What would you say - best beginner tips

[Eddy-Smiles]

I'd say turn around and run in the opposite direction as far and as fast as you can while your wallet still has something in it! Ha! Ha! Seriously, I'd recommend all carver's to start out with only a few basic tools and then only buy what they really needed when they needed it when they knew and understood exactly what they needed.

[STAR]

Originally Posted by Eddy-Smiles

I'd say turn around and run in the opposite direction as far and as fast as you can while your wallet still has something in it! Ha! Ha! Seriously, I'd recommend all carver's to start out with only a few basic tools and then only buy what they really needed when they needed it when they knew and understood exactly what they needed.

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Eddy. even with all the set up costs this little hobby is a lot kinder on the wallet than woodturning and woodwork.

A nother positive for me is that even though I am just starting and struggling, I have only done six carvings, all but the first ( The Leprachaun ) have turned out reasonable for me and already some of the bottlestoppers I have done have been received very well.

Infact a few very easy ones have bought some requests from my family for more. But gee I hate to do the human face, but animals and inanimate objects don't intimidate me.

Pete

[blanchard65]

I would say after practice sharp tools. I never make a mistake my carvings just get smaller. lol

[STAR]

I feel an important requirement is to push through that glass ceiling. Keep asking questions, If you do not understand ask again.

Check all the blogs and info the guys here put up. Do not worry too much if you upset one of the guns here providing your question or reply was in good faith.

Heck. I watched a video on this site and it blew me away. I did not know that we could do that, I thought everything had to be done the hard way. Now I realize, it does not matter how you get there, providing the outcome justifies the input.

I had absolutely nil carving experience, nor knew anybody, or ever saw anybody actually carve. Sure I have seen the result but never the process. But my eyes have been opened up by this forum and I see things differently now.

Fortunately, I see my wood working and realizing that I have some Artist friends who have taken a mentoring approach to my carvings that I have something tangible to draw on. Look for positives and as Lynn says. Practice, practice, practice.

Pete

[One Thumb Carver]

Thanks, kdispoto, Old Scout, Lynn O Doughty, ten99j4, and arbarnhart. The info is great currently i am Practing ( a lot) I have sufficient starter wood for my fireplace all of next winter