Needing new interest.

[kd15gh]

Hello people,

I am a 47 male unnable to do most things I use to due to medical reasons and I need to find a new hobby/interest.
What I would like to do is create geometrical designs on a program on my pc, print them out, and apply them to a board and chip carve the design. Is this possible? How do I transfer the designs onto the board? Can a rotary tool be of use to carve the designs?
I just hope that the old saying, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" don't apply to me here.

Take care all, and thanks.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Welcome to the forum. I use carbon paper to transfer my patterns. I think anyone could learn carving, it is very enjoyable. You could also buy roughout of different carvings, sometimes easier. Hope that helps, enjoy.

Dave

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I forgot to say, for chip carving I have glued the pattern to the wood, carve and then remove what paper is left. Some say this way is wrong, but if it works ??
Dave

[Al_Hillis]

Welcome kd15gh, good to have you with us.I have glued the pattern to the wood and then carved it away . I have also used a dremmel with a router attachment to carver out the back ground on relief carvings and see no reason why you couldnt do most of the carving with a rotary tool as long as you had the strength in your hands needed to hold onto it.

[JimSawyer]

I'm not sure what you condition is, but there are books and a DVD by Wayne Barton. The DVD is a great intro to chip carving. All that's required are a couple of tools, a ruler, a pencil and a compass. He shows you all of the basic cuts needed to get just about any design. Using a chip carving knife is not too demanding. I'd say it's easier than power carving. Get good tools though. A poor tool is harder to work with.
Good luck, and let us know how you make out.

[aulddiy]

Your not much of an old dog at 47. I was 20 years older when I started. Give it a go you'll enjoy it.

[Joy]

Don't do it! If you start carving .....you will never quit! Just kidding! Carving is not only fun...it is very satisfying. I don't know anything about chip carving, do your research and then just enjoy.

[SeaLeveler]

I am also disabled and have to lay down to carve with knives,chisels and power and also scrollsaw.I didn't start until 41 yo and wish I had started sooner but never had the patience before I was unable to work.Carving really helps.Be sure to buy quality tools and keep sharp and almost any wood will cut easy.Tony

[arttimes]

I use graphite paper to transfer my design. I have also heard of people gluing their design to the project and carving through it.

If you are going to be doing power carving and if you have a compressor, I would recommend one of the high speed tools that turn at 350,000-400,000 rpm's. It makes it seems like you are working with butter, it is almost like drawing with a pencil.

[lazybum]

if you can print a mirror image with a laser printer
you can put the printed side down on the board and use a hot clothes iron to transfer the lines

some papers work better than others