How has the computer influenced your carving and painting?

[Wildbirdcarver]

One way the computer has helped me is that I put an image of what I want to carve (always a bird!) on the monitor as wallpaper. That way I can study the bird (image) every time I sit down to the computer.

For those of you that need to know how to do that...just left click on the image, then when the window drops down, right click on set as background.
Happy carving, Dick

[Claude]

I'd say the biggest influence has been a loss of carving time, because I'm sitting here in front of the computer instead my workbench. Second biggest influence has been the ability to find an image somewhere on the net, copy it, then covert to a pattern and print it out.

Claude

[backporchcarver]

Sometimes I feel like I waste too much time on the computer, but it has opened up so many doors for me. I have no carving connections where I live so it keeps me in touch and inspired to try something different. It is also my only source for carving tools etc.

[Riverman]

I find that the computer helps me find information about different ways of doing things. I read a lot and then I go and try to make or carve it.
Bob

[aulddiy]

I can say a big plus for the PC. Without it I'd never have started carving. I've never seen anyone carve, the nearest are the videos Gene Messer makes available.
rgds
John

[tucker1931]

Well sir, if'n iI didn't got this here computer I coulnt even spellin my name, buts got one of them there speller things and now i cna spall near everythang. And you know what else it has did fer me, it teached me hown to carvin in that there wood and in only two years i only near cut off one a dem dang fingers. I likes my competer thing, its real good.
Cliff

[Just Carving]

I work with a computer all day five days a week. Doing CAD can be stressful. I needed a stress reliever and carving was it. Also, I do use the compter for creating patterns. And of course, if it wasn't for the computer, I wouldn't have learned so much in so little time from the great people here at this forum

Bob L

[sitesby]

I'm the same situation. I spend 6 - 10 hours a day in from of computer screens. If it were not from my time carving I think I would go bonkers. Carving has become more a meditation activity and when I reset my life priorities.

Jerry

[SeaLeveler]

Pc and printer is great for pictures and patterns.Also for the great information on this site and other web sites.My daughter uses it for duck pictures for painting decoys.Tony

[Paul_Guraedy]

Not just carving my Frien's. I doubt that many of us have any idea how thoroughly computers have become a part of, and have increasing influence upon, our lives and culture.

Research for hobbies such as woodcarving and research just for the fun of it. "Isn't that the actor from.......(commercials are much more enjoyable accompanied by clicking of the keyboard).....yes/no and more info!" Diana keeps a laptop on the table by her favorite chair (always on and hooked to the WiFi) and almost any question uttered sends her on a ride along the web.

We recently had a problem with the chainsaw, where are the manuals and parts list?, search started of the shop,....."nevermind" the more organized half of this marriage calls, "here it is (plus even more in the FAQ) on their website". A little checking reveals that most major companies now offer these manuals online. Diana even found an operators manual for the treadle sewing machine her Mother purchased back in the 1920's.

We recently made a $3,000 purchase. First did the research to find the device for our needs, then the best model for the money we were willing to spend, and, finally the exact item by the exact manufacturer (wholesale only). Searched the web and found it on sale, reputable company?.....more searching, yep and they are currently offering free shipping on orders over $500!. Don't know what the shipping charges would have been from MI to AR for a 535 pound arcticle; but, suspect we saved another couple of hundred bucks.

Communication with friends (especially on WCI).....priceless!