Greenhorn here.

[Bman]

Hello, I am as the title states, new to chainsaw carving. Went out this past weekend and found some nice logs and practiced for about 4 hours. Boy are my arms feeling it now. Have yet to carve anything, but hopefully by next weekend i will have completed something. I think i'm going to love this hobby. Been doing alot of different things with wood, but this is something i think might be the thing for me. I got some step by steps for a small bear so i'll start with that until i get the hang of doing a nice job of it then move on to other things. Well it's nice to meet everyone here and i'll post a pic of my bear soon.

Brian

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

welcome .....

[Claude]

Yes, welcome to the forum. We have several really good chainsaw carvers on the forum.

Claude

[brianh]

Welcome, your arms will get used to it I use a hand exerciser after working and it really helps with cramping.
Do you have good safety gear? A good reference can be found here.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logg...er/logger.html

I started a little over a year ago and am now caving full time I love it.

[Irishman]

Hello Brian,

I've been saying this for some time..."I really want to try chainsaw carving". My only excuse has been that I haven't picked up a chainsaw yet. Enjoy the site.
Patrick

[Thor]

I can completely understand how much you love chainsaw carving.
I have just come around to being able to handle it again after having to take a couple of months as a break. I over-did-it with the swingblade, the loppers, and the chainsaw all in the same 2 week period, and wasn't even able to open a jar by myself, much less use scary tools for all of this time.

Well, I have recovered enough to play for a limited time, and I reek of chainsaw oil, and sawdust right now. I'm working on a woodspirit for a last minute gift to another carver. It's just so easy to get into the "zone" with a chainsaw. I love the noise, the power of how quickly the wood disappears, the proportions, and the results are almost like magic.

I will take it easier, and remember that I am not 25 years old anymore. Being sore and out of commission for that long was terribly frustrating.

Have fun, and be safe....I use the helmet, chaps, gloves, and face shield with ear protection.
Thor

[Mottles]

Hi Brian, and welcome. Please show us some of your work when you are ready.
Kathy