WCI #47 (Summer 2009)

[Shannon]

While it seems a bit early (the issue only mailed out last week) it seems from that many folks already have it - so on with my plea for feedback!

What did you like? What didn't you like? What has you anxious to make woodchips?

What did you think about the article on Maori carving? Do you want to see more articles in this series - exploring different cultures and the importance of woodcarving?

I think the Tramp-art photo frame is pretty cool - hey even I could do that! I might even see if I can get my son to help me with it.

I just love Floyd's little dragon - and I'm very proud to say that he now perches over my computer monitor and watches every word I type! I was also lucky enough to snag the completed wolf - so it was a very profitable issue for me personally!

The wren by Chris Pye is the last article in the Beginner's Guide to Woodcarving series. What did you guys think of the series overall? We started with an overview of tools way back in issue #36 and progressed from simple relief carvings to this in-the-round project. Did you find the series a helpful introduction to the traditional style of carving? Chris will continue to contribute articles to the magazine - but they will no longer be part of a series - so we have a bit more freedom with subject matter.

And I'd love to know what you think of Dave's article on teaching kids to carve. I think a canoe is in my son's future as well - what fun we could have racing carved canoes down the stream!

So... please share your thoughts - if you don't want to post publicly, you can always send me a private message or email me (Shannon@FoxChapelPublishing.com). Don't be afraid to be critical.

[Paul_Guraedy]

I have only had this issue for a few days so have not gone through it for the final time before putting it on the shelf. I would like to make a few comments:

On another thread I mentioned the misplacement of Janet Denton Cordell, so won't go any further.

My first comment has to do with the power carving review and actually has little to do with your article. Why doesn't someone make a Micro with outlets for two handpieces? I know that they are expensive; but, it seems most power carvers have more than one. It sure would be nice to not have to go through all the collet changing for different bits.....or, acutally, even changing bits for just a few seconds work and then back to the one I had been using even between those with the same size shank.

The information on Maori carving was interesting and I would like to see more articles of this type.

My only disappointment was the article on armatures for clay. It took me a while to figure out what was happening in the first 3 photos. Are the squiggly lines just for information? Also, photo 4 should either leave out or include the information on the right side.

I have not yet read Chris Pye's article; but, suspect I will pick up some tips....as I usually do from him.

I did enjoy the "Best of Show" photos. They do appear in another magazine; but, the quality of the photos leaves a lot to be desired. Sometimes I tell my wife that the photo in the magazine and the carving that I saw at the show only remotely resemble one another. These are quality carvings and quality photos.

Finally my criticism: Where is the article "How to Woodburn, Exta details make your work come alive" mentioned on the cover?

All in all.......I thoroughly enjoyed reading this issue.......as usual!! Good Work!

[Ed Redwine]

Judging from what I'm seeing on the Home page.... the 85% who voted for the Wolf cover didn't win? Go figure.....

[minowevie]

I don't have mine yet. I was begging to wonder if I would ever get another one. Evie

[scooter]

Mine came with holes in it. Three, to be exact...



S~

[jjtexas]

Just about any conversation about power carving that i have heard (or read)mentions "DUST" at least once. Why did the article on "how to select the right power carving equipment" avoid dust?

The work station shown on page 42 "weaver clean carver" does not rate a single mention "that i can find" in the article, if you are going to show it, why not write at least a reference to where to get more details about it in an article on power carving basics?

At the least i think you have a good chance to base a future article on a comparison of ways to avoid the dust mess, health risks etc.

JJtexas
(just another Joe from Texas)

[Shannon]

As always, thanks for the feedback and keep it coming!

The article on clay armature... I'm not quite sure what you're saying here Paul... Can you elaborate? We always want the articles to be self explanatory and if this one confused you - then we didn't do our job. The squiggly lines represent the wires - in photo 4 he has the wire armature laying over top of the bending guide (which is pictured in its entirety on the facing page). Please let me know how we could have done this one better.

In the Power Carving article, we didn't mention dust, because the sole purpose of this article is about choosing the right tool. We briefly touched on dust in the last issue (issue #46) and I had someone else ask about the dust collection system the authors are using - so I'll find you guys a source on that... Do you guys think it warrants an entire article devoted to dust collection later on in the series?

How to Woodburn refers to the Wolf article. (I apologize for the sell line being misleading)

Yes - the cover subject was already decided before I posted the images for feedback. Keep in mind we are trying to attract NEW carvers on the newsstand - while I value the input from the message board members immensely - it's a little like preaching to the choir. Your feedback is much more valuable to me when it comes to the inside pages - that's what will make you renew or let your subscription lapse - not what's on the cover. The cover is our hook to get someone to pick up the magazine for the first time and the powers that be just felt the wolf was too intimidating for a newbie carver.

[pinefeathers]

Hi Shannon
Got my issue a couple days ago and perused everything but still can't see the fox. There is a good cross section of articles that should appease the appetite of most skill levels. Once again - great job.
There is one micromotor controller that has two outlets - Gesswein, though these are VERY expensive.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Shannon, usually I pay almost no attention to anything on the cover….other than the carving shown. However, I am working on a carving where I will have to make a decision to burn or not to burn. This drew my attention to the teaser on the cover, and sent me to the table of contents. Not listed. I thought it might be in one of the “Departments” and started looking there. I noticed the article on carving the wolf; but, burning in fur and feathers is a norm for me. I guess this caused me to look right over it.

A little bit frustrating; but, did send me on several sidetracks as I searched. I had to take time to read the article on Squarebriggs, “Best of Show” required an immediate look, Maori carving was something I would definitely have to get back to, then I ran across “Creating a simple Armature”.


Having read your explanation on this thread….it’s making sense. Now, realize, I have used a lot of clay but have never used an armature. Since, I would like to, I started reading. The first thing that threw me were the collars. Are theses some kind of electrical thing? I can "gaaronteee” that asking for plastic collars in a hardware store around here “ain’t gonna get ‘er done”! Then, I thought the squiggly lines were more wire that needed to be worked in there somehow. OK, more than a little frustrating; but, I admit, of my own making.

Power Carving: When I said that, “I know they are expensive”, I was referring to the handpieces only. Gesswein is a little bit beyond my comfort zone. But, it is good to know that someone realizes that a niche is here to be filled.

[Old_Gord]

Received my copy in Northern Ontario May 12 2009.

BTW the title of the article on folds, creases and what have you etc on your web site is listed as " Construction techniques for carving a functional cane".

On another note, suppliers who advertise in WCI that don't provide a price for their next best "must have tool" i.e. in this case. Accu-Finish, don't get a second glance from me much less a search of their web.
I realize suppliers who have multiple tools can't post all their prices in their ads but large singular tools ads who fail to do so lose my interest period.
Many other suppliers in WCI do post a price, so no price posted equates to "most likely over priced item", at least in my book it does.
Just my 2 cents worth.



OG