Questions from a beginner

Eddy Smiles · #11 03-21-2007, 10:45 PM

Welcome aboard Andy... Not much that I can add except just have fun!

Joy · #12 03-22-2007, 12:21 AM

Welcome, Andy. There are some very generous carvers on the board who share their knowledge and inspire us with their carvings. I started carving about a year ago and bought a beginner's set of FlexCut gouges, knife, glove and thumb guard. Then I started trying to carve on whatever wood I was able to scrounge (cedar, pine, mystery wood). That was a mistake. While you are learning the basics I really believe you should stick to basswood. It is easy to carve and makes carving less frustrating for a beginner. Have fun at the show and good luck with your carving.

Chahlie · #13 03-23-2007, 12:32 AM

Hi All,

Welcome to our little corner of the web! You will find lots of advice and help here...I received the beginners set from Little Shavers for X-mas several years ago. They came absolutely sharp and ready to use. They are great for a wide variety of carving projects. Another plus is that Rick offers to sharpen any tool you buy from him for free as long as you pay the postage there and back. But if you use your strop frequently your tools will retain their edge for quite while.

Again, Welcome to our little group that seems to be growing every day!

Chahlie

AndyC · #14 03-23-2007, 06:35 PM

I went to the KC carving show today and picked up some wood just to mess around with. Now all I need it some tools

hoosieruke · #15 03-23-2007, 06:44 PM

Most of my wood comes from the wood pile (or friends' woodpiles). Seriously, ou will develop an eye for good wood and begin to see what you are looking for in log and brush piles.

Some pieces of wood can be particularly special. My mom had a black cherry cut from the yard I played in as a child. I've made a couple dozen spoons from the butt log for family members.

Smee · #16 04-04-2007, 09:04 PM

There is a Woodcraft store in Lenexa, KS. They sell Pfiel/Swissmade carving tools and I'll bet they have carving classes.

AndyC · #17 04-05-2007, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smee

There is a Woodcraft store in Lenexa, KS. They sell Pfiel/Swissmade carving tools and I'll bet they have carving classes.

I checked that and it seems all their classes are woodworking ones.

Eddy Smiles · #18 04-05-2007, 09:01 PM

Andy... I wouldn't let a lack of woodcarving classes in your area deter you from getting started. Too often in our modern world folks get hung up on the "magic pill" approach to everything including their hobbies. I'm sure that most of the carvers and wood burners who are on this forum got started by rolling up their sleeves and jumping right in. Our first products may leave something to be desired but as time goes on you gradually get better. As the folks who have already commented said, there is a wealth of information available right here just for the asking. And if you do a little "Googling" you'll find a ton of free on-line tutorials and free patterns and projects, everything from chip carving to carving in the round. So grab up your knife and start a whittlin'. Time's a wastin! Best of luck to you. And don't forget to post a pic of your projects so we can all enjoy them.

AndyC · #19 04-06-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddy Smiles

Andy... I wouldn't let a lack of woodcarving classes in your area deter you from getting started. Too often in our modern world folks get hung up on the "magic pill" approach to everything including their hobbies. I'm sure that most of the carvers and wood burners who are on this forum got started by rolling up their sleeves and jumping right in. Our first products may leave something to be desired but as time goes on you gradually get better. As the folks who have already commented said, there is a wealth of information available right here just for the asking. And if you do a little "Googling" you'll find a ton of free on-line tutorials and free patterns and projects, everything from chip carving to carving in the round. So grab up your knife and start a whittlin'. Time's a wastin! Best of luck to you. And don't forget to post a pic of your projects so we can all enjoy them.

Oh, I am not going to let lack of classes stop me. I like to paint to but have never taken a class. I think I stink at it but I enjoy it so much I can't/won't stop. I am getting ready to order the beginner set from Rick as soon as the wife gives me permission.

Eddy Smiles · #20 04-06-2007, 05:46 PM

I hear you!