wood and tools for starting?

[campmaley]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and I think it is great. I have been trying to get started in carving for the past year. I bought some really cheap and small gouges and knifes. I have many ideas on what I want to carve. I have been trying to use pine (not working real well). I was hoping somebody could help me out with what kind of wood and tools to use. I want to carve sides for a chair, wall hangings, etc. Thank you in advance.


-Bryan-

[TDHofstetter]

Welcome to the forum, Bryan!

What kind of pine have you been working with? It does matter, because some kinds of pine are nasty to carve while others work really pretty well. Sugar pine (very white and soft) seems to be a good one to work with. Beyond that, basswood and tupelo are favorite woods. Some exotic hardwoods carve very, very well although they're extremely hard. They take detail incredibly well, but the work is slow and there's gonna' be a lot of time spent sharpening.

I can't advise you very well on what tools to use, since I myself probably own a cheaper set of "starter" tools than you have. You'll probably want to start something and continue till you decide you need some different-sized gouge to do some particular detail - then get that tool. If you just buy everything that seems like you'll want it, you'll spend a HUGE amount of money in a hurry.

You're largely interested in relief carvings, right? Rather than 3D sculpture? There are others around who can probably steer you in that endeavor far better than I can. With any luck, one of 'em'll pop in here in a sec & give you a chat.

-- Tim --


Every person's handiwork
Is a self-portrait.

[wood_butcher]

>Hello all,
>
>I am new to the forum and I think it is great. I have been
>trying to get started in carving for the past year. I
>bought some really cheap and small gouges and knifes. I
>have many ideas on what I want to carve. I have been trying
>to use pine (not working real well). I was hoping somebody
>could help me out with what kind of wood and tools to use.
>I want to carve sides for a chair, wall hangings, etc.
>Thank you in advance.
>
>
>-Bryan-

Bryan,

I cannot offer a lot of help, because I too am a beginner, but I agree with TDHofstetter on two counts.

1. The wood you choose DOES matter. My first project has been on a piece of cherry that's ONE BIG KNOT. It has been a challenge to generate a smooth surface.

2. It was a good idea for me to buy gouges as I learned what I needed. My first was a large straight gouge. 2nd was a bent gouge. Third came my fishtail and then the spoon gouge. I just bought them as I discovered what I needed. They were expensive ($35 to $45 each), but they work well and sharpen nicely.

3. In addition to TDHofstetter's note, I bought "sculpting wood" by Mark Lindquist and "how to carve wood" by Richard Butz. Both of those helped me understand how to accomplish my tasks.

Good Luck

[TDHofstetter]

Hey, I've got that Butz book! I had forgotten all about it. Shame on me, since it really IS pretty good.

-- Tim --


Every person's handiwork
Is a self-portrait.

[campmaley]

Thanks for the input I think this will help. To answer the question on what i want to carve. A little bit of both (kinda). I always wanted to carve a headboard with deer and trees "popping" or "jumping" off of it. Also a fish flopping of the board. My first and main goal is to carve my Santa Clause thrown. I play santa clause around my hometown, and I want to carve side panels for the side of a chair or thrown that I sit in. I do other woodworking on the side and I want to expand my areas of ability. It's relaxing and my boys love to beat on things and fell they are helping. I have found wood is the easiest thing to give them that stands up to all the hammer blows and is mulit functional for them. Drawing board boat and sword all out of the same peice and I never have to change the way it looks. Thanks again

Bryan

[Dario]

I am an odd one so I cannot help you much but I will confirm what you were already told...wood choice will definitely affect how you work and what you will create.

Pine (as well as most soft wood) is not a good choice for a beginner just because it's density varies between grain. Choose a uniform grained wood...even if it is harder, it will prove to be easier.

"REAL" hard wood are pain to work with but if you choose the right one, your pains will be rewarded big time. Some people stay away from burls, knots, crotch, etc. me, I love them (as I said I am an odd one).

Start with a small project...learn from your mistakes and just enjoy the process. Above all...stay safe.

Remember...sharp tools are dangerous but dull ones are worse.

Dario :)
[h4]
"Innovate or Stagnate"
[/h5][h4]
"Worryin' is like rockin' in a rockin' chair...
...it gives you somethin' to do...
...but gets you nowhere."
- ZIGGY
[/h5]