Wood Spirit Newbie

bluejay04 · #1 03-21-2006, 02:24 PM

Hello Folks:
I am retiring in a few months and would like to start carving wood spirits as a hobby ,I,m just not sure how to get started,do i buy a book on wood spirits or can I get something off the internet as far as instructions?
Thanks

Plain_Ol_Ed · #2 03-21-2006, 03:01 PM

My super secret wood spirit carving source book:

"How to Carve a Woodfellow" by Mel McDaniel

It's a small booklet that emphasizes power carving. But, not to worry, the same steps can be followed with hand tools. Inexpensive, <$10, and available from Fox Chapel if I remember correctly.

Tom Wolfe has some good ones too, but more expensive, and not any better.

They're fun, enjoy.

bluejay04 · #3 03-21-2006, 03:55 PM

Thanks; I don,t know if I can buy that book in Canada or not will give it a try.,maybe even ebay has something

squbrigg · #4 03-21-2006, 07:49 PM

Welcome aboard Bluejay04, you have come to the right place. WCI/Fox Chapel have several good books on carving Wood Spirits. I like the "How To Carve Faces Into Driftwood" by Harold Enlow myself, it has several different Wood Spirits in it. A good inexpensive how-to-book to get you started.

Bob

GeorgiaCarver · #5 03-21-2006, 08:32 PM

Search the post as well. You will find great threads on tools, wood, and even step by step progress pictures on projects folks are/have worked on. Also, look at the carver gallerie you will love what you find.

I like the Pfeil tools but they are expensive. My feeling is spend the money on good tools, one or two if that is all you can afford.

You will need to learn about sharpening, stroping, and such.....

Lot's to learn so little time! Just ask the questions and this group will help you.

Greg

Claude · #6 03-21-2006, 11:36 PM

Bluejay:
Here's a few for you:

http://www.tusedesigns.com/woodcarving/woodspirit.htm

http://www.carvingmagazine.com/proje...itstopper.html

http://carverscompanion.com/Ezine/Vo...ngPencils.html

Claude

wade clark · #7 03-22-2006, 12:14 AM

Claude,
Wow! Great tutorials!
The best I can say is, just do it! If you don't like the first, do a second, and a fortieth! Do the ones in between too! Have fun. Do them quickly. If you find one you especially like, slow down and do all the detail you want.
The good news is we all carve wood. It's readily available! It's also a great addition to a good fireplace!
And it's rumored practice makes perfect!
Wade
p.s. plant a tree for a yet born carver!

bluejay04 · #8 03-22-2006, 10:22 AM

Thanks everyone for all the information that you were kind enough to send me -great website ,will be spending lots of time on this site ,as soon as I finish one of these wood spirits I will post it .