.

A starter will give you some chisels and www.carvingpatterns.com will give you great instruction.

[Just Carving]

Little Shavers would be the way for you to go. Call Rick and tell him what you want to do. He won't steer you wrong. There's even patterns for carving chess pieces on his website--which by the way, isn't a bad way to get started. Just simplify the patterns so you don't have a lot of nooks and crannies. Do a stylized (more about shape and less about detail) version of the pieces. Don't expect perfection at first. Then as you get better then you can jazz them up more.

http://littleshavers.com/ChessPattern.html

BTW--Welcome!

Bob L

[Donna_T]

Shallow Jam,
I agree with the answers already posted. I would like to expand and ask if you live in an area that has a carving club nearby? It's a great way to get help and encouragement--as well as learn where supplies are available in your area.

I've seen photos of Chess sets in carving publications so I'm pretty sure there are patterns aviailable. Depending on whether or not you're planning to undertake an "original" theme, there's bound to be some ideas already available. Again, learning to carve items in-the-round, with good sharp tools, that include a good knife, a veiner or two in different sizes, and perhaps a v-tool in a couple of sizes, plus a carving glove and a good sharpening stone and strop, you should be good to go.

Let us know how you progress. And let us know the general area where you live and one of us will see if we can recommend a club.

Donna T

[ShallowJam]

Thanks for the replies!

I live in Southern Ontario, Canada. I'm not really aware of any carving clubs, but that might just be because i haven't looked hard enough. Where is this "Little Shavers?" because I would rather find a place on my side of the boarder as I would hate to imagine what getting knives across the border is like. The only place i can think of that would sell carving tools near me is Lee Valley.

[Tom-H]

An excellent carver and teacher lives and teaches in Bowmanville. ON. Name: Jan Oegema (Woodbutcher Jan).

Check out his web site!

http://www.janscarvingstudio.com

Tom H

[Al_Hillis]

Welcome Shallowjam, where abouts in southern Ontario are you? Chipping Away in Kitchener has one of the best selections in the province and reasonably priced. hope this helps you