New Carver needs advice....

[ghaugen]

Hello Everyone. First of all, I'd like to apologize for my previous post. I was frustrated and it wasn't the best way to start on a forum. My apology. I asked BobD to delete it so I could start again. Thanks Bob.

I'm interested in getting started in carving. I've done a lot of internet surfing and research the last couple of days. A few sites have blown me away. One is Wayne Barton's chip carving site and the other is Mark Gargac's site, especially the ornaments. What I like about both of these sites is that there are a lot of "freedoms" for exploration. I understand the importance and value of "roughouts" for making similar pieces, but for "learning" the techniques I like Gargac's approach of using dimensional wood.

Does anyone have a tool list for either of Mark's ornament dvds?

Does anyone have any advice about either of these techniques (chip carving or Gargac's style of ornaments)?

Thanks for the help.

[Whittled Thumb]

I saw a video of chip carving, dude says he uses TWO knives, I thinke they were dennys I dunno. LOL I'm still only using a utility knife and an xacto wood carving knife, which I need to get new blades. I've done quiet a few charactures carvings in my short 6 month carving career. I still rely HEAVILY on my utility knife and probably always will!

[bigEd_H]

Hello again, Ghaugen, welcome to the forum. For Barton's video (and any chip carving) only two knives are required, a chip cutting knife and what chip carvers call a stab knife. Wayne sells his own brand of knives, but there are many other brands of the cutting knife. I have Waynes cutting knife, a Flexcut chip knife, and a Lee Furgeson chip cutting knife and Stab knife. While the cutting knife is very sharp for cutting the wood, the stab knife is thick with a very exagerated bevel (30+ degrees) and is used in a stabbing motion to add highlights to the carvings. My Chip Carving is another good source of info on chip carving.

As for Mark Gargac carvings, a good carving knife and a v-tool may be in order. Since Mark is a moderator here, he could help out with what tools he uses.

I hope that helps.

[LJonsson]

Hi ghaugen,

If you go to the tutorial section of this sight (page 6) Mark Gargac has posted an elf ornament tutorial. He goes step-by-step and says what size tools he is using.

I think when carver's give a gouge size, it's more of a reference than a rule, they are just saying what they used, not necessarily telling you what you have to use to achieve their result.

Hope this helps,

Loretta

[vic n]

Spend a lot of time in the tutorial section of this forum. That's where I found my first project. It was very easy, only took a few hours for a beginner (jmportant that you don't start a tough project right away), and was very easy.... instant gratification. Here is the link. When I started I bought a beginner set of Flex-Cut gouges from Little Shavers, great folks to work with, as well as a knife that looked like a good all round knife. Don't get too concerned with the tools. As previously mentioned, there is always a substitute! Besides you have the rest of your life to collect tools. Take your time. It is also good to look thru the members gallery for ideas. Good luck, Vic

[ghaugen]

Thank you so much for the responses thus far. They have been a tremendous help!! Thank you.

[chuckbolton]

i hope that this comment makes sense-- learn to make the tools do what you want done. many of us have more than 50 tools and need a frieght truck to move them. i know one instructor who uses less than 10 tools for every thing from a small minerature too a 5 ft piece. when this really came home to me-- an instructor who ofcourse has his own set of tools was moving thru the class, looked at the students tools and selected one to accomplish what he wanted to do-- he didnt go back to his tool box for his tool.

the thing this post doesnt answer for you is what tools to get-- and i cant do that for you-- its something you must do from experience-- find a mentor-- and look at what he uses-- then find another and so on. you'll find a set of tools that works for you.

[pallin]

In some respects woodcarving is like learning to ride a bike. You can gather info about bikes, read books about bike riding, study the style of experts - BUT, to actually ride a bike, you have to get on the bike and try it! You have to feel the sense of balance, and practice, practice, practice.
And, even after all that effort, there will be guys riding circles around you.

[James]

When I get a new tool I make chips.I grab any old peice of wood and whittle away at it.Not trying to make anything in particular, just all sorts of cuts at the grain to find out what it can do for me.I suggest that no matter what tools you get, play with them to see how big a pile of chips you can make.

[sstalker]

ghaugen,

A good start would be the little shavers starter kit (Startup Carving Set at Little Shavers)

It would let you know what kind of tool does what and what they won't do (need another tool?)

Steve - Toledo