New here!

[OLWOYTSZ]

Hi, I just got interested into woodcarving an hour ago. While I have a fascination with sculptures I decided to give woodcarving a go. I read the best way to start is with an X-acto knife and basswood. Any other tips would be appreciated.

[idigjars]

Hello and welcome OLWOYTSZ. Wear cut proof type gloves. Safe carving. Paul

[Ezzylearner]

Welcome aboard, and safe carving to you. Browse the postings on this forum and you'll discover a goldmine on tips, advice, etc, on wood carving.

Ezzy

[Riverman]

Hi and welcome to the group!
Bob

[One Thumb Carver]

OLWOYTSZ
Welcome and welcome to the Forum There are great carvers in this group who are more than willing if you ever need a helping hand. I know speaking from experience. Have a great week

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Welcome to the forum. You might want to look into a beginners kit that may be safer for a beginner! (IMHO)
Beginner's Carving Set at Little Shavers
http://www.drakeknives.com/new_page_38.htm

Dave

[Mottles]

Welcome, folks are real friendly here and always very helpful. Check out the 'Beginner Forum' always good suggestions there. My personal choice when I first started carving was a bench knife, carving glove, thumb guard and GOOD basswood.
The thumb guard you can make yourself by getting some vet tape at the pet store. Wrap it round your knife hand thumb both horizontal and vertical at least three times. You will need to replace it after a few carvings. I also use this tape around my fingers that might be scraping against wood. You can purchase thumb guards already made up, but I personally think the vet wrap tape is the best.
You can't go wrong with 'Little Shavers' they are super folks and will threat you right. For basswood you can't go wrong with www.heineckewood.com.
Pick-up the current copy of Woodcarving Illustrated Fall issue 2011 or subscribe either way it's worth the investment. If there is a certain type of carving your interested in learning check it out here on this site. Books are always a wonderful learning tool and there are plenty of them out there.
Best to you in your new adventure into woodcarving...questions just ask!

[Mark Dellinger]

Hello and welcome. You are only 1 hour into wood cvarving and you have already made one of your best decisions, joining here. You will find the folks helpful and friendly.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Big Barn]

For a beginner, I'd put down the X-acto knife & maybe spend around $20 +/- & get a decent carving knife. The Beginner thread will have PLENTY of recommendations. If you're going to use the X-acto, please be careful since those blades are VERY thin & are usually for very fine detail work

[grdeno]

Hi and welcome one thing you may want to do is look in your area to see if there are any carving clubs and talk to them. When I was new at it that is what I did and I have learned so much from the folks there.Start on sonthing very simple so you can finish it in a short time then work your way into harder pieces good luck and be safe.
Gary