getting dimensions from carvers

[rickm]

Hi, just a academic question. I have asked people here and other carvers for dimensions on some of their pieces so I can try carving it myself. usually I get no response or a curt little comeback but no dimensions. Is asking someone for further info on their carving considered bad manners or something? I know if someone asked me I would supply anything they wanted, included a in depth explanation., (sadly not to many ask, lol) just asking.

[AlArchie]

Sorry I can't help ya out Rick...I have never carved a caricature. Ask me about fish and I can help ya out.

Al

[Tom Ellis]

Sorry Rick,
He is 3/4 X 3/4 X 2 inches. I don't think it is rude at all, but when I see a carving I like, I make it any size I want, if I am going to carve it. I generally go smaller.
I 'll tell you how big he is even if you don't ask.
Tom

[gene-messer]

Rick .. often times when I give out a pattern .. I dont know exactually what size a person wants to carve .. so I leave that up to them

Gene

[big dave]

a carving can be any size you want it, the steps are the same no matter the size,but I will be glad to give you the size and will even mail you a copy of the pattern if i have one if not i'll sent you different views in pix just pm me if I can help.

[therandallknight]

I Know what you mean buddy.

For me learning was really important to know everything about the carving. What type of wood ? how sharp is sharp ? Even in the books they don;t say.
I remember watching genes videos and I took note of how big his knife was compared to the piece of wood ( i have the same knife he does).
I have also noticed how curt the other carvers can be. I have asked Questions and was not really sure how to take it , if they were kidding or not. Gene is a great person to ask and he's an awesome teacher.
I think we are battling against a few things

1. most carvers are old and don;t really have time to answer a lot of questions that seemed to them to be ( in their opinon ) inane.
2. they don't know or have ever bothered to think about
3. they don;t like sharing secrets
4. they don;t have time
5. they don;t care to help others


These reasons are not meant to be mean at all , so save your comments. I have had these experiences my self. I know that when I see a carving of an "Eagle" or a "bear" i just cringe. I personally do not like eagles or bears wearing a fishing hat. Some people may not like questions asked on how they arrived at their art. I don;t know why ? Maybe it losses something when you have to explain it ? like explaining a joke .I'm not sure.

I remember someone else was just learning how to carve and his first piece was pretty good for a 1st try and he was super proud of his work and the rest of his family was like " great " " big deal ". I experienced the same thing , it seemed like when I would carve a great piece and be super proud of it my friends and family would look at it like a turd I found the the yard.
So I started looking at it like this
I carve because i like to
I love to talk about carving ( And I don't talk with any other wood carvers ) so I'm on here
I feel like it's more than a hobby
and I will beg, borrow and steal to get the answers I need . I have called Marv kaisersatt and talked with him on the phone , I have Emailed Pete LaClair and asked him questions . THey are my Heros ( along with GENE ) and they have always been nice and have always helped me.

My point is- keep asking questions and keep carving , some of these old farts on here are just that - old grumpy farts.
Randall

[carver33]

Rick and Randall,

My experience on THIS forum has been the exact opposite. I've found just about every carver here more than willing to help and answer questions about their carvings. I, and many others usually post the overall dimesions of their carvings. Unfortunately, we don't always frequent the forums as much as we'd like to and may miss questions.

As has been answered before, the same carving can be done pretty much any size you want it, depending on the size of wood available. As far as detailed questions, such as how big are the ears or whatever, you probably won't get an answer, because the piece may no longer be available to take measurements.

Keep asking questions, you may not always get an answer, but from what I've seen, the vast majority of members on this forum will answer your questions if they can.

[Iowa Carver]

I always try to post the size and the type of wood etc. Most carvers are more than willing to help and I don't know what the big secret would be anyway. But I think most people here are willing to help, discuss patterns and offer help when they can. Keep carving Rick and enjoy carving more than anything else! Carving has become a passion for me and I think that people that are truly passionate about carving have no problem helping others and offering support.

Corey

[bigEd_H]

Hi, Rick, take a look at Gene's 10 rules of carving on his blog at Flat Plane Carver they are words to live by and evidence of why Gene is admired so much by the rest of us.

Ed

[Dileon]

I had a lot of experience with boards of various kinds. To tell the truth...some busy people do not go back their post and read your questions..... or are working so much they have little time for the computer. I read the computer just before going to sleep, then forget that someone asked a question. I am old but never think any one question is too much....but I do have CRS... which means can't remember Sh-t. I think everyone is willing to help...but keep asking,... you get no response then ask again, or post a message in the person box. No answer,... in a different way....and keep asking ... until someone responses and you get your answers....again in another post. I seen post where months go by before finally someone answers and the person that asked is gone. If a person does not like you or think people ask stupid questions... ha...ha ...these days they get kicked off the boards as you can see trouble makers by few thousand miles away...on the net. I know for me, people ask me a question at times,...I really want to think about giving a good answer...so I do not response right away. Hey as us old farts are slow, but tons of people help and give hours of their time each day to help others. Unlike my kids that live on the computer... I open mine sometimes a few week apart. In my mind the only stupid question that you can ask, is the one you do not ask.... So you do not get an answer... then it is time that you got to be assertive, and postive.... let people know you want to learn!! That is the only reason that most people stay on a site like this is to help others..... in my opinion. Honestly I think this is the best board I have been on in the last 20 years, people are wonderful support. smiles Di