[OldNineFingers]

I just did this so if it gets duplicated I'm sorry. He we go again. We are new full time RVers after selling the house and everything we couldn't take with us in the trailer. We pulled into Ladybird Johnson Park in Fredericksburg, Tx. and were surrounded by members of the Texas Woodcarvers Guild. They were having their semi-annual get together at the fairgrounds. I got curious so I went over to the fairgrounds to look around. Well after seeing all the cool stuff I was hooked. I had to buy enough stuff to get started. I came back to the trailer and got on the computer and found this site. This is great. I will be visiting a lot. If anybody out there has any advice for a newbie I am all ears. Bring it on. Thanks for any help you all can give me. Bye for now, Ray.

[torpidhummer]

Hello Ray,
Welcome aboard to the Jolly Ship of life's renewal and adventure,you were more luckier that most us by falling right into the captive grips of those great Texas Wood Carvers. The only advice I can give, before you take a knife to
the wood buy a huge box of,alcohol (not the drinking kind but it would help),iodine and BANDAIDS. All kidding aside you are at the right forum and ask questions because this group if loaded with experts and wannbies.
Oscar

[Tom H]

Hey Ray, welcome! Your moniker "oldninefingers" could mean lots O things, but to a woodworker it has but one meaning. To a wood carver, well I/m not sure. Maybe you all don't have to worry bout cuttin that tenth finger. Don't hesitate to ask questions. But also don't forget to check the past postings. The answers to your question may be there too. And don't forget to post some photos of your carving too. Glad you're here.

Tom H

[Ashbys]

Welcome Nine

Best advice I can give ... Buy stock in Johnson and Johnson !
Hehe

Oh and red (blood) stains wood , makes great paint !

LoL

Now for real suggestions. Wear a carving glove. Start good safety guidelines and make them habits, simple mistakes can cause major damage to nerves and tendons, and happen in split seconds. Stiches with no other damage will keep you from carving, causes scar tistue and is not worth the cost. Read some of the post about safety and enjoy your new pastime.

Now for other suggestions , learn to sharpen your tools. A sharp tool can make the difference of a good cut and a breakout. Don't rush , take your time and just have fun ! Plenty of information here and questions are always welcomed !

Ash

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Agreed! buy a glove! or be known as ol 8 fingers

[tucker1931]

Hey there Ray, dang, I envy you, I've wanted to do just what you did, sell out buy a BIG motor home and head out. Wife says "what about the kids?" well, we've all got computers so who gives a damn. Anyway, I do sort of live in paradise so it's not all bad. Good luck where ever you shall go, be safe, and be a dang good wood carver, you'll sure like this site, your with friends on here.
Cliff

[OldNineFingers]

Thanks to all of you that welcomed me. Yes, I already bought a glove and a thumb guard. As of yet I haven't done anything meaningful but hope to in the near future. Cliff, people said the same thing to us. Our answer is we have kids all over the country and we will probably see more of them now than before. Furthermore, God only gives us some much time on earth and then it's over. We just decided that if we ever were going to retire and see the country this was the only way we could afford it. It's amazing how cheap you can live if you take it easy. The key is to start out with no debt and if it gets a little tight you can always workcamp for a free site. Go to the Escapees discussion forum if you are really interested.
Ray