The Suspense is Killing Me!

[Ga_Grain]

Last Monday I ordered some practice sticks from Heineke and a beginners kit from Little Shavers. I cant wait to get started and looked for them in the mail all week hoping to have a fun weekend giving this carving a shot. I've watched about half of Gene's videos on youtube and several other peoples videos. They have all got me so excited.
Today the wood order arrived (exactly one week from placing my order via email). It does look like good soft wood. Not a blemish. You guys were right about Heineke.
Little Shavers told me when I ordered last monday that they were a little backed up because of the demand for the beginners kit so I would take a few days before they shipped. When I got the wood I couldnt stand it any more I had to call and check. She told me that it was scheduled to go in the mail today. One more week to drive me crazy. I may have to sneak real quitely into the kitchen and get some of LOML's kitchen knives just to get at some of this wood.
I havent really ever carved anything, so any ideas on simple projects so that I can learn the basics. I was thinking of starting with a boot maybe. Gene made it look easy. but he makes everything look easy.

[Whittled Thumb]

Thats good wood and the practice sticks are great! Do you have a utility knife? Go to the characters messages and look at my post HERES MY DUDES....I carved both them (my first carvings) with a retractable utility knife. I have since then bought an Xacto wood carving knife and I LOVE IT! The thought of not having to sharpen blades is appealing to me and it has a radius blade, so you can cut from any angle on the wood with ease. Anyway, If you have a retractable utility knife, go ahead and make wood fly with the Henienke wood! Guarantee you'll have fun. BTW I still find myself using the utility knife lol. Will I go with traditional carving knives? Dunno, I'm really fund of my Xacto and thinking about ordering the whole carving kit!

OH BEFORE YOU cut.....PROTECTION! I use a thumb guard but not a glove. I know I should use a glove but I don't. The thumb protection is a must. Just wrap some masking tape around your thumb

[Iowa Carver]

It's a good kit, I bought it and started out with it. The boot was my first project, it's my avatar. If you need additional help with the boot, check out Lynn's blog, he has a bunch of photos on carving a boot. A little different pattern. Picasa Web Albums - OUT WEST BLOG

Corey

[bigEd_H]

I will second the suggestion on using a utility knife. Several experienced carvers still use one. If you don't have one, go to Lowes (or your favorite hardware store) and pick one up. Kitchen knives won't cut it (pun intended) for carving wood.

Protection is a must when carving. Your beginner kit will have a kevlar glove for your holding hand and thumb and finger guards for your whittlin' hand. In the mean time, use masking tape or even electrical tape on your whittlin' thumb at the very least.

In watching Gene's videos, notice how he uses only his fingers and wrist to carve. You never see his arms move. If you emulate him, you will minimize injury to you and mistakes in your project.

Good luck and have fun.

Ed

[carver33]

I agree with the others about starting with a utility or x-acto knife - BUT - Think about what you are doing and be aware of the potential path of the blade. Remove any and all body parts from that path.

I've carved without a glove or thumb guard from the very beginning - I wasn't even aware of them. It cost me three stitches, a pair of new jeans and numerous band aids. Here's hoping to save you from the same.

Happy carving.

[Stoney1964]

I am fairly new to carving and I made a general mental rule for myself. If I am having a hard time pushing the knife into the wood or it seems it taking a bigger bite than feels comfortable, I STOP MYSELF. Re-evaluate whats going on and why your having to push hard. Try from the other direction. This general rule has saved me many times from a slip of the knife.
One other thing, if your nose itches, lay your knife down before you scratch it. I havent seen any protection for noses yet. Haaa!
Have fun, I love it.

[Ga_Grain]

The kit I ordered comes with a glove and thumb protector. Several people have express how important these pieces of equipment are. Besides, I can't buy a single stitch for what the safety equipment costs, so they just make sense.

After reading Stoney's post though, it sounds like I may need to buy a hockey mask!!

[Ga_Grain]

The kit finally arrived. They look great. Off to make wood chips!!!

[bigEd_H]

Hey, great! Make those chips fly... and don't forget to take pictures. We love pictures.

Ed

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Enjoy yourself and be safe !

Dave