New and habused

[genes]

Being such a new carver, and trying not to over simplify this hobby, I have a few questions concerning cuts and hand positioning during cutting.

I had an instructor show how he carves his spirit stick. When he carved the moustache it appeared that he angles his knife in a matching 45 degree or 30 degree perhaps, angles. His wood removal was clean and appearing precise.I seem to cut in stop cuts and then try to angle the next cut which doesn't remove any material in a clean fashion.

Question-other than what I have read about chip carving, does one always angle the knife for wood removal and is there differences to angle the knife depending on the subject?

2nd question-being right handed, carving on the right side of an object is easy utilizing the natural movement of the hand--how in the world does one do the opposite side of the face or object? I have turned it upside down but that is pretty tough to match...

[dmatias]

Hi genes

When I carve any face I always carve the left side first (being right handed) that way I do the most difficult part then can relax and do the right. There is no set way to do it other than practice, practice, practice and more practice.

The angling of the knife when cutting is again practice, but you will get a cleaner cut angling than doing stop cuts and then angles.

So, I guess in answer to both your questions:- Pracitce, practice, practice, practice and then practice some more.

[genes]

Thanks for the reply.

I figured it will take time because I have to teach my hands, muscles, etc. to accept this difference in what I am doing. I would imagine there is an-ah ha-moment when one can start duplicating their figurines. I learned over the weekend that a wooden workplace is a necessity because it is woodcarving versus thumb carving....thanks again

[jmischel]

I keep hoping that there's an "ah ha" moment, but I'm beginning to suspect that it's a slow progression. Of course, I've only been carving for maybe six months,

I'm finding that I enjoy the relaxation of carving perhaps more than I enjoy the finished figures. And if they're a little unsymmetrical, that's fine with me. Perhaps for me it's not the destination so much as it's the journey.

But I agree with Deborah: practice, practice, practice. Enjoy the learning.