Tools and Materials for teaching Carving

[Whimsy_Carver]

I have been asked by a local art guild to teach an adult class in woodcarving. In a senior moment I agreed to do this but now wonder where to start. One of the things they have requested is a list what tools should beginning students be provided (as part of the cost of the class). What do you think? A knife? Which one(s)? Gouge(s), parting tool/v tool. I really, really would appreciate some advice from those who have taught. I want to give these folks a good start. It has been decades since my beginning class and I remember buying some tools that I should not have.... Help!
Jim
http://www.whimsicalwoodcarving.etsy.com

[woodchipandy]

I've been carving for about two years. I saw a carver making whimsy houses and thought it was really cool. I bought Rick Jensens book, looked at the tool list and thought no way. Can't afford it. Determined, though I was. I now make my own whimsy houses and other stuff too. With the exception of three new tools ( knife, hook knife and V tool) I use only the tools I originally bought. A knife (Mike Shipley) the Ramelson basic tool set, and a strop. Don't get me wrong, I long for new tools. Drool sometimes. My point is even with the most basic of tools at an invest of around $80, you can find out if carving is for you. If it is than you have tools you will probably continue to use for years to come.

[Donsexton]

I never taught a whole class but I have taught individuals and I do require them to buy their own tools and safety gear. I don’t make them buy everything I have that has taken me years to acquire. You will decide on what project they will carve and with that project in mind determine what the tools are necessary.

I took a class and we carved a 6” cowboy in basswood the class registration form had a minimal list of tools to bring to class. The only thing I didn’t have was the small palm tools and tiny sharpening stones but I had full size tools in the profile the instructor required. The only thing I had to buy was a white pencil. The first class was safety and then sharpening. I had more fun in that class than should be legal mind you I had more experience than the instructor by 15 years. We finished our cowboys and went to dinner all together on week 6.

[flyfisherman_53]

I would think it depends on what type of carving your going to teach (flat,relief,chip,etc) as to what would be acceptable.

[sillygnome]

as someone who is just starting out and had no idea where to really begin, I wish that I had a beginner's class to go to. the three things that would have been really nice to have are a decent carving knife, a strop, and a carving glove. i've spent more time just trying to find those 3 things than anything else.
just my thoughts on what i would hope to get from a class like that. hope it helps!

[Claude]

If Rick at Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply still has some left, his Beginner's Carving Set at Little Shavers would be ideal for most types of carving.

Claude

[carvingbarn]

That is a great beginner set Claude. I have done a few classes. I did whittling. We carved a boot. Every one seem to like carving the boot.

[kimschance]

I have to agree with sillygnome! (with the addition of at least a thumb guard.) The other consideration besides type of carving is if they are kids or working folks. Right now if there was a class in the area, I would jump all over it because I have figured out that this is something that I want to do. However, six months ago I was very weary at the expense of a good knife/stone/strop/wood etc (and i work 2 jobs as well as volunteer) and had to get things one at a time.
Senior moment or not - I think it is absolutely awesome that you taking the time to do this for others!
Margo

[kimschance]

I was someplace else on the forum earlier and thought immediately of your post.
Those comfort birds are a huge hit! I did a ton for the Senior Citizen's and ChAD at Christmas time. Everyone likes birds and I hear that Spring is coming early this year.
- the pattern is easy, (you can reduce or enlarge it)
- you could teach all of the cuts
- you wouldnt need chunks of wood, just scrap squares that you might have about.
- students would have a low investment - detail knife, glove, thumb protector
Just a thought.

[Thor]

It may not be a helpful suggestion for right now, but since I have been teaching for years, both in my studio, as well as other locations, I have slowly accumulated sets of tools that I "rent" for beginner classes. The fee is $10.00 per project, and it has allowed me to add to the student tools. I now have 4 sets, and used 3 of them just this past weekend.

If a student doesn't want to make the committment of tools purchases, it is a convenient option to use tools before they buy them. I do not sell my student tools. If they decide they want to purchase tools after the class, they still have my list of tools to go shopping with.
Just a thought.
Christina