Suggestions Needed

[GoneGonzo]

I'm a New - B and haven't carved a thing since Boy Scouts 45 years ago, however recently become interested in the hobby.

I have a carving knife I carry in my lunch bucket to carve on my lunch break at work. I'm a carpenter so it fiqures huh ?

I have loads of 2x4 drops and even some oak from skids etc to carve out of.

My problem is finding a project to start on for a beginner with O experience.

Any tips, suggestions or patterns would be appreciated.

Thx,

GoneGonzo

[vic n]

I'm fairly new at this as well, so from one beginner to another, forget about carving scraps, get some softer wood with better grain. Basswood is good. Do lots of research here, especially the tutorials section. I started there with Gene Messer's flat plane santa, then I found a really cool shelf mouse and I asked for and got plans, then I did Mark Gargac's elf tutorial. I got so cocky that I even have some pix. You may want to get some more tools, gouges and stuff. Definitely learn how to sharpen! If you have a pocket knife that's sharp enough to shave your arm with, you have a knife that's 2/3 of the way to being sharp enough to carve. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Everybody on here has treated me great!(Thanks All!) Good Luck. Vic

[KeithC]

If you have high speed internet, I would strongly recommend the following link to Gene Messer's U-Tube videos. They are great and would be just the ticket to carve while on lunch break. Good luck. YouTube - whittler0507's Videos
Keithmc

[btree50]

Most important, get a carving glove to protect your hand. And get a thumb guard. You wont be sorry you did, but you may be if you dont.

[squbrigg]

Easy to start, take a knot free piece of that 2X4 end and carve an egg! Simple old hen's egg. Good exercise to start with, get a carving glove though, will save a lot of trouble and use it!

As a carpenter, you know about "sharp", so keep your knife sharp and go to it. When you're ready, think about what you'd like to be able to carve and tools you'll need to do it. We'll have you on yer way before you know it.

Bob

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Originally Posted by GoneGonzo

I'm a New - B and haven't carved a thing since Boy Scouts 45 years ago, however recently become interested in the hobby.

I have a carving knife I carry in my lunch bucket to carve on my lunch break at work. I'm a carpenter so it fiqures huh ?

I have loads of 2x4 drops and even some oak from skids etc to carve out of.

My problem is finding a project to start on for a beginner with O experience.

Any tips, suggestions or patterns would be appreciated.

Thx,

GoneGonzo

I'd save the oak for other projects. The 2 X 4 drop offs can be good. I'll buy a 2 x 4 at the lumber yard on occassion. The key is finding the right one. If there's a lot of yellow grain, skip it. The ones with a lot of white wood that are light in weight are the good ones for whittling. You've got access to a lot of them, so you'll figure out good from bad in a hurry.

When you buy basswood, buy it from dealers in the northern tier of states or Canada.

Itasca Wood Products
Heinecke Wood Products

are two good ones. The first is in MN and the second WI. There are plenty of others. Those just happen to be where I buy mine.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Before you get disgusted and quit.....leave the oak and hardwoods alone and get some good basswood or butternut to start on lol

[gypsy]

Get Cyndi Joslyn's 'Easy Woodcarving' book. Perfect for beginners. You will learn the basics of carving through a series of skill-building exercises.

[Just Carving]

You were a scout. You got a knife. You're a carpenter--you know wood grain, and what sharp should be. You got 2x4's. My suggestion is carve oversize pinewood derby cars--whatever you want--trucks, cars, construction vehicles, use your imagination. Go to the crafts store and buy some wheels, and axles--or look around on-line and order them. Worse comes to worse--make your own with dowels. I did this a long time ago and my nieces and nephews played with them, and now, their kids play with them. Kids love wooden trucks and cars.

Ya know--ya got me thinking now! LOL

Bob L

[handicrafts]

Originally Posted by GoneGonzo

I'm a New - B and haven't carved a thing since Boy Scouts 45 years ago, however recently become interested in the hobby.

I have a carving knife I carry in my lunch bucket to carve on my lunch break at work. I'm a carpenter so it fiqures huh ?

I have loads of 2x4 drops and even some oak from skids etc to carve out of.

My problem is finding a project to start on for a beginner with O experience.

Any tips, suggestions or patterns would be appreciated.

Thx,

GoneGonzo

Hi,GoneGonzo!

So pleased to know you here!

Firstly,I suggest you can pick some loose quality of wood material to carve in the beginning.

For example,bass wood,camphor wood,pine wood,maidenhair wood etc.

It is very easy to carve something made of these materials.

Secondly,you can pick some easy or simple patterns to carve.

Practising again and again......

Practices makes perfect.

After months of pratising,you can try to carve something sophisticated.



peter