Carving class

[Donsexton]

I just wanted to share this with my fellow members for me the most fun I have had in years. I recently heard that the local Hobby Lobby was hosting a woodcarver’s class. I had never been in a carving club or gone to any classes but always wanted to. I am more self taught, at least for my style I am. I signed up for the class we were to carve a cowboy in basswood from a pre cut block 2x2x6. The class registration told us that the instructor would have enough tools for the class and the store had some tools for sale. The registration also said if we had our own tools to feel free to bring them to the class. The topics first day were safety then tools and their uses and sharpening, honing, stropping.

Those of you that know how I carve it’s more of an angry industrial ballistic declaration of war on wood. I showed up to my first class with just my Flexcut Carving Jack and the smallest Arkansas hard stone I had in my pocket. I am or consider myself to be an old boy at 51 but I was the youngest in the class by a few years. I had so much fun with the guys. I never let on that I carve with chainsaws and grinders, mallets and gouges. The instructor could tell that I knew how to carve and sharpen tools. He ask me to help the others with their sharpening. Some evenings a few of us had dinner together at the Chinese joint in the same shopping plaza. I hope the next town I work in has a club or some classes woodcarvers are the best.

[tmaddi]

Hi Don,
Great story, thanks for sharing........Tom

[Nomad]

Great story Don. A perfect slice of the good life. I went to my first show as well this summer in Evart MI. I'm turning 60 this year and I felt like a teenager there. There was enough white hair there I darn near had to carve me some goggles to prevent snowblindness.

Anywho, it's great to know there's life after retirement.

[Claude]

Originally Posted by Nomad

...
There was enough white hair there I darn near had to carve me some goggles to prevent snowblindness.
...

All right, Terry...just exactly what is the problem with white hair?


Claude

[Tom-H]

Way to go Don! I wish I still had white hair...

Tom H

[Bob K.]

Guys...I'm gonna be 60 this year too and don't have any hair so white hair would be nice!

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by Bob K.

Guys...I'm gonna be 60 this year too and don't have any hair so white hair would be nice!

Both my dad and uncle were mostly bald by their late 20s and they both told my brother and I that we would be too. But the years passed and it never happened. Unfortunately, it now looks like my genes are starting to catch up with me. As my barber said recently, "what the heck is going on up front there"?

[Midnight Carver]

Glad you had such a good time Don! Of course, between the cold beer and cigars, your typical "angry industrial ballistic declaration of war on wood" sounds like a good time too.

As far as hair, I certainly wouldn't consider my hair thick on top, but the important thing to remember is that it's alot better off then my younger brothers!

Eric

[uvawyo]

all right, Don, I hope a hobby lobby in our area does the same as I believe i am ready for a class after 3 years of self teaching and learning

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Glad you enjoyed Don! Have to check my Hobby Lobby.

Dave