Also New member...Help!?

kamiller007 · #1 10-21-2007, 11:27 AM

Hi Folks,

I have always admired the incredible talent of wood carvers. I just attended the Appalachian Mountain Festival in Clinton TN. last weekend and was amazed at all of the work displayed by the carvers their. I am intrigued to learn this art myself but have no real clue where to start. This site looks like a good place with lots of friendly people. I live in Loganville Georgia and would like to know if anyone can advise me on where I can find classes in my area for beginners? Also would like advise on what basic tools and where to find carving wood you would recommend for a beginner that would not break my bank account? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Hope to be as good as you guys some day!

Kirk

wood-whittler · #2 10-21-2007, 01:30 PM

kirk,

hello and welcome to the board, i too live in ga, for a basic ste of tools look up littleshavers woodcarving supply, rick has a beginners set for a good price. he could also set you up with some wood and help you with a beginners project. as far as classes smokey mountain woodcarvers[also has a site to look up] has lots of classes and these folks are great people also, there are also quite a few shows around your area north carolina mostly, there is one in hickory nc coming up this weekend and also one in charlotte nc in febuary,these are 2 great shows. oh and dont forget the john c campbell folk school in brasstown nc they have lots of classes too. hope this helps

bart

wood-whittler · #3 10-21-2007, 01:47 PM

kirk,

thought of a couple more places for you to try, highland hardware in atlanta, and the the woodcraft store over in roswell, the woodcraft in roswell will have a good many books and tools not sure about the highland hardware havent been in it in awhile,

bart

kamiller007 · #4 10-21-2007, 01:49 PM

Thank you Sir. I will check out those suggestions. I appreciate your reply!

Kirk

DADDIO · #5 10-22-2007, 08:13 AM

welcome aboard,check out all the earlier post a pile of info here.ditto on the starter set and carving classes info. i was given the basic kit from smoky mountain woodcarvers and pretty much have taught myself. join a club if you can,i'm not from arounf there so i'm no help,though my step son did live in loganville up until a couple of years ago.good luck and enjoy

Mottles · #6 10-22-2007, 12:10 PM

Hi Kirk, welcome--looks like your getting good suggestions all I can add is just keep looking at WCI Message Boards. Lot's of help and inspiration on these pages.
Kathy

GeorgiaCarver · #7 10-22-2007, 07:54 PM

Welcome to the forum. I live in Tifton Georgia in the south....

Rick can help you out or you can do the research on the forum and shop at the woodcraft store or order from others online.

What type of carving are you wanting to do? Relief, chip, in the round?

Greg

kamiller007 · #8 10-22-2007, 10:59 PM

Well I guess that proves just how "GREEN" I really am to this

. I am not familiar with the terms; relief, chip or in the round. I am interested in carving faces and pieces like Santa's and caricatures. Can someone advise on the best or easiest type carvings to start with so I don't get discouraged?? I have all the electronic carving and engraving tools but no manual hand held tools. I hope to be purchasing those soon.

Alright everybody I am all ears... or in this format I guess I should say I'm all eyes.

Thanks for all suggestions and feedback!

Kirk
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GeorgiaCarver · #9 10-23-2007, 07:31 AM

Sorry, carving in the round is carving on all sides (figurine, charicature, etc)

Relief carving is flat boards that have scenes cut out of them, kind of like a drawing on flat wood.

Chip carving is a plain flat carving where very distinct cuts are made usually at different angles to each other. Like diamonds, rectangles, scallops etc. This type of carving is very symetrical.

The type of carving you are talking about is carving in the round.

I would suggest buying a roughout knife when you can, Helvie makes a great knife. The other knife I would buy would be a detail knife. Again, I like Helvie but others may have a different preference.

Search the forum, there are several simple project tutorials on here that can help you. I am leaving for work but when I get more time I can search for some of those threads for you.

One final thought, be sure to buy a kevlar carving glove and a thumb guard... don't ask me why I know to do that

Greg

kamiller007 · #10 10-24-2007, 09:15 PM

Thanks for clearing that up for me Greg. I appreciate the tips and will check out those knives you recommend. Will definately invest in the glove and thumb guard before I start. I'm not really fond of hospitals.

Thanks Kirk