[indylarry]

Hello, I am just getting started. I took a class at the local Woodcraft store and bought the beginner's kit from Smokey Mopuntain and bought a block of basswood at a show. I haven't had much time, but I had some time in the last week and spent a couple hours just practicing cuts and carving a little sailboat. I think that was the most relaxing and enjoyable two hours I have had in a long time. I'm hooked. I think I am going to have to call about a used band saw. Also, I have been on here all of an hour and already read some great advice for beginners like me. Thanks.

[susieq]

Welcome Larry! This is a wonderful place to make friends and get advice on carving. Reading old posts is a good way to catch up with what has been discussed on here over the last year or so. Wood carving is addictive, we are all hooked on it here. Welcome and enjoy. Please post pics of your work when you can.

[Irishman]

Hello Larry,

Glad you could join the forum.
Patrick

[Mottles]

Hello and welocme sounds like you have really got the carving bug. Congratulations! Hope there is a carving glove and thumb guard in your carving kit.
Kathy

[Donna_T]

Welcome Larry,
Many of us got hooked on carving just the same way you did. It really is the very best way to relax and have something to show for it--I've always called it my "therapy."

If you don't get a bandsaw right away, a little hand coping saw will allow you to do simple cutouts. But there are also suppliers where you can order cutouts of about anything you'd want to try to carve. Definitely cheaper than a bandsaw to start trying different carvings.

Let us know how you're progressing--and if you have any questions that any of us can share our experiences to answer.

If you can find a carving club that you can join--that will be a great help. They sometimes have classes and workshops--and are always good to help new carvers. Subscribing to publications like Wood Carving Illustrated and Chip Chats (the National Wood Carvers Assoc publication) will give you patterns and ideas for future projects.

Ditto on the carving glove and thumb guard! They're a must and great Emergency Room insurance!!

Donna T

[slather]

Welcome to the site Larry ,I know you will enjoy yourself here.

Al

http://picasaweb.google.com/al.hillis/WOODCARVINGSMINE