Tools and Tips for Getting Started

[gdmarche]

Hi all,

I have never done any kind of woodcarving before but have always found even the most amateur of work magnificent. I've been thinking of getting into a new hobby and figured, why not give carving a try. Problem is, I haven't got a clue where to start.

Can anyone offer some tips as to quality beginner's tools that don't cost a fortune, what kinds of equipment I might need to get a good start, safety tips, and just any other kind of general information?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I should note, I am most especially interested in what kinds of quality beginner's tools kits are out there. I've done a basic google search and have found that there are a lot of choices that range anywhere from $10 - $1000. On the one hand, I don't want to spend a fortune. On the other hand, I don't want to spend money on a knife or tool that is going to dull after ten minutes of use.

Thanks for any help offered.

- G

[chuckt]

Hoo boy - well now you've opened a can o worms! ;-) The answer to this question typically is - it depends. What do you think you'd like to carve?

Broadly speaking there is:
- caricature (in the round people & animals in often humorous situations)
- chip carving (which uses geometric patterns of small triangular chips to decorate boxes, plates, plaques, etc.)
- nature (in the round sculpted animals birds & fish etc, stylized or realistic)
- abstract sculpture (ranging in sizes and subjects)
- architectural (decorative features such as fireplace surrounds and mantles, moldings, etc.)
- relief (pictoral shallow or deep of various subjects from faces to landscapes etc. Basically a slightly 3D picture)
- bark carving (carved in cottonwood bark and usually though not always of things like woodspirits, whimsical houses, etc.)
- chainsaw carving (I think you can figure that one out and not likely what you're looking for at this point)

There's more, and maybe I am missing an obvious one but these are what typically come to mind for newbies.

There are (again very broadly speaking) two lines of thought or camps if you will on this question.

1) The vast majority of folks here come from the American "whittling" school - which tends (again - this is in very broad terms folks so don't flame me please) to carve hand held smaller pieces: caricatures, santas, woodspirit sticks, bark carving, whimseys like ball in cage or wooden chains etc, on up to smaller sculptural "in the round" and relief carvings which are usually afixed to a work surface. This school tends to use knives and palm gouges.

If this is what you're looking to do to start (and this where the vast majority of folks begin) then you'll get a chorus of folks here recommending Rick at Little Shavers (do a Google search) Beginner's Kit. Most folks who start here are quite pleased and you won't break the bank to get very good tools. You'll be able to start getting a feel for how an edge cuts wood. He'll sharpen them for you too, though you ought to learn to sharpen at some point. (A whole other can o worms)

2) The other school is more from the European classical carving tradition which emphasises the use of full sized carving gouges (makers like Swiss Made from Woodcraft - who have the exclusive US Distribution rights, or Stubai or Two Cherries, etc). Some here will argue that there is nothing that you can't carve with these tools - but preferences vary. Typically these tools are used more for relief carving, sculptural carving, architectural, etc. These gouges usually run from about $25 to nearly $45 apiece, and represent a fairly serious investment in carving. You can probably get away with fewer to start but typically you'd want a selection of around 15 - 20 or so. They vary by "sweep" (the shape of the edge when viewed end on) and width (anywhere from 1mm on up to about 20mm or more). These are most often used hand held with two hands but can also be used with a mallet for more power with great control, and the carving is always fixed in place using various work holding methods.

So there you have a basic overview. If you give a little more info I'm sure we can give more advice.

ChuckT

[chuckt]

Oh - one other quick word of advice. Check out the Club Search function under Community in the left hand column of this site and try to find and attend a local club. There is nothing like having folks help you in person - though this forum runs a close second.

I am sure others will pipe up here over the next day or so to welcome you here and give their thoughts.

Enjoy!!!

ChuckT

[Claude]

Rick is at Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply

Claude

[cannuckcarver]

Thank you soooooo much chuckt, This forum is so helpful.....Love youb guys.

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, G. At least you're starting with the right questions and the right attitude towards tools.

When I began, I ended up thrashing around, no groups, no clubs, no WCI board, etc. Lots of wasted money on cheap tools.

[Mitchell]

THis has been a popular topic...look back in old threads (search). I'll post a few links - the first is pretty old.

Help me get started - tools?

What are the best tools for a beginner?

Knives - need recommendations

carving knives

Newbie ?????

Choices for a beginner

Online Buys, and Starting Tools Sets

[Eddy-Smiles]

Greetings G!

1. Find a club and get first hand knowledge of the differerent aspects of carving.

2. Visit a carving supply store or if not possible give them a call.... i.e. Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers, Little Shavers, Wood Carvers Supply, Christian J. Hummul. Visit their websites. Many have helpful tutorials and information other than promotional material.

3. Reseach past threads on this forum as suggested by Mitchell.

[chuckt]

All great advice - and yeah, looking through the past threads on here will provide a WEALTH of info.

One other caution - once you look at all this info you might experience what I experienced - "analysis paralysis". You can get soooo caught up trying the pick "the best" that you can't decide. Trust me - there are soooo many options once you start digging that you can get stuck.

Some of the best advice is to get thee to a club, meet some experienced carvers and don't rush into anything major tool wise until you've had a chance to decide what you're really interested in carving. It'll probably expand over time.

I started off with a very simple desire - I wanted to carve woodspirit hiking sticks. Picked up some Flexcut knives and palm gouges for a total investment of maybe $60 or $70. Then got into Bark Carving and picked up a nice large roughing out knife and some more Palm gouges. Then got interested in relief and jumped into the full sized gouge pool spending probably about $700 on that and then another $300 on sharpening equipment.

So - be prepared for GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrom) down the road a ways.

Ask questions when you have some specifics if you're unsure what to do.

ChuckT

[gdmarche]

First, let me thank evryone for the helpful replies. I will certainly take your advice. To begin with, I'm going to look into local clubs. If anyone knows of any in the middletown/middletown ct area, please let me know.

In response to the first reply thread, I am interested in carving german style beer steins. My fiance is german and along with her, I've fallen in love with the various designs and murals on many of the steins her family members own. Of course, I don't expect to be able to carve intricately detailed murals right away, but even to make my own rough product sounds fun.
- G