Tips for a beginner?

[prowlermech]

Hey everyone,

Just got out of the military and I decided to take up wood carving as a constructive way to calm myself and be productive. I was thinking about attempting to carve an easter island head as a first project due to its simplicity, whether its 'actually' simple or not for wood carving I'm unsure because of my lack of experience. Here's a list of supplies I have, I'd be appreciative of any tips or recommendations.

16 pc. chisel set - not high quality but I'm just starting
Leather thumb guard
Murphy knife - approx. 1 1/2 inch straight edged blade
10 lb 'grab bag' of basswood

Thanks for your time

[William]

You made a good start with your new tools.
You will likely be holding the wood in one hand so a carving glove would be a good investment, and some way to keep your new tools sharp.

Bill
^v^

[mpounders]

I recommend that you take a look at Lynn Doughty's free videos, particularly carving a cowboy head. His is a relatively simple process that you could duplicate using just a small square of wood and a utility knife. Definitely buy a carving glove!
Out West Woodcarving Videos on Vimeo

You are starting out with the correct wood, so just keep practicing! It usually takes a little while!

[JD Jim]

getting what Lynn calls an "old reliable"
That is a plain old box cutter knife for a couple dollars, and a whole 100 blade pack for another few dollars.
I use mine a lot, and have found that even these so called "razor knives" need stropping to keep a clean sharp edge.
Start with a simple project, and go on from there.
Glad to see you home safe and sound.
We all thank you for your service, as a Vietnam vet, I know what a simple thank you can mean to a guy coming home. Good luck on your new hobby.
WEAR YOUR GLOVE!! Happy carving.
post your efforts too, we're all beginners at some point.

[Jim S.]

Hello and welcome to the forum and welcome home prowlermech. I also want to thank you and JD Jim for your service to this great country of ours.
God Bless You both.
Now prowler, you couldn't have chosen a finer hobby, and as a few have said here, you have a great start on your collection of tools.
Be safe and have fun,
Jim

[arfer1943]

Good to hear from you.

Coincidentally today I have just waxed an Easter Island head too!

Tips?

1. Start simple.
2. Dont try a miniature, about 6 inches high about right.
3. Check you know where the grain lies and carve down into and with the grain at first.
4. Try to slice as you push (bit like sawing).
5. If possible sketch or model your subject in clay before you start to ensure you really are familiar with your subject first.

Don't be discouraged. We all make great firewood before we produce adequate carvings!

Any help?

[prowlermech]

Thank you for all the tips, I'll definitely attain something to sharpen my tools and keep them in good condition. Thanks for welcoming me back stateside, definitely easier for me to talk to people in English haha.

Is there any kind of carving glove recommended? I have a few tight fit leather mechanics gloves lying around from working on aircraft, would those work?

I'll be looking through guides and updating on my progress, thanks for all the great help.

[mpounders]

Leather gloves are good if you are using large burs for power carving, but a good knife will cut through too easily. Most people use some form of kevlar type glove, like these Wood Carving Gloves from Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers on the hand holding the carving.

They provide protection from slicing cuts, but not from stabbing type wounds. Many also use separate thumb guards and/or tape on the thumb of the hand holding the knife. Take small cuts, keep your knife sharp and it will be easier to control, and take your time.

[chuckbolton]

start with "slices" of wood--not cuts-- you should be slicing like you would a very ripe tomato-- not sawing like with a dull knife or hand saw. this will mean that you want your knives "scary sharp" look for a link here in the search column. last week end i broke thru a carving because my knife wasnt sharp enough and made a bad cut in the lower joint of my index finger--someone earlier suggested inches tall, good place to start--but get a glove too--and learn to sharpen your tools. and you will get as many more answers as you get responses-- and each will have good points to consider.

[BullRunBear]

As the others have said, thank you and welcome home.
I just started carving a short time ago but I’ve learned a few things from the forum.
You’ll need a strop. I made mine from a piece of old leather belt nailed to a flat piece of scrap wood.
Definitely get a carving glove. Properly sharp tools will go through leather.
For a cheap and effective knife, try a Stanley model 199 style utility knife. I got the house brand version at Lowes for a couple of bucks. Make sure it is the fixed version, not retractable. It is not only surprisingly useful but it is very comfortable in my large hand.
If you are looking for a first (or second) project, try the “5 Minute Owl” in the Fall issue of WCI. It was my first project, although it took a lot longer than 5 minutes. It wasn’t good but it was recognizable, so I claimed a moral victory.
Finally, you made the right choice for a hobby. My wife says in over thirty years together she has never seen me as calm as when I’m carving.
Jeff