[bygeorge]

Almost entirely with edge tools. I started out with power but the noise and dust took all of the fun and relaxation out of it for me.

Chuck

[Paul_Guraedy]

Rick, I really have been trying to understand. You are the first carver that has just flat out said that the process can be as important as the product. And there really is no "correct" response as far as I can see.

I carve for pleasure and relaxation. While I am carving, the piece is mine. Once finished, I will keep it around for a short time, hand it over to whomever and then move on to something else. But, I guess a major part of the enjoyment for me involves the final product. I have something specific in mind and if I do not at least get close to that, my carving time has, hopefully, become educational and therefore not wasted.

[BobD]

This really is an interesting thread--I never thought it was about the right way to carve...

It's more a discussion about what is more important to each individual--the time spent carving or the final product. Some people get enjoyment out of the time they spend making chips. Others get joy out of seeing the project take shape. Still others enjoy the final outcome and feel good that they created something so beautiful. This is all discounting carvers who make their sole living carving--that is another discussion.

People are wired differently. I personally get a lot of enjoyment seeing the project take shape--and enjoy the "problem solving" that goes into "fixing" parts that don't turn out like you expected. I also love to look back on a carving and being able to say--I made that.

For me, the tools are just that--tools to make my vision a reality.

This is all about me (isn't it always <Grin>)--and I can totally see the other perspective. I've spent hours hand planing a board--just to see the thin shavings curl off the board. I've also spent hours with a fishing pole beside me with a good book in my hands. It's all about what makes YOU happy.

Bob

[Tom H]

Paul and Rick, I think what you are getting at is the creative need to produce something and the technical need and challenge to master a process. These two may collide (which is not bad at all) when the issue of creativity is a driving force for each. I don't know if I said that right. I've been retired so long it's hard to put thoughts into words. Yesh! thats not all it's hard to do anymore. TOM H

[MDWine]

Edge tools only at this point, mostly because I'm a nooby, and it's all I've put the money into so far.

Now, after "deciding" to be a santa carver, I'm taking particular notice of decoys, and I would really like to give those a try some time, when my skill warrants.

I haven't seen anyone do decoys with just edge tools, seems they sort of need a power tool for some things.

Maybe some day...

[squbrigg]

This is an excellent debate my friends, and most enjoyable because we all respect each others views without an argument, so are free to express our thoughts without worrying about someone jumping down our neck. I think that is a personality trait of carvers everywhere.

Speaking of personality traits....I recall some small aspect of some management and/or human behaviour training that I took years ago....don't ask me for details, cuz I wouldn't remember them.... ...but..... the general idea was: there are four destinct types of personalities, and I recall that with two of those types, in one were folks who enjoyed the process of doing something, and in the other, were folks to whom the final product was more important.

So no one is wrong, we just see the process from different perspectives because of the type of personality we have.

The other two types were the ones who want to be in charge all the darn time and those who don't want to do nothin' but sit around and complain! Or something like that!!!

Bob

[dutchmanmk3]

Whatever works ! This question is precisely what brought me here. I've recently gotten more invested in RPC tools. To date I must own every carving tool known to man ? Up to lasers, and cnc. I'll cut just about any material I can get my hands on. Power tools may be more efficient ?That's debateable of course. I doubt I'm the only guy here to analyze the devil out of a cut, only to slap themselves on the forehead and pull out a chisel, and simpley pare it off ! This is in fact what brought me full circle back to my roots. Good Sharp Knives ! I loath noise, and dust even more. Carving can be Very soothing and while I'm production oriented the grace and eloquence of paring shavings is Zen like. Power carving is a means to an end, but to the creative imagination the noise of mechanical contraptions can be a particularly Vulgar Assault on the senses. Still, they may be a necessity of the trade ?