Workshops

[sculptorcarver]

it would be really interesting to see the work spaces that carvers use to create their works. Mine is a ramshackle building at the edge of a golf course, formerly the green keepers shed. I love it. It has cobwebs which are probably 100 years old. An old cast iron woodburning stove. It is surrounded by ash and oak trees. and very cheap to rent.
Over the past ten years I've managed to fill every available space. with timber offcuts which one day will be of use. I have every kind of tool ever invented. most are hidden under piles of newer tools which will inturn be hidden under the next great must have for carvers. I have patterns sketches Fiddles, tables, chairs, boxes, Golf clubs (persimon) in need of repair,bits of carving from old furniture, my own carvings which have not worked but one day I'll figure a way of changing them to something else, Carvings which have split,
The workshop doesnt make the carving, but it is a pleasant place to hang around in.
Marvin

[Thomp]

isent it the truth,

if you spent a week to orginize it would feel like you was at some body elses place carving, my shop is a mess, its my mess and i know the general direction i can find something if i need it, bad enough, but it seams you always have a little nest where you collect tools to and feel most comfortable..

an 80 year old man told me, the worst invention ever in a shop was a flat place so messes could collect maybe thats my problem..
thomas

[sculptorcarver]

Hi there Thomp.
after posting this thread I had a feeling of guilt, so I went down to my workshop and started to clean it. After ten minutes I got distracted by a lovely peice of drftwood I found under a pile of other things. spent the rest of the time carving. Who needs a tidy workshop anyway. as you say, its harder to find things if they are in the right place.
By the way I loved the profile on your carving titled 'Mechanic'.

Marvin.

[Tom-H]

The house where I live used to have 4 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, living room, dinning room, kitchen, full basement, 2 car garage, and a 24 x 30 foot shop on the back of the garage. Now it has 2 bedrooms, ONE CARVING AND COMPUTER ROOM, ONE QUILTING ROOM, 1/1/2 baths, living room, dining room, kitchen (with a corner for carving), full basement, garage for wood storage, and a 24 x 30 foot shop. Moved the carving inside last fall, and plan on leaving it there. Nice arrangement. When I get tired, just swivel around and flop on the bed for a nap. So far the wife is still ok with me carving in the house. I'll ride this as long as a can...Tom H

[sculptorcarver]

Hi Tom,
Would you come over here to Scotland and have a word with my wife. You sound like a true, dedicated, woodcarver, I bow to you. I'm still a little afraid of the consequences of letting wood chips fall on the carpet.
Marvin

I now know why you have a facination for Noahs Arks

[Thomp]

dont feel alone in shurking duties,

i been promising myself a really nice multi drawered chest just to have a place for all my wood carving handtools sharpening and rotery bits, and thoughts of some lockers for hand power tools and supplies..
the shop is so cluttered you would find it hard to find room to swing a cat,

well i got all stoked up and i went out and visited the stack of 1x4 and 1x6 drawer frames i have cut and have layed out on the bench.. and some how I wound up on the front porch, again, Carving a little guy hillbilly 2x1x3/4"
till i got hungry, dang i'm looking for a good napp right now though.....

i came to the agreement that today that shop aint gonna get straightened up,,,

[Thor]

This is a picture of our studios. It is pretty crude, and someday we will polish it up with glazing in those big light open spaces in the top and put in electricity. For the past few years, they have sufficed well. I move inside the gallery when it gets cold.
It's 80 feet long, and has 5 12'X 16' studios on a big long concrete slab with a 10' overhanging porch that we fenced the horses out of.
The paintings hanging across the front are by James Sargous, my husband.
I won't show you pictures of the inside....I'm still doing spring cleaning, uh, organizing.
Thor

[sculptorcarver]

Hi Thor.

All I can say is 'envy envy envy, envy !!!!'' It looks to be a really beautiful spot. I can see that it inspires you.
It looks like you have enough space to house all of us,

Marvin

[Lightningbolt]

My favorite shop is the one where I teach woodwork and woodcarving five days each week deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I drew up the original design and it's 16' X 32' with two double doors on each end and four nice wood framed windows. I only very rarely have more than 5 students at a time and it works out just fine.

It's one of my favorite places to be and I get a paycheck too!

[Eddy-Smiles]

Dave... That's not a woodshop...that's a palace! A man's place! No frilly curtains or carpets to worry about! You've probably got most of us drooling! Your shop is almost as big as my cabin on the other side of the moutains from you!