[auggy]

Heya!
I am new to wood carving and new to this forum. I have checked out a lot of the begginers posts and suggestions. So far i have been doing walking sticks, and some sculpture stuff, none too complicated, but fun for sure.
I have been trying to pick up tools when i can, some really good finds at a local antique mall and a couple orders online has given me a start. This is the second time i started carving. The first time was ruined by poor tools and bad wood selection.
My biggest problem has been in sharpening my tools and finding wood. i bought a good book about trees to help in the spring. i have land bordering Allegheny national forest and im hoping i can find some good stuff there. '
i have been lurking here for a bit and i look forward to future posts -aug

[kitaye]

Welcome Auggy. some picture of your work when you get the time.

[AlArchie]

Welcome Augie!

One of the good things about carving walking sticks is that most any wood can turn into spectacular walking sticks. I've done them in pine, spruce, balsam, maple (spalted, knobby, and birdseye), yellow birch, aspen, and hornbeam. I've turned 'em, carved 'em, left 'em as I found them except for finish, and added compasses, hames, tips and journals. You can get ready made tips for summer and winter use, joining ferrules, inserts for everything from emergency supplies (matches, fish line etc) to "comfort" items. Read that brandy flasks!

Pine can be found ready to carve as the dead lower branches on standing trees.

Spruce and balsam saplings found dead but still standing are as light and strong as bamboo, and their growth crowns add contrast without even carving.

Hornbeam, both hop and American are strong and hard and have a beautiful grain but are hard to carve (they are known locally as Ironwood) They burn well for making a journal of your hiking adventures though. Or burn in some of your favorite patterns.

Birch and maple can often be found with just the right crook on or near the root for ready made can handles, and downed maple can have some great spalting and still be plenty strong if caught early enough.

And finally, aspen saplings are a dream to carve either fresh or dried.....very similar to basswood, yet plenty strong enough for working walking sticks.

Al

[dchilders]

Hey Augie,

I'm very new to woodcarving also, so I understand your plight in finding tools and information on the subject. I also live adjoining a State Forest Area where there are plenty of wood samples to search out. I've discovered that young Willow trees (plentiful around here) are very nice for walking sticks. Some will have unique character to them.

I've also discovered that walking the river banks here in Southeast Missouri (Mississippi river) can produce huge quantities of bark and odd looking pieces for carving. For me, these driftwood pieces from the river are great starter/beginner peices, as they are soft and easy to practice on. If you foul-up, just pitch and grab another sample. You won't burn out your tools as fast either when using softer driftwood. After you feel more comfortable in carving, move to the better pieces of hard wood. That's just a beginners opinion........

Anyway, welcome to the forum and stay in touch. I've yet to post any photos, but I have a few cottonwood bark carvings I'd like to present to others, for opinions. It's a bit scary, placing your first pieces for others to view, but I think the carvers here will be helpful in their suggestions and comments.

David - Missouri

[auggy]

Thanks for the good info guys. I am so stoked about going into the big woods this spring. I have been studying my books and planning on staying in the sticks for a couple weeks. I will put a few pics up when i get the nerve aug

[slather]

Welcome aug , glad you joined us , am looking forward to seeing your work

[real good]

good luck Aug, have fun and enjoy your carving .good to have you on board---------Jack

[susieq]

Welcome Auggy,
there are quite a few walking stick carvers on the forum. You will be in good company. There is endless help available here, all you have to do is ask.....

[Ashbys]

Welcome both of you. Glad to have you.

Never be afraid to post, we are all learning. And the help you can get here will help you improve , if you ask for it. The people are great and friendly. Most of us started a short time ago, and the carvers here helped us all .

Welcome again

Ash

[GeorgiaCarver]

Welcome to the forum!

Greg