I wanna learn how to

[WOODCHER]

Hi, all ya'll..My name is Cherie ..an RN in Missouri..and I have loved wood my whole life...I took a chip carving class a few years ago and loved it but did not really go any further...I have always wanted to do some wood turning also but life is so busy ..its hard to find time.. anyway..my husband and I have an oak burl that I am not sure what to do with and since I basically have no experience with actually working on something like this..I thought I would talk with you..there are so many talented people out there..it is amazing....Just here to say "hey" and "help"!!!

[carvingbarn]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I think I would hold on to that oak burl for a while. Oak can be carved into some great projects but it is not a good wood to learn on. Burl has even more issues working with the grain. When you have done some carving you will have a wonderfull wood that can make a really beautiful carving.

[Donna_T]

Cherie, Welcome neighbor!
Likewise, I wouldn't recommend an oak burl to start carving with--but I sure would save it for some time in the future. Do you live in an area where you have access to a supply of Northern basswood? Are you wanting to do more chip carving? Or get into some other form of carving?

The nice thing about carving is that you can come back to it after absences. And you're right, with a busy family and work life, it's hard to find time. Hope you find it and let us know if anyone here can help you--tools, wood, etc.

Donna_T

[Mottles]

Hello and Welcome...Agree with Donna_T and Randy wait a while before you tackle a burl.
The basswood say plaque would be good for chip carving and practing the various knife cuts used in chip carving. If your more interested in 3D carving such as people or animals then basswood is a wonderful wood.

Yelp, life and making a living has a way of getting in front of our fun.

[FARMALL RON]

Welcome to the forum.............Ron

[Riverman]

Hi Cherie, welcome to the group!
Bob

[Claude]

Welcome to the group, Cherie!
A good place to buy basswood, both in block and in boards for chip or relief carving is Heinecke Wood Products They ship it out to you fast and the wood is top quality. They will also make up special sizes for you at no additional charge. I've been buying from them for years. Don't buy basswood from the local craft store - it's usually not as good a quality and has much higher prices.

Claude

[Boydman]

Morn'in,

I have an oak burl...we call it the old man!...I will probably be looking at it....unfinished my last days on earth! Wish you well.

[breezly]

Welcome to the forum

[Ed Redwine]

Welcome... lots of good advice here. I would encourage you to take up your chip carving again and as you become more comfortable with the knife, branch out to small carvings. There are lots of good carvers in MO so help should be close by. Just give a shout when you need help...someone will respond.