New guy needs advice

[KeithC]

Hello Everyone,
I am a new member, just signed up. I am retired, live in Arizona and two years ago took up the scroll saw. I have enjoyed learning intarsia, an ongoing process. I became interested in carving and pyrography as part of my intarsia. I know absolutely nothing about carving. I have made some progress on my pyrography. Right now I am working on a small project that requires either the carving or burning to represent tall grass. So far, I am not happy with any results would welcome any suggestions.
Thanks
Keith

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Welcome Keith, I am in Az too, NW.....someone will get to you on the pyrography question shortly....I have one but only use it in conjunction with my carving... enjoy the forum

[pallin]

I would suggest that you try a veining tool, a V-shaped carving tool that works great for making grass. It works best with the grain, but may do alright across the grain if you have it very sharp.

[KeithC]

Thanks for the suggestion Phil. However, that brings up another problem, I have a Foredom 1/6 hp power carver. Still haven't found the right burr. I do not have any hand carving tools. I have been thinking about purchasing some but so far haven't. I have been looking at the basic Flexcut travel kit or should I look for something different? I really am just a beginner when it comes to carving.
Keith

[GeorgiaCarver]

You might want to consider buying Pfiel hand gouges. They are excellent tools and you can buy them one at a time or a whole set at once. You might also want to consider carving knives. Usually these come in rough-out or detail styles.

For grass I would agree with the v-tool suggestion although you could do a great job with Pyrography.

Do some searchs on this forum for different subjects. You should be able to find lots of information.

Greg

[wildwood65]

Welcome. I just joined today although I have been carving for some years. I also am retired and in Arizona, the greater Phoenix area. I might suggest you join one of the woodcarving clubs in your area, not just for assistance and help, but also for the ideas and techniques available. You can also get a chance to try out other types of tools as well. There are generally local clubs, in the RV Resorts, retirement communities or just a group of carving aficionados.
Charlie

[KeithC]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your advice. I did purchase a detail v-tool and it worked great. Just the effect I was looking for. Charlie, I will look into the carving clubs in the area.
thanks again,
Keith

[wildwood65]

You asked.."I do not have any hand carving tools. I have been thinking about purchasing some but so far haven't. I have been looking at the basic Flexcut travel kit or should I look for something different?"

I have the 11 item Flexcut travel roll and love it. It's easy to pack when I attend the various club meetings, they sharpen well, hold an edge and give you a very good selection of useful tools. You can also get the very handy sharpening kit of shaped basswood and honing paste from Flexcut. At home, I use my palm and full size gouges, each with it's own handle. Habit, I guess.

In the Phoenix area I could give you carving club contacts if you're interested.
Charlie

[KeithC]

Charlie,
I broke down and decided to order the beginners kit from little shavers. I'm looking forward to receiving it. Just wanted to see if wood carving was for me, before I got too invested with tools. I would like some contacts for local carvers clubs. Just pm me.
thanks
Keith