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  #1  
Old 12-29-2004, 01:36 PM
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Default Left Handed Carvers

I need a little advice.....

I have been helping a teenager to learn some basic carving. He is left handed and I have had a few problems showing him all the proper techniques - being that I am right handed.

My attempts to carve left handed to show him a few things were awkward. I thought about a mirror, but I'm not too sure how that would work.

Anybody have any ideas?
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  #2  
Old 12-29-2004, 05:39 PM
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Default Re: Left Handed Carvers

Mitchell,

I am left-handed. I have experienced what all left-handers do - most "things" are made with right-handers in mind. I think that it gives left-handers a better ability to adapt to what right handers are doing compared to how right-handers would adapt to left-handers. I believe that your young friend can make the switch in his mind. Any one-on-one carving training that I have had has been given by right-handers without any attempt to remake it for left-hand. Maybe i'm wrong, but I think that he can make the transition.
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  #3  
Old 12-29-2004, 05:46 PM
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Default Re: Left Handed Carvers

I'm left handed and agree that he should be able to adapt. I actually use both hands, which really throws off a right handed person - just means I wear two carving gloves! You trying to adapt to him may make it more ackward than simply allowing him to watch & then adapt on his own - he's used to it I'm sure.
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  #4  
Old 12-29-2004, 05:55 PM
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Default Re: Left Handed Carvers

If the tables were reversed and I were taking a class from a lefty, it wouldn't matter, I would just do what I do and copy his lead...don't really think its an issue.....
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  #5  
Old 12-29-2004, 06:46 PM
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Default Re: Left Handed Carvers

Seems to me that the only difference is which side gets workewd on first......shouldn't be a problem!

Al
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  #6  
Old 12-29-2004, 07:32 PM
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Default Re: Left Handed Carvers

you mentioned using a mirror-when your teaching if you sit face to face it might help.

i am righthanded but play golf lefthanded when taking lessons i always stayed directly in front of instructor.(mirror image)by the way i am not a golfer but do fine plowing up fields

Frank
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  #7  
Old 12-29-2004, 07:53 PM
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Default Re: Left Handed Carvers

I had a cd of Wayne Bartons Chip carving and was having a problem following it as he did it. until I relized that he is lefthanded.
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  #8  
Old 12-29-2004, 09:49 PM
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Default Re: Left Handed Carvers

As some of the others have said, we lefties are used to turning things "the right way" in our heads and most often are ambidexterous because of it. I too would have to wear two carving gloves because I switch hands depending on the direction of the grain and cut I am making.
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  #9  
Old 12-29-2004, 10:40 PM
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Default Re: Left Handed Carvers

I am right handed
He should have no problem picking it up
and doing it left handed

I am somewhat ambidexterous
was left handed as a child
broke my left arm just as school started in first grade
I then learned to write and do everything right handed
I can do fair with the knife in my left hand
I can even print a little left handed although not very good because i have not practiced doing it for years
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  #10  
Old 12-30-2004, 02:46 PM
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Wink Re: Left Handed Carvers

Us southpaws have little trouble adjusting, we have more trouble adjusting to things in a sequential motion such as tieing knots when taught by a righty.

We also don't seem to be able to learn how to put icons in messages.
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