Hi Steve,
The best books for patterns for 'whittler's tricks' are
'Whittling And Woodcarving' by E.J. Tangerman (A MUST READ for any whittler) and
'Old Time Whittling' by Keith Randich
These books have everything from 'simple' ball-in-cage and chains to more complicated round ball-in-ball cages, ships in bottles, fans, wooden puzzles, pliers and pocketknives made from single pieces of wood, and matchstick figures.
They can be found at Amazon and several of the carving suppliers may also carry them.
Good whittlin, Cliff
Charles City, Iowa
http://cliffordparker.tripod.com
Good whittlin, Cliff