TotemWood Tommy is carving about...

TotemWood Tommy · #1 09-12-2007, 02:58 PM

Hi,

Well? I finally got my subscription paid for today, and decided to get on the message board as well. What the heck eh? <grin>

I'm Tommy, live in the Puget Sound area not too far from Little Shavers if one rides a ferry boat or two. ;-)

My primary interest is in canes, and in fact run probably the largest international group on yahoo concerning stick making-Stick Carving World Wide [SCWW]. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StickCarvingWorldWide/

Around this time last year I had to take serious stock of how I was wood carving and make some expensive changes due to needs that had been apparent for many years. The result initially has been two-fold.

I am now very much a rotary carver and? I have significantly reduced my involvement with other carvers. -To good effect, as I was invited as a guest artist this summer at one event.

I am now trying to find some "balance" however.

Some of you probably know me, I did really miss chatting with Rick and Theresa this summer for example! Others? I may get to know eh?

The past year I have worked very hard to cut down and refine what remain of my two primary interests. Woodcarving is the one to be addressed here of course. <grin>

I luv the U.S. Northwest. No longer drive. But then? On clear days beauty surrounds me so that is not so bad. I have a small shop where others would have a bedroom-we all have our priorities. I am slower than most carvers but then? <shrug> I do my best eh?

Hi!

-Tommy...

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 09-12-2007, 04:43 PM

Hiya Tommy, welcome.... I been on SCWW for a long time! You will like it here!

Tom H · #3 09-12-2007, 04:56 PM

Welcome Tommy, Been readin your posts on your site for several years. Even posted a few of my own. I know you'll find the folks here to be most enjoyable. You have a lot to offer, and I suspect you'll gain a lot from some here. Tom H

GeorgiaCarver · #4 09-12-2007, 05:15 PM

Welcome to the forum! You will like it here :>)

TotemWood Tommy · #5 09-14-2007, 12:27 PM

Thanks folks

I recognize a couple of yas...

Now if I can get this thing to remember my password eh? <grin>

Best to you all,

-Tommy...

wood-whittler · #6 09-14-2007, 03:29 PM

tommy,

hello and welcome to the board,

bart

tINO · #7 09-15-2007, 08:02 AM

Hello Tommy from Central California. I'm am a new power carver & I look forward to learning from you.

Tino
Exeter Ca

Woodartist · #8 09-15-2007, 11:26 AM

Thanks for the link to the stick makers site, Tommy. I make my living making sticks and just had to join

TotemWood Tommy · #9 09-15-2007, 01:01 PM

tINO,

Power Carving was something that I wanted to start about 9 years ago but was told wasn't allowed where I was living at the time. Instead I opted for a mallet and chisel. I think a party was held the day after I left. ;-)

Last year I gave up realizing that due to some personal issues? I had come as far as I could with carving. Either I "had a garage sale" come X-mas, or I looked into power carving once again since I was living on my own in a different location.

I did some serious research including effectively "interviewing" some very accomplished power carvers, and made my investment into some high speed tools/burs/etc.

They have helped me and "kept me in the fold" so to speak.

If one can avoid using power I suggest it by all means. Most can for at least the greatest part of their works I feel. Why I use power is best explained in a private message if you care to learn more. <shrug>

Fact remains that I use RAMpower for my hand piece, a Foredome clone, and an old Dremel. With my chisels/mallets for rare uses or when out and about.

It took quite some experimentation to finally find the burs that work well for ME, and they are in some cases very different than my peers.

Best to you tINO...

-Tommy...

TotemWood Tommy · #10 09-15-2007, 01:10 PM

Hello Woodartist

I vistited your website and you have quite a story, interesting web sites as well. One of the first carvings that I sold was a cane as well... though I do not make a living at them SCWW http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StickCarvingWorldWide/

Has proven to be a very good group for that limited but special slice of artists who make canes and walking sticks.

They have proven to be my largest over all interest and passion over the past few years and it was as I recall, an article in WCI no.2 about them, that got me to buy my first copy! I was SCWW's first moderator and then with the sad passing of its listowner I was asked to carry on. It has continued to grow in both size and I feel quality since then.

Welcome there, and thank you for your welcome here...

Best to you...