[joe(rookie)]

Hi I'm joe I'm 14 years old my father just bought me some tools from harbor frieght(they were kind of cheap) and gave me some of his old wood carving books. I just wanted some tips and directions on wood carving. If any one could tell me about any good books I should read that would be great. Is there any special brand of tools that are better than others and how much would they cost? Sence I don't curently have a job I will be low on funds and will have to buy cheaper tools.

thanks,
joe

[BobD]

Welcome Joe!

Not to toot our own horn (so to speak) instead of getting a bunch of books, I'd get a couple carving magazines first. They are less expensive than a book and usually have a variety of projects in them. Figure out what you like first then you can choose your own books!

As far as tools...if you can get them sharp, any tool will work! I started carving when I was young as well and couldn't afford many tools, so I started making them! Gather up old files and grind them to the shape you want. If you are careful, you can keep them tempered while you grind (dip them in water more often than you think). I've got a colleciton of tools I made and still reach for them first in most cases!

I'm not familiar wiht harbor freight...so I can't say what you've got. But if it's just softer steel, you'll just get better at sharpening (because you'll be doing it more often) Strop often and just be persistant--ask for good tools for holidays and your birthday. I still get a swiss made chisel every year from my father at christmas!

Above all, just have fun!!

Bob Duncan
Wood Carving Illustrated.

[Mitchell]

Welcome to the group Joe!

First, try to find a mentor to help you learn the basics. It sounds like your Father may have some past experience, so that's a plus. Maybe there is a club in your area - or at least close by.

There are some books on basic woodcarving - with topics on many subjects as well as tool maintenance. It really depends on what you want to carve. Look in the gallery and pick some carvings that you like - then ask the carvers about how they made them.

As far as tools - If possible, get a couple of good knives. Then buy GOOD QUALITY tools as you can afford them. You can get by with a few gouges for a while. There are some old threads about tools....look in there and maybe you can get some ideas. I bet your Father will let you "work" for the funds. There's a supplier here that can get you set up at a very reasonable price (Rick in Seattle @ Little Shavers).

[joe(rookie)]

thanks for the info everyone

[squbrigg]

Welcome Joe. Never too young or too old to begin at the best hobby and past time that you will ever find. A few simple tools, a little wood and some time and you can create some beautiful things.

I would also suggest trying to find a carving club handy, that will be a lot easier than trying to start out on your own. Or ask around, there may be a carver in your neighbourhood who can give you some pointers. Your local library should have some books on carving and those along with what your dad has, should help you along. It sounds like he is really supportive, so ask him for his advice too. You don't need a lot of fancy tools to get started, just get the ones you have good and sharp and get started. BobD's suggestion regarding the magazines is a great idea....lots of great ideas and tips in there.

It's good to see you aboard with us, don't be afraid to ask questions, we are here to help you along. Wish you lived handy.....I have lots of time on my hands to give you a hand, and it's great to watch a young talent develop. Enjoy your new found hobby.

Bob

[Just Carving]

Hello Joe.

Welcome! Don't let working on a limited budget be a hindrance. With some ambition, patience, and perserverance, you'll do fine. You'd be surprised what you can learn from this site and other sites like it...like making your own tools from old tools that are laying around and not being used. Just make sure you ask your Dad before you take it and start filing away! LOL!

But if you want to know something carving related, just post a question. There are a lot of nice people here that'll be eager to help. And if all else fails, try Googling! Works for me!

Bob

[carver6]

Hi Joe!
Great to have you aboard. You've started a hobby that you can enjoy from now on a give great pleasure to yourself and loved ones. In regard to tools, don't be afraid to use your imagination. You'll be surprised once you get started how many common tools and other items can be adapted to different aspects of carving. If you have a problem or a question just post it here and 99% of the time someone on here will be able to give you an answer.

Keep your tools sharp and have a good time. Enjoying yourself is what it's all about.

[JBastian]

Hi Joe, and welcome!

You know what my favorite and useful tool is? Any plain old straight edged knife. You can do just about anything you want with it. You can buy a good one for 20, or so dollars or root thru your mom's kitchen knives for a decent paring knife, or your dads tools for an old pocket knife. Even an old utility knife with exchangeable blades will work, I’ve used one when bored and stranded somewhere with nothing else to use. Magazines are great, start out with a couple easy projects, and speed along at your own pace.

[Anthony Filetti]

Joe,

Welcome! I have to agree a good sharp knife is the way to start. Mastering the different type of cuts is the best way to go! (it's like any sport - its all about the FUNDAMENTALS!) I also have to agree with Bob, they publish the best carving magazine and it's full of different types of carving as well as a variety of personal styles for carving. Stick around this board as well, there is a lot of great people here who can offer some great suggestions.

[big_Wayne_P]

Not sure what harbor freight is selling. I am sure you will need to sharpen them. so some good water stones or Arkansas stones or diamond stones and a good strop.
Good quality inexpensive tools
Flexcut
Ramelson
Warren
They are other good brands but much more expensive
Pfeil
Stuby
Ashley Isles
2 Cherries
Acorn by Henry Taylor

A good quality knife These sell for usually under $15
Murphy
Flexcut
Warren
Exacto the one that has a screwdriver looking handle and can interchange the blades think Wal Mart or Hobby loby sels in a kit for around $15
Lots of good quality carving knives but the prices are more expensive than these

Check out Little Shavers Rick carries good quality and prices are good
http://www.littleshavers.com/index.html

Another good supplier with good quality and good prices
http://thewoodcraftshop.com/
call them and ask them to send you a catalog their on line catalog is hard to navigate but you are young and probably better with computers than most us older folks

Both of these are great suppliers and carry a wide variety of carving books.
Rick at little shavers is a member on this site

See if there is a carving club in your area
go to the carving club meetings
Carvers in the club will be glad to help you
and probably have soome books and patterns
Lots of different types of carving
I do a few wood spirits mostly on walking sticks
carving in the round Santa etc
a little relief
some animals

Ask any questions you might have
Someone here will probably know the answer

Tell us where you are
Someone here might live near you or could tell you about a carving club near you