Junior Carver

jriedl · #1 05-28-2005, 11:38 PM

My nine year old son has been after me for a year now about letting him start woodcarving, so I guess he's serious about it. The question is - what tool(s) does he need, where can we go for instructions, and what kind of wood do we need for his limited strength? I'd appreciate any help I can get with this. He's eager to get started!

Joe

wade clark · #2 05-29-2005, 12:25 AM

Joe,
I'd suggest a set of palm gouges for a start, and trying some basswood. It's consistent in grain and soft, easy to carve. I can't help on where to find a class, but be patient, by tomorrow this time I bet you have several good leads from the Folks here! If you don't carve, why not take that class with him? What a great bonding opportunity! You'll both have fun, I'm sure! But let me warn you, he might lose interest in video games over this!
Good luck!
Wade

squbrigg · #3 05-29-2005, 07:08 AM

Joe, welcome to you and your son. I would suggest that you have a look at www.littleshavers.com Rick's web site is a great place to start, he has some great beginners sets and advice/instructions. He's good people too!

Beginning can be exciting, so encourage him all you can, take him to the library and have a look through some of their books on carving before you go too far. See what sorts of things he might be interested in. WCI magazine are also a great place for ideas, and lots of issues to choose from. Go easy on tools at first......see how interested he is, a good carving knife might be enough to get started, then as he progresses you can add to his tool box.

He (and you) are entering a wonderful hobby....wood carving.....relaxing, rewarding, challenging, and you end up meeting the nicest folks. Enjoy it together.

Bob

decoycarve · #4 05-29-2005, 09:53 AM

If you want to start with something really easy and safe try a bar a soap and a plastic knife. I did a bolo tie class for a Cub Scout pack last summer and all the little guys did fine. I was a little worried about using real knives, but the little guys payed attention and every one had fun. (a couple of the dads had more fun than the kids). Its a great hobby that will eventually teach more than just carving.
Goody

Colin_Partridge · #5 05-29-2005, 10:47 AM

I just did a post not long ago about teaching my 11 year old grandson. The only problem you will have is that their attention span is short so keep your sessions short also safety dont go away and leave them unattended in fact you have to watch their hands at all times they dont realize how sharp those tools are. Having said that they are a joy to teach because they are so interested. Good luck and the advice you have and will recieve here is nothing but the best.
Colin

Old_Gord · #6 05-29-2005, 11:19 AM

My suggestion for beginners always seems to be the same "check out Old Joe's web site for beginners" , you can't go to far astray following his comments, for tools and for projects, projects I would suggest are the hedgehog and the shelfmouse.

.
http://www.oldjoe.org/

OG

Quote:

Originally Posted by jriedl

My nine year old son has been after me for a year now about letting him start woodcarving, so I guess he's serious about it. The question is - what tool(s) does he need, where can we go for instructions, and what kind of wood do we need for his limited strength? I'd appreciate any help I can get with this. He's eager to get started!

Joe

wood-whittler · #7 05-29-2005, 01:35 PM

one thing i would like to add to all the wonderful advice already given here is to see if there is a carving club in your area or close by and maybe visit or join it will help alot also you may also find a show close by and visit that then you can see all different styles and types of carving

bart

jriedl · #8 05-29-2005, 08:10 PM

Thanks to all for the great advice. I had no idea so many people would respond! I'm looking forward to getting started in this hobby with my son, and can only hope that Wade was right and this will curb my son's video game addiction.

Joe

wade clark · #9 05-29-2005, 08:39 PM

Joe,
It sure cured mine! I'm in the middle of Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, and I just got too busy for it four months ago! My wood carving was just so much rewarding on a daily basis, and my addiction to Splinter Cell was a challenge, but only lead me from one diversion/frustration/meaningless accomplishment followed by empty meaningless accomplishment. Every day I carve I see two accomplishments, the first is a shocking pile of curls on the floor, the second is something I can touch with my hands and admire, and say, "Wow! This wood is incredible! And I like what it's becoming!"
Find him a few good tools and he'll have them when his hair turns gray and think of you!
Wade

Callynne · #10 05-30-2005, 07:25 PM

Hi Joe, Welcome! You're received lots of good advice already, I'll just add this, please buy him a carver's glove to wear on his 'holding' hand and a thumb guard to wear on his 'cutting' hand. If he wears them right from the start he will quickly become used to them. Our craft demands very sharp tools and they cut through flesh much easier than wood! Again, welcome, we'll be looking forward to hearing how it goes!

Callynne