[dixie]

greetings everyone......I guess I'm the newest newbie here....just logged on today.....semi retired and into woodworking and a little wood carving....carving off and on for about a year.....just little things trying to learn.....couple of shoes and boots, and just completed my first "santa head".....only 3 tools so far, a "detail knife ?" and a couple of palm tools, v-shape and curved......couple of books on "how to" but sure haven't learned much....own a Tormek sharpening system for my shop tools and have been able to sharpen some wood carving tools........would appreciate any advise on getting started here.....
thank you

dixie

[Mitchell]

Welcome dixie!

You may get more advice than you bargained for here. If you can think of anything specific that you want to know, ask away. Below is a "list" of general advice....

Always remember - Safety first. Wear a glove or some type of protection.
Strop your tools instead of grinding - as much as possible.
Learn about carving tools.
Practice.
Find a club or group of "buddies" to carve with.
Take a class if possible.
Go to a show if possible.

[dixie]

thanks for the quick reply.......and yes to all of those things except for one.......(won't say which one)......I am interested in taking a class (or two or three.....etc.) and would like to get into a "club" or group of carvers to learn and kibitz.......started to join one organization early in 2004 but their "beginners teacher" was a rather old crass, impatient crab, and I didn't feel like listening to someone berate me while I tried to learn, so I didn't go back. I'll fit in with another group somewhere, it'll just take a little time.....there is a group in Glen Carbon, Illinois that I'm thinking about visiting, a few are "older" , like me, so that may be more of a fit......I do want to find out more about tools and techniques, and although I have gotten a few catalog's and read all about the tools, I'm still not sure what I should buy to add to mine, I know I want some kind of a "gouge", but am not sure where to start. I'd also like to get into using larger carving tools with a mallet......but I think thats down the road a piece..... .as far as sharpening using a strop, the Tormek I use has two leather "wheels" one with a flat surface and one curved for sharpening rounded type tools like woodturning gouges.......sorry for being so long winded.....but I guess one message to get most of this out will help on feedback........I do get the Wood Carving Illustrated magazine, and have gone through the copy of the Books magazine they sent me this month, and would appreciate any advice on any books you think I'd profer from......thanks again for the quick reply, and any other suggestions........


dixie

[Thor]

HI Dixie,
Sounds like you're off to a good start.
When I went shopping for the "long range" investment on tools, I bought an entire set of Pfeil mallet tools with a mallet. They were on sale, and were less expensive at the time, because I bought them from Canada. (I live in Georgia, US). A lot of people warned me that I would probably not use all of the tools, but I have. When I've wanted to expand and learn something new, I already had the tool for it...like the spoon gouge. I need more tools now, but these have done just fine for a few years.
You can never have TOO many tools. If you can get them, get them.
I look forward to seeing some of your work posted as images. This is a great place to get positive feedback and constructive help.
Thor

[carver6]

Just wanted to welcome you. You'll find answers to questions you didn't even know you had from the folks here. Be real careful though or you'll become a "tool addict".(Most of us already are!!)

Again welcome.
Garon (Carver6)

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard Dixie! Carving is a great passtime, it can become addictive. Enjoy yourself, as carving is also a great way to relax and is very theripudic.

Bob

[dixie]

thanks carver6.......already I'm a tool addict.....just not to the wood carving tools.....have a well staffed wood shop and have tinkered with carving for a while.......now that I'm mostly retired I can spend a little more time with it..........

dixie

[carver6]

Sorry to have to tell this but looks like you may be beyond help already. Since the damage is already done "keep on truckin'" and just TRY to pass the tool stores.
Garon

[Mark N. Akers]

Dixie:
welcome to the site you can get a lot of information towards carving from the
members.

[GaryMc]

Hello Dixie,
Welcome, pull up a chair and set awhile! Great folks, great carvers here!
PS I just wrote you a LONG email, hehe
GaryMc