Getting started: a few questions.

[sorressean]

Hello all,

I have a couple questions; I just got started carving a while back. I got some blocks of wood from woodcraft.com (they're a variety size). I started working on trying to figure out how to make a dog, but I messed up because I have a flat back with curved corners sort of. So I'm curious what people could recommend as a good starting project with a block of wood? I've got some small sanders, some files, and a set of blades to get me going.

Also, I am blind, so if people could give me ideas rather than images, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
~Sorressean~

[johncarves]

If you're blind the second thing you're going to need is a dog.

First thing is a safety glove and thumb guard.

[Claude]

Welcome to the forum!
You don't mention the area where you live, but if you look over on the left side, near the top, under WCI Community, is a link to Carving Clubs. Enter your state in the pulldown menu and see if any of the carving clubs listed are close enough for you to drive to one of their meetings. Clubs welcome new carvers and most will be happy to show the basics including sharpening. John is correct about the carving glove and thumb guard. You mentioned you got the wood at Woodcraft. You can buy carving gloves and thumb guards there. While you're there, ask them if they host a carving club (many do).

What kind of blades do you have - razor, exacto, pocket knives, hunting knives, or carving knives?

For learning some basic techniques, I'd suggest watching Gene's videos and/or Arleen's videos. You can find them at Gene Messer’s Carving Videos Jim’s Random Notes
and Arleen (Carverswoodshop) Carving Videos Jim’s Random Notes

Claude

[johncarves]

Least you think I was being a smart-a** with my comment that you need a dog...

Some objects I have carved more from a sense of feel than from sight. (If I am lucky enough to have a model that will stand for it). I have completed several commissions of specific dogs. I have found that being able to "feel" the muscle and skeletal structure with my hands gave a good, if not better, understanding of what I am trying to duplicate. I find that touching my carving while it is in progress also helps me.

More sculptors and carvers need to learn to close their eyes and see with their hands. I once had the father of a blind girl ask if she could look at a piece I was demonstrating on. We spent about 45 minutes "looking" at my carving. I actually guided her hands as we carved. I stopped her in mid-cut, laid down the gouge and let her see the chip of wood curling up off the log. She left me with that chip clutched tightly in her hand. And boy was she smiling.

Yes I believe you can be blind and carve!

[bob easton]

..........

[Tobey]

For similar reasons as bob easton I would suggest the project I started with. The pine cone ornament. It is in the WCI holiday issue and also on "Little Shavers" here Carving a Pine Cone Ornament at Little Shavers .

Like carving a ball, the first step is to round off the block into the general shap of the cone.
I learned a fair amount about my knife and how the grain reacts while doing this part.

Then, you can chip out the triangles to texture the cone. I think this could be a good one for you as you could feel your way around each level of the cone filling in the triangles being sure to line them up properly, and make them smaller toward the bottom.

I am sure you could find a real pine cone relativley easily to feel and use as a model as johncarves suggests.

pics of whatever you choose to carve. Everyone likes pics.

Good luck to you.

[sorressean]

Hello all,

thanks for the advice. I really like the idea of a pine cone, so I suppose that's what I'll start on, just to mess with it. so I have a quick question. I have a block that is a sort of square, is it viable to start cutting on the corners going up, using a curved blade, then keep carving around to make it a rounded shape. As I go up, I'll just use smaller strokes and put more force as I go up so that it will curve. so I'll end up with a rounded bottom, then I'll move up a bit and use the same type of strokes but carve more so that it'll curve up farther. In answer to the question about the knives, it's an actual carving kit. it's got three handles, small medium and large with a chissle, a set of curved blades, and some straight blades. I like the idea of gloves, I've nicked myself a time or ten, but it sort of kills the feel. so I just deal with it and keep going.

Thanks,

[markken5889]

Hi Sorressean,

Sounds to me like you're off to a good start with how you're thinking about carving. BUT... seriously, get the glove. Once you've gotten a few stitches you'll realize how important it is. Believe me, I've been there, done that. My first trip to the ER convinced me. I'm sure others here on the board will second that opinion.

Welcome, and happy carving!

Mark

[cgm]

Hi Sorressean, welcome to the forum.
Were you aware that there is another member on here that is blind?
His name is Ron Davidson and he lives in Wichita, Kansas
Maybe he could give you some good ideas.
Carl

[mobjack68]

Sorressean...you need to look up Ron Davidson, a forumite here also....legally blind as well. He finished a cigar store indian that I started and passed along to him. He has some really neat Laser techniques that assist with his carvings....
I hope you are able to display some of your work in the future. looking forward to hearing from you.

sorry CGM, didn't read to the bottom of the page....jm