My thoughts on Christmas gifts for new carvers

[jfixit]

Co worker told me his son-in-law wanted to carve, so his wife mail ordered a set of gouges for a gift. I asked what kind, he didn't know. My thoughts are, cheap tools, no instructions, unable to sharpen, discouragement and another interested youngster that will not pick up a knife again unless it is to cut steak. I can't help much because of distance. I think this happens a lot, it did to me 25 years ago and didn't carve for the next 23 years.

[kdispoto]

Could you not inform him to check out this forum - this one of the reasons this forum exist - isn't it? Many of us love helping new carvers.

[SlowMover]

I understand your concern....cheap tools are such a turn-off they probablly cost the hobby untold numbers of participants. I also understand the reluctance of a new carver or someone buy a gift for a new carver to invest in uality tools due to the concern of not liking the hobby and by default having "wasted" good money (which is really tight now) on tools that won;t be used in the future. While this forum is a great resource for individuals that are active in, or at least interested in carving..i doubt that the average Joe thinking of buying a friend or relative a gift either has the inclination or the knowledge to gain much from reading anything about carving on the internet. I think all we can do is jump in anytime we hear of someone interested in carving, and actually take the time to talk to or even better interact in carving with the new hobbiest. A real chicken or the egg type of problem.

[jfixit]

I have suggested this forum and he find a carving group but the messages must filter through a third party. Let's just say I'm not hopeful of the messages getting through after trying to get more details from his " we did our part and bought the gift in-laws." The casualty of Christmas.

[davbell22602]

I new to woodcarving also and just got Dremel 300 for Christmas. I have yet to go to a lowes or home depot to buy wood to practice on first.

[markken5889]

Hi Davbell

Welcome to the Forum and to a great hobby/craft! Check to see if there's a Woodcraft or other carver's supply store nearby, and get some basswood or tupelo. It'll be alot easier to work with than say, pine from the big box store!

Mark

[Woody1961]

Davbell, Again welcome! Ditto to what was already said, but even if you don't have a Wood Craft store, try to find the wood craft section in a store like Michaels our AC Moore. They will generally have some small pieces of basswood for your first few projects.