new to carving...need advice

[Illyrath]

I am new to the world of carving and have ALOT of questions. I was wondering what tools would be best to use for carving chess pieces. The pieces would be around 5 inches tall. Also, what would be the best wood to use for the pieces? I took a look at the "beginners kit" that Rick is offering at Little Shavers and was curious as to whether they would be what I was needing in order to do this little project of mine..lol. Also, I have no access to any power tools and was wondering if it was necessary to use power tools to remove the excess wood when starting a project? Any help,advice,suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Michael

[Paul_Guraedy]

Michael, you did not say where you are located; but, my immediate advice would be to try and find a carving club in your vicinity. Its members would be a great help in starting into woodcarving.

That being said, Rick's "beginner kit" should be an excellent start for the project you are undertaking. As far as power tools are concerned, they would not be necessary; but, at least a band saw to get the pieces down near the size you want would be nice. However, a hand saw, followed by a coping saw can adequately do the job.

I know little about chess (can tell the difference between checkers and chess pieces); but, it sounds like an ambitious undertaking. I would recommend starting with the pawns to get used to handling the carving tools. From there you might move to castles and then into the pieces requiring more figure carving experience.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

[Capn_Crunch]

Michael,
Are you planning on making traditional looking chess pieces or something else? Have you determined a pattern? Depending on the wood you use, you can use hand tools and the starter kit and get by. I agree with the advice above about a local carvng club, if for no other reason, to learn basic things like what sharp really is and basic carving strokes. I also agree with starting with pawns, since they are usually the most simply designed pieces.

Good luck with your project.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I think Ricks starter would be great and is great! as for the chess set, how about a little smaller to start, maybe 3 inches and do one set basswood and the other butternut...would make a great looking set and a good place to start.....you can always do the larger one after you get your feet on the ground..imho

[Bartster]

micheal,


like what has been said here ricks starter kit is a great kit to start with and also maybe kinda start small and work your way up if you work small{3-6 inches tall} then you can easily work these by hand until you decide if you want to work with power and such.

bart

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard Michael. To do a chess set by purely hand tools, all you could do it with : a good general carving knife, a small saw (coping saw would work), and a set of small files. Gouges and other carving tools would be helpful, but not essential. Perhaps a Warren carving set, one handle and a set of assorted blades would work well for you. Even an Exacto set might get you started.

Bob

[Kenny_S]

I agree with what has been said. One thing, being new to carving, I think it would be a major undertaking to carve chess pieces starting out. Get with a carving club and carve some projects the size of the chess pieces to see what you can do. if the chess pieces are top be ornated, then you will quicky see how you are coming along with your epertise.
With that said, You can't go wrong with Rick's starter set. even those that have carved for a while have bought his starter kit.

[Just Carving]

Hello Michael

If you call Rick about the Starter tool set--great choice by the way, I started with one and I use it--ask him if that will do. I think it will-it's excellent for most carving. Rick also has a pattern for carving Chess pieces on his website--link's below. That's why I said to ask him--he'll set you on the right track.

As for the wood--again ask Rick, but i think basswood for the white, and maybe walnut for the black will do. Not sure on the walnut-but ask Rick. You could also use poplar instead of the basswood. A third option is to use bassswood or poplar for all the pieces and then stain or paint the black pieces.

As for the knife, you can use the knife in Rick's set, and whittle away. Or if you're in a hurry, you can use a coping saw, or an X-acto hobby saw to rough out the pieces. I prefer to whittle away. It's good practice in using the knife and tools properly, you learn about the wood, and build up strength in the new "carving" muscles you going to be finding. Then you get more practice in sharpening and honing your tools

http://www.littleshavers.com/ChessPattern.html

[AlArchie]

Carving as chess set for a beginner is a real undertaking. I started one, got two knights (horse heads) done and almost quit carving! Never did get the chess set done, although I did convince my good wife that I needed to buy a small hobby lathe to complet the set......well, the lathe has seen a lot of use, anyway.

If you are determined to carve a set, that starter set from Little Shavers will serve you well. And good luck (seriously) on the project. It sounds like a challenging beginning and if you don't get discouraged, will be a great entrance ito the carving world!

Al

[Illyrath]

ok...paul..I am located in chicago illinois...I have a small apartment...so power tools are out of the question.
Capn....the first set of pieces that I plan to make are traditional looking...just to " get my feet wet" and then later on make a fantasy set of pieces.
Hi Ho....the reason for the size is because of the size of the chess board..also...where would I find out where to get those types of wood?
Squbrigg...the only tools that I currently have is a hack saw...and part of a set of Exacto knives since most of the blades have been broken..lol.And another friend just gave me a set of 6 carving tools made by Millers-Falls. According to the packaging it is set # 106. Not sure if that helps any..lol.
Kenny...I like to just jump in and get started...I have ALOT of patience...so for me, its not that major of a project...plus with me working midnights and having nothing to do at work...I have lots of time to get the pieces done..lol. Where would I find out about some of the carving clubs in my area?
Just Carving....Thanks for the advice...I will send Rick an email immediately so that I can ask him his advice as well.
AlArchie....I figured that I would start with either the pawns or the bishops and then move on to the knights....I am very determined to carve my own chess pieces since I bought a beautiful handmade chessboard a few days ago. besides I like a challenge..lol.
Thank you everyone for all of your wonderful advice and help.