New on The Block!!

Ron Davidson · #1 08-02-2005, 09:11 AM

Hi everyone my name is Ron Davidson. This is going to be a trial for me. I was a cabinet builder for 30 years until I lost most of my vision. I view the world through a opening the size of a straw with vision of 20/500. I currently use a camera to magnify onto a 20 inch monitor. So I watch the monitor while I carve I have been doing this for about 6 months and it gets to be more fun as I go along. I will be probably be asking all kinds of dumb questions just bear in mind that I am blind and it's alot different. Thanks for the opportunity to be apart of this group.

BobD · #2 08-02-2005, 09:34 AM

Welcome Ron!

WOW...I'm impressed with your self control--I'm sure many people would just give up! You are an inspiration!!!

Bob Duncan
Wood Carving Illustrated

wade clark · #3 08-02-2005, 10:10 AM

Ron,
Welcome!
It's inspiring to hear from someone determined to enjoy carving in spite of odds that would make a weaker person give up. It's a pleasure to have you on board! Please tell us more about how you carve.
Wade

Colin_Partridge · #4 08-02-2005, 10:14 AM

Likewise a hearty welcome to this group of wonderful people you sir are an inspiration to all of us. Look forward to seeing some of you work
Colin

kaiserb · #5 08-02-2005, 10:18 AM

Ron,

As a former cabinet builder ... welcome to the club. That is awesome how you have overcome a vision issue. I am sure you will do great at wood carving.

Ron Davidson · #6 08-02-2005, 10:29 AM

I have always had a feel for wood. I never used plans in my life when building cabinets and furniture. I was able to build things from sight and mind. It has been a real work in progress. I use a telescope mounted on my glasses to widen my feild of view and a camera to magnify onto a monitor. It takes a lot more time to do a carving and I am still in the experimental stage. I am in the process of having a table built that I designed for my needs , things like a easel type of clamp that will bring something like relief carvings up to pretty much eye level. I also have been trying to get a wide assortment of carving tools that I can mark with Braille. Safety is a big issue with me as it has always been. Take time sometime and with no tools in your hands and sit with one of your completed peices and use your fingers to feel all the details of your work you will be amazed of what you can feel without your eyes. I think caricature is going to be my favorite. When I get something worth looking at I will post pictures. I also have computer software that enlarges and reads my screen for me.

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #7 08-02-2005, 10:55 AM

Hi Ron and Welcome! Boy you are hooked already!! some of us don't have your fortitude! I noticed the part about braille marking your tools, I would like to suggest you wear carving gloves on BOTH hands! As you will see as time goes on reading posts here, that most of us that are sighted have done dumb things and cut ourselves...I can understand how you could very easily pickup the wrong end of a tool.....it sure slows down carving!! ha ha

BobD · #8 08-02-2005, 11:00 AM

But if you wear carving gloves on both hands, it's difficult to read braille...perhaps have a different shaped handle put on each tool--or a different topper of some sort...just brainstorming!

Bob

Ron Davidson · #9 08-02-2005, 11:04 AM

I do wear carving gloves on both hands and keep a box of bandages next to my work area. The gloves I have are real bulky, if anyone knows of a source for good quility ones let me know.

Ashbys · #10 08-02-2005, 12:02 PM

Ron ,

Welcome to the board! I think almost all the carving Gloves will be bulky, the material it's self is. I think Bob might have a good suggestion. Look forward to seeing your work.

Ashbys