Wayne Cheyne (Grandfather) - 8.27.2009

[WoodNewbie]

Hi All - just recently joined the WI message board as I'm starting to explore a trade my grandfather started me on years ago however I have not practiced in quite some time. With his recent passing, i'm looking to start carving again in his honor as he brought so many wonderful things to our family from his creations. My grandfather was a mentor, hero and all-around great human being.

I'm looking forward to learning some tips and tricks as well as sharing my carving stories with folks on here going forward.

Anyone that has thoughts on the best way to get started up again...i'm all ears. (e.g. essential tools, best projects to start with, etc.) Ultimately, i would love to carve a bust of him for my grandmother..however, i think that may be a ways off.

-cheers!

[wildhare]

Hi, Woodnewbie and welcome to the site. I can't think of a better tribute to a wonderful Grandfather.

What did you carve in the past with your Grandfather? A bust is a big project but not too big with a little practice.

I am not an expert on carving busts but I would gather all the clear photos of him.
you can find.

There will probably be some more carvers here that can help you more with this than I can.

Welcome,
Wanda

[wildhare]

Hi again Woodnewbie, You might try posting your question about tools in a different section. A lot of people look at the name in the memorial section and don't reply if they don't recognize the name.

So sorry for your loss, but I am sure your Grandfather would be proud.
Wanda

[WoodNewbie]

Thanks Wanda for the greeting and kind words. I'll definitely check out the 'tools' section. As far as what he and i use to carve...mostly subjects which were native american (he loved 'End of the Trail'...where the Indian is on his horse...both with their heads hanging low). He would also do animals in the wild..birds, ducks and deer. I'm still not sure what my 'genre' of carving will be...however, i think doing the bust now and then in a few years would be an interesting before and after.

I know one thing my grandfather was a stickler for...and that was planning. He would draft up and draw many views of what he was going to carve so he would have it for reference. I always admired the planning and patience he put into it.

[carver33]

Woodnewbie,

Welcome to the forums. You talk about starting up again, do you have any tools or will you need to start from scratch?

[WoodNewbie]

I have a few palm style gouges and chisels (not a complete set or beginner's set by any means). My grandmother is passing down my grandfather's Delta band saw (which I know he was very fond of and that i will probably not have half the skill he had with it). I have an old wood burning kit (missing a few tips) and i have a black and decker RTX rotary tool.

If you hadn't guessed...basically starting from scratch minus my grandfather's band saw. Most of my tools were from when he and I use to work together...mostly a few of his odd and ends. (and as young as i was...probably tools that were not overly sharp...however, i always recall a razor sharp injury being a bit better than a dull-edge injury) ;-)

If you were to recommend a well-rounded set to get started...where you point someone (stores etc.) and what you recommend they pick up?

[Sharon of the Dell]

Hi woodnewbie, i'm sorry for the loss of your grandpa.Carving is a great way to honor him. Ask lots of questions here.There's all kinds of carvers,with all kinds of expertise here just waiting to help!

[carver33]

Originally Posted by WoodNewbie

I have a few palm style gouges and chisels (not a complete set or beginner's set by any means). My grandmother is passing down my grandfather's Delta band saw (which I know he was very fond of and that i will probably not have half the skill he had with it). I have an old wood burning kit (missing a few tips) and i have a black and decker RTX rotary tool.

If you were to recommend a well-rounded set to get started...where you point someone (stores etc.) and what you recommend they pick up?

It sound like you have most of what you need to get started. The only thing I didn't see mentioned is a knife. My first two or three carvings were done with nothing more than a home made knife and some sandpaper. However, here is a great place to check for knives and carving tools:

Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply

E-mail them or give them a call, they are great people, and if you feel that you need more than a knife, their beginners kit is a super bargain. Rick will send all tools pre-sharpened.

As you mentioned, the important thing for your existing tools is to sharpen them. You may want to search this board for posts on sharpening, you'll find lots of good advice.

[WoodNewbie]

carver33...thanks for the link to the LittleShavers website. Very good material to review and seems like decent prices on tools/supplies. i'll definitely make use of the site. thanks again!