Need some help getting started

#1 02-04-2003, 07:09 AM

Hi guys,

I'm an art major at East Carolina University and I'm taking a required course, Design II, that is about 3-d art. I am a painter and know nothing about 3-D art.

For our next project we have to construct a toy out of wood. Not sure what I'm going to do, but I think I'm going to do some kind of animal and I want to carve it. I've never done this before so it probably won't turn out so great... but I'll try anyway.

I'm on a tight budget so I want to go with just the essentials. I read some of the posts about tools to get started with below but I'm not sure what category what I'm trying to do falls into! (whittling, chipping, etc).

What is the best kind of wood to get? If I wanted to make the toy float, is there a wood that would be best for that? I have a three blade pocket knife... what other tools would be the biggest help to me?

Thanks a lot,

Dave

#2 02-04-2003, 08:25 AM

For starters a carving knife. I'm a pocket knife fan, but without a lot of work with stones and strops they are next to useless for carving (at least wood, they always work well on fingers). If I was getting started again and needed to buy tools and get advice at the same time I'd call 1(206) 763-6774 and ask for Rick. It could turn into a 1 stop deal.

#3 02-04-2003, 10:11 AM

Hi Dave,

If you only intend to do this once for a class and not to start a hobby the only 'carving tools' you should need besides a SHARP pocketknife is an exacto knife for smaller details.

A good woooden toy that can be made quickly and easily with only a pocketknife or exacto knife is a six stick puzzle. You can find patterns and examples online.

A good and inexpensive book to learn about some simple wooden tricks and toys is Whittling And Woodcarving by E.J. Tangerman. It can be found at Amazon for less than $10.

Good whittlin, Cliff
Charles City, Iowa
http://cliffordparker.tripod.com

#4 02-04-2003, 10:22 AM

David,
You will get great information from these guys. Sometimes
a local wood carvers organization and steer you to a shop that is local, where you can buy what you need. And it dosent have to cost you and arm and a leg. The shop I found
they can set you up with a book, and a blank of one of the animals and a knife. I went to Belcher Carving Supply.

Jay

#5 02-05-2003, 11:57 AM

Hey, thanks for the help guys. Much appreciated.

If the project turns out okay, I'll probably do some more just for fun in my spare time. I'll have to wait and see!

thanks again,

Dave

#6 02-05-2003, 06:06 PM

That phone number is incorrect - s/b 1(206)767-7421