Questions from a beginner

whitecree · #21 04-07-2007, 11:03 PM

I'm fairly new to the world of chisels and gouges - I use mostly knives and adzes - but the couple of palm gouges I bought from Rick at Little Shavers were perfect. All I had to do was take the edge protectors off, and start carving. Based on that and from what other comments I hear about Little Shavers, I would say the beginner set Rick offers is probably your best bet. It doesn't cost too much, and you know the tools will be very good, and very sharp.

As to what a relief carving is, in general, think of a painting that has come partway out of the background. You know how a painting of a forest will look like it has depth, with maybe a mountain in the far background, a cabin in the foreground and close up, with a forest and a stream in the middle distance? A relief carving is sort of like that n a lot of cases, only if you touch a relief carving, you will actually feel the objects, not just have your eye fooled into thinking they are set in a perspective.

Does this help, or am I confusing you worse?

In any event, you've picked a new hobby that will challenge you, frustrate you, make you laugh & cuss and most likely, never let you go. Have fun!

Burnurcomputer · #22 04-16-2007, 08:41 AM

I agree with the little shavers beginner kit. I got that myself for Christmas from my husband---2 years age now???. If you have a dremel around your house then you also have a carving tool. I can't draw at all and couldn't if my life depended on it. So don't worry. Carving is working in 3-d and is easier for some brains to understand (like myself). I still don't know what style calls to me the most, but if you get Wood Carving Illustrated you can pick up your knife and have many different styles at your ready. Take it slow and don't get frustrated. There are many tools around and many products- see what YOU like. Take benefit of you family and their tools. Ask to come over and try them out. Its very nice to see what fits your hand before you buy. A great tool won't work for you if it doesn't feel right in your hand!!!! Good luck and I'll chat at you later