Where to Start?

[dutchman]

I'm finally ready to take the plunge. After years, yes years, of procrastinating I'm going to try my hand at carving (whittling?). And boy do I have questions.

I'll start with what seems like some pretty basics but I don't know the answers. I'm not real creative but I can follow directions

I've purchased a bench knife, 4mm V-tool, small gouge, glove, thumb guard (which I've already cut through, not too much blood), and a bunch of books (Santa Carving, First Projects, etc.)

Here we go...

1. How does one determine the grain direction of the wood? Does it run only in one direction or up and down? See, I told you these were basic.

2. After I've bandsawed the pattern and traced it onto the wood, what's the first thing to do? V-tool the outlines of the carving, start carving the face or the body of the pattern, or what?

3. Do you only use the front and left side drawings of a pattern or all four views?

These answers will at least start to get me into trouble and then I'll have more questions at I hopefully progress.

Thanks in advance for your help and responses.


Jim

[quote author=dutchman link=board=Beginner;num=1100369466;start=0#0 date=11/13/04 at 12:11:06]I'm finally ready to take the plunge. *After years, yes years, of procrastinating I'm going to try my hand at carving (whittling?). *And boy do I have questions.[/quote]

Hello Jim and welcome to the great addiction (oops HOBBY ) of carving and to the group.

1. *How does one determine the grain direction of the wood? *Does it run only in one direction or up and down?

If you look closely you will see that the grain lines will 'run into the wood' from one end and 'run out of the wood' from the other. This can change depending on which side of the piece of wood you are working on.

If you cut from the end where the grain runs into the wood you can easily shear off too large of a piece. When carvers talk about carving 'with the grain' we are usually talking about carving in the direction where the grain runs out of the wood. This keep us from shearing off larger pieces than we wish.

2. *After I've bandsawed the pattern and traced it onto the wood, what's the first thing to do? *V-tool the outlines of the carving, start carving the face or the body of the pattern, or what?

The first thing you want to do is establish a pleasing shape. Rounding corners, thinning areas, defining shapes, etc.

3. *Do you only use the front and left side drawings of a pattern or all four views?

This is a case of individual preference. Some carvers will use only a single reference picture while others will use many pictures for more details.

[Captain_Bandaid]

I have two hobbies, woodcarving and blacksmithing. They both require considerable thought before you act and that is what makes them so enjoyable. The focus required drives away all thoughts of work, problems, etc. Ask yourself 'what must I do now to prepare for what I must do two steps down the line?' Plan your actions, learn from mistakes (we ALL make them!), and come back here often to share your sucesses and ask questions.

My advice, for what it's worth, is to back up a bit. A good first project is to take a drill (1/4 to 3/8 ') and drill a hole in a board. Then, with your knife, take a square piece of wood about 3 to 4 inches long and whittle a round dowel that fits the hole almost perfectly. This stimple project is harder than it appears and will teach you a lot about use of the knife and grain directions in the wood. From there, try a ball in a cage and then a chain. Once you've got those down start with carving in the round either from patterns or cut outs.

One other thing - Don't limit your reading/study to just one small area, branch out read charicature human and animal, realistic, santas, everything. Read on the history of carving, Grinling Gibbons, H.S. (Andy) Anderson. Hobo and Tramp carving (there is a big difference between a Hobo and a Tramp), hobos in wood, flat plane carving (Harley Refsal is a good start) , Oriental art, Northwest Indian (I can say that) art, visit various web sites, and for a real treat for your funny bone the caraciture carvers of america site, study anatomy, and learn to draw, well at least rought sketch. It's a platter overflowing, but fascinating and rewarding.

Hey Dutchman,
Welcome to our wonderful hobby. In addition to what has been said already by carvers far better than me, I have a question. Do you live in a town/city/area where there is a carving club? Or one closeby? You will probably learn faster if you have a club where you can attend their 'carve-ins', try their tools, see what they use, ask why they use it, and learn from them. Carvers are so quick to help newcomers. If you don't know if there is a club, let us know what general area you're in so we can pass on that info if we know it.

Good Luck.
Donna T