Beginner stuff

[Dwhitt1981]

I'm going by my Dad's to pickup his dremel to play around with. So I'm woundering what would be a good starter project for me? Where do I get patterns for them to?

[Claude]

A starter project depends on what you like to carve: realistic or stylistic? Birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, humans, plants? Caricatures? Chip carving, relief carving, or carving in the round (3D carvings)? I make my own patterns much of the time from photos. Once you figure out what kind of carving you want to do, and what kind of subject, then go to Google, and do a search for that subject. Click on images in the upper left corner, and you'll see thousands of photographs of the subject. Pick a couple and sketch an outline pattern on your wood. Begin carving.

If you're just starting out with a Dremel, wear a 100% leather glove on the hand that holds the wood. Do not wear a kevlar or cotton cloth glove. The rotating burr can instantly catch in the wood and run right up you hand. If you're protected by leather, no (or relatively little) harm. If you have a kevlar or cotton glove, the burr can catch in the cord and snap a finger before you can even think about it.

Claude

[John_C]

depends also on the burs he has. also on the first page of this website there are videos of carving projects as well you could check you tube for similar lessons

[Dwhitt1981]

As for what I'd like I really have no idea. I have never carved. I'm just hunting something pretty easy to see if it's going to be something I like.

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by Dwhitt1981

As for what I'd like I really have no idea. I have never carved. I'm just hunting something pretty easy to see if it's going to be something I like.

Wood carving is not easy. You won't master in a couple of days. The more you do it, of course, the better you will get. I hope that you give your self enough time to figure it out

I started out with a few knives. It was a few years before I went to power.

I wish you good luck.

[mpounders]

Try carving the ax (shown in the beginner section).

[BobT]

It does not require a whole lot of bits for power carving and you can actually make any cut a knife or gouge can make. There are some real good videos on power carving that show just that. If you are ever in the market, look at Frank Russel's Fur, Fin and Feathers. My point is, if you figure out how to make those cuts with power then you have hundreds of free videos on YouTube. Look at Gene Messers stuff. You could power carve those pretty easy. You may mess up a few but we all do. At Heinecke wood prices a 1 X 1 X 4 would be less than 50 cents, even with shipping. I can't think of anything else on this planet that can give you that much fun. Or, look at the YouTube vids by that lady, I forget her name. She has carved a bunch of figures in tree branches (wow, even cheaper). And when it isn't turning out as good as you wanted, come back here and ask for help. I am positive that there is not a better, more helpful bunch of people on the planet than what you will find here.

[Dwhitt1981]

I understand that I can't pick up a dremel or a knife and carve a pro level. That isn't what I meant. Just that I wanted to see if this is the hobby of choice for me is all. I have looked at a lot oof Gene's vid and they have gave me a ton of ideas the ax being one of them. I'm hoping to do the hobo in flat plan also . Look's to be really fun. The main reason I'm starting with power carving is that I have a dremel so I am just looking for easier stuff that I can do with it. I'm looking into doing glass etching also if anyone has any pointers for that to.
I started a cross out of a piece of cedar I founf here at work using my pocket knife. Its coming along but it's not store quality but I'll get there. Most of what I'll be doing will be painted by my little girls so most will be very basic as they are only 6 & 3. Again thanks for the info and tip.

[Rooster]

My suggestion for a relatively easy start (I think, I've never done one) would be a name plate (for the two girls). You could practice with the dremel and use your knife also. See how they compare, which you prefer. Maybe some chip carving or flowers around the edges? I bought a dremel at the start of the year and haven't really used it much. I find it very hard to control where it goes. Sometimes it decides to shoot off somewhere where I didn't ask it too. I prefer hand tools at the moment. I remember my Dad saying once that if you make a mistake with a power tool it's usually difficult to repair, whereas with a hand tool it's not as bad. But then I see so many amazing project here done with power tools, it can't be all bad. Just my tuppence ha'penny worth.

Rooster.

[Dwhitt1981]

Rooster,
It seems that your everywhere this morning(LOL). Thanks for the reply. Do you have the flex shaft for your dremel? It will make it easier to control as it is more like a pen and it's only $30 so it's not to bad in price.

My oldest has asked me to carve her a flower so that will be one of the first things I do. But the door plate's are a great idea. I guess I just never thought about it. Thanks again