Starvin' For Carvin'

[-JBergs-]

Hello All;
I've always wanted to dive into working with wood...bought myself a nice ($300+) set of chisels (Two Cherries; German made) and am ready for action. I know, I know; expensive tools don’t make the woodcarver, but I’m hoping they’ll make an exception in my case.

I recently had an accident with a carving knife I bought from a custom maker who hand forges everything. I slashed off the top of my left middle finger; bone exposed and all…with skin grafting and two surgeries later – I still want more! That’s how I know I’m hooked.

My accomplishments consist of a few signs carved with beautiful Vivaldi script; one in oak and two in basswood. I guess one could consider sign carving a form of chip carving. I’ve also carved a cross out of a block of wood (which is how I cut my finger). I really love relief carving though – looking at it and actually carving in relief. Carving in the round would be a nice goal after I get the basics of low and high relief down. My ULTIMATE goal is to carve traditional architectural ornamental works; they are absolutely stunning!

I’m a young family man with a wife and two kids the sole provider trying to support in this difficult time. If my wife were an ornamental carving, she’d be a sleek and curvy banister/railing or a sexy corbel with the bumps and curves in all the right places.

I'm a professional construction estimator / cost engineer by trade - and after working for a general contracting and construction management firm for years, running their estimating department, I decided to start my own business...a risk I know, but this I can say with confidence; I'm one of the best. I work with contractors / people nationwide and talk to many different people - I've found that wood carving is a small niche.

I’m from Long Island, NY and surprisingly (to my knowledge) resources on carving are scarce. I’ve had to send away for nearly everything; from tools to literature. I attended one social gathering for carvers (a club of sorts) and it was a bunch of old folks tight gripped with pyrographers and crazy looks in their eyes after I waltzed up in there with my oldest boy (now almost 5). Hey now, I love our mature generation – their wisdom/experiences are quite interesting ….and believe it or not, I know you think most of us in my generation don’t, but I listen to y’all when you talk!

So I could use all the help I could get at this point. I started watching carving on youtube and wish there were more videos on relief and architectural/ornamental carving…also on other fundamentals, such as sharpening – how to repair a rusted chisel, what’s the best types of tools and what are their specific purposes, etc.

Well, thanks for listening to be chatter but it’s time to figure out what I’m going to be carving next…I get so stumped so often…I was that kid who stood in the candy isle for a half hour before deciding – can you imagine how long it takes me to decide on what to carve? I absolutely love William Judt’s relief carvings shown in his book; “Inspirational Relief Carving” … I’m leaning in that direction…any help in any facet would be greatly appreciated!

[INSilverado]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you're off to a good start.

[Riverman]

Hi JBergs, welcome to the group!
Bob

[Simplyme]

Good to have you here. I'm from Queens, NY. So we are neighbors. Once you start on carving you want to try it all Relief, in the round, Intarsia(one of these days I'll master it), even some scrolling...... There is no end to it.

I have tried (and i mean tried) it all, and love all form of carving, I consider myself a student of it all and a master of none.

So sit back and enjoy the ride.......

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

LOL sounds like you didn't listen to the part about "WEAR A GLOVE" HA HA

[scooter]

Welcome to the group.

Instructional videos on ornamental and architectural carving can be found by googling Nora Hall on the interwebs. She's a master.

S~

[Terry Vance]

Do a club search. It is located on the WCI home page on the left side of the page. There are a ton of clubs in New York. They can help you out a lot. Never met a wood carver who would not help someone out especially just getting started.

Good luck & welcome to the woodcarving family...

[big dave]

howdy and welcome

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, JBergs. It's nice to have you here with us. There is so much to learn here and a lot of great people here to help you.

I hope you went out and bought a glove. Your enthusiasm is going to take you far.

[tomrsey]

Welcome JBergs. Architectural carving sounds like a lot of fun. There are lots of folk here willing and able to help out. Be sure to post some pictures of your work.