First project (Pics)

[twiztid83222]

I recently bought a 10.8v cordless dremel tool.

Not knowing anything about carving and i finished this in 3 hours. Im very happy with the finished product.

some advice on what else i can add to it or any tips.

Its a Peice of drift wood i found and have been using it as a cane when i hike (im no oldie im 24) . I might add more faces below it.

Let me know if it looks anything like santa claus lol... i tried

PS: The picture does not show that much detail. Looks alot better in person.

[Gergie]

That's a great job for a first carving. Be sure and save it to look back on. My only advice is to keep carving. The more you do the better you get. I started with a dremel and know have a Fordom flex shaft. Also get a GOOD dust collector for the mess and your health. Again good work for your first carving.

[Thomp]

great for a first time carver, especally done with a dremel...

i think beginners tend not to go deep on their carvings,
a great project for that stick would be to just cover it with mountain man, elves, Santa, & wood spirit faces, one thing for sure you will be experienced when your done...
keep up the good work, and get some safety equipment dust mask, eye protection, leather glove.... a box fan with a furnace filter between you and the fan positioned blowing away from you is a good dust eliminator... but use a mask on found wood because you dont know the species...

[Irishman]

Twiztid,

You have many of the fundamentals and facial symetry...now to add some character. Like Thomp said, new carvers sometimes stay a little shallow. For example, bring the bridge of the nose into towards the eyes some more and let it flare out to the cheeks. Remember that there is a chin under that beard so carve (or dremel) some deep lines to give some shape under the hair. A wrinkle or two around the eyes and forehead takes away some of the flateness.
Keep experimenting and don't be afraid to make mistakes. I'm still making plenty...so I must be learning something. Keep at it.
Patrick

[Tom-H]

Nice first project. I might add to what Thomp said about mask and filters etc. A most hazardous condition may exist when power carving found wood, especiallyt if it is old wood. There could be all kinds of fungus and such that must not be breathed in. But, that aside, get some good masks and keep at it, you're doin good! Tom H

[GeorgiaCarver]

Great first pc. I wish my first pc. was that good Cowboy

Practice, practice... be sure you use a safety glove and have fun.

[twiztid83222]

Now u got me nervous with the inhaling of the wood dust. I didnt wear a mask and inhaled quite a bit of it. Also its drift wood so that counts as old fungus wood huh? Thanks for the support about wearing a mask, i had no idea wood was bad to inhale.. Awhile back in high school i dont remember using a mask working with wood.

[squbrigg]

Nice work on your first effort. The power carving is a lot of fun, just pick up a dust mask to be on the safe side for your future carvings and wear it regurlarly. If you deciede you are going to stick with power carving, you might invest in a dust collector at some point. Saves a lot of mess, but not all, but it does get the small air borne stuff that's dangerous.

Pointers on your carving..... practice! The only way to learn, is practice a lot. Try different burrs and see what they will do. Try straight cuts, try sweeps, try angles, but keep trying.....all practice is good. For your spirit/Santa try extending his beard down and around. Maybe a hat? Below him, perhaps a vine or birds or reindeer.

Bob

[Callynne]

Twiztid, that's a great job for your first try, in fact, it's just a great job period, I'd say you have talent! Just keep practicing, this, as everything in life, is an ongoing learning experience!

I'm happy to hear you're taking the safety advice to heart, protecting your lungs and your eyes is so important. And your hands and fingers too when using a knife. Advice from one who has learned!! Deborah

[santagibbs]

That's a very good start on carving.. I think that will make a nice cane.. add some character to it .. Have you seen the friend ship canes.. That might give you some ideas for it.. Keep us posted on your work.. Charlotte ...