[mbowers]

Please help. My Step-Father inlaw really enjoys carving and seems to be very good at it. I want to get him something useful for Christmas, but I don't really know what he has or needs. Is there something that all woodcarvers always need or wants?

[Thor]

more wood

[gene messer]

Yes there is .. Talent ! But you cant give it to him .. Just kidding ..

Why dont you just ask him what he would like in the way of carving ?

You can ask every woodcarver on this board what he or she would like for christmas and you would probably get different answers everywhere ..

Look at what he likes to carve and the type of tools he uses and that might give you idea ...
Better yet .. get your wife or mother to hint around to him what he would like .. Then work from there ..

Every carver wants something different .. but just general things to think about all carvers use are carving gloves and most important ..

A subscription to Woodcarving Illustrated , .. If he already has that .. there is also some other carving magazines .. .. and also carving books related his type of carving .. Wood carving Illustrated and fox chapel have excellent carving books on any subject ..

But first Woodcarving Illustrated .. Also sign him up on this board for the message board ..

Sorry .. I couldnt think of more ..

Gene

[Dan S]

How about a gift certificate for a carving catalog?

[William]

I think most carvers really enjoy having signed carvings by other artist in their collection and they will always remember where they got it.

Bill
^v^

[Paul_Guraedy]

Since you are unfamiliar with what he needs (I assume this is in the area of tools, etc.), I would consider a book. Not a book of/about woodcarving. Take a look at his carving interests and get him a book that would give offer more information in that field. For instance, I do a lot of bird and animal carving. I have started purchasing books that cover the anatomy of the species I prefer to carve. If he is a caricature carver, you might consider a publication on painting that would cover areas such as folds in clothing.

I have a "wish list" that I keep on my computer. Close friends and family are aware that it is there and that Diana has access. Included on this list is info on the price and supplier. It would be worthwhile for all of us woodcarvers to consider something along this line. That way we not only get what we want...exactly.... but we also make it easier for those who want to get us the "perfect" gift.

[Just Carving]

Ask for a wish list and then shop around. Prices vary just as much as carving--so if you have a fixed amount you want to spend, and take a good look around, you'll find that you can buy one tool on one website, and three tools for equal or maybe a little more on another. Be sure to factor in shipping which can be a big cost these days. But if you find out what kind of wood he likes to carve, do the same. I can get better wood at Heinecke than a lot of other places--and it's cheaper, faster, and more convenient when it comes to paying for it.

Bob L

[squbrigg]

No carver ever has enough tools..... a nice detail knife would be well recieved.

Bob

[Thomp]

take a look at what he has carved, if its cowboys, hillbilly's, santas or spoons maybe something else,

then go to the fox chapel book store here online and get him a book on the subject he carves the most,

or look at the size of the things he carves then go to Heinecke Wood Products

and order him some great basswood. probobally wont make it here by christmas but it would be something he would use for sure.

[Eddy Smiles]

Gift certificate.... nothing worse than trying to look pleased and happy when you've just received a gift which is a duplicate of something that you already have. A gift certificate allows the receipent to pick out what ever he/she needs or wants! It's a win-win situation for both the giver and the giveee!!!!!!