Need some help getting started

[new_guy]

I am, by all senses of the word, a novice. *I have nothing but a desire to learn and get started. *My dad has been doing wood turning for nearly 15 years and I really like the idea of working with wood, but I live 950 miles from dad so I don't have access to any of his tools. *I have been very interested in carving for some time now, but haven't had much free time to really get started. *I am now back in school and, therefore have a little more time (my wife 'brings home the bacon'). *I have no tools--other than a Swiss Army Knife--and no wood. *I have done a little looking around in my area only to discover what most of you probably already know. . .there aren't a lot of stores that carry supplies. *I did come across some Flexcut products at one store, but I don't want to waste my money if they are no good. I'm really interested in relief carving, so I guess I need some gouges and such, but I'm also interested in carving in the round.*What I'm looking for is a little direction on what I need to get started, and where to get it.
*Thanks.
*Seth

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I started with chip carving....only takes a book a few pieces of wood and 2 knives.... ....Flexcut has good knives and not a bad place to start because they are very sharp and give you bandaids with the kits LOL.. If you want a pocket knife to start with, you can get about 3 dozen different suggestions here for a good carving pocket knife!

[oldbearx2]

Hey Seth welcome to the wonderful world of woodcarving. The Flexcut tools are very good and not real expensive. In fact they make a set with a handle and 5 or 11 blades. If I was just stating I would probably buy them to start with. I think the 5 piece set goes for about 50 bucks. I have the 5 piece set I use for relief and caricatures. I would also buy a couple of good knives. Another 'critical' piece of equipment is good carving glove, saves on the fingers and trips to the ER.
Go online and look up woodcarving tools and you'll get a ton of info. Also check with the place that sells the Flexcut tools and see if they know any other carvers in you r area. have fun carve old bear

Harold

[mikeg]

Rick at littleshavers.com just put up a page for new carvers. He lists what he suggests to get started and is selling it as a starter kit. Check it out. You'll see him mentioned a lot on this forum.

mikeg

I've only got one the to say ... rick@littleshavers.com

welcome aboard (make that two things tosay)

Ed

[squbrigg]

Hi Seth,

Welcome to the world of wood carving! The most enjoyable, relaxing and rewarding hobby that man has devised. You can look forward to many years of enjoyment, and you will never again be bored! You don't need a lot of tools, Flexcut makes a good range of products, so you can begin immediately.

If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to be sure to learn to sharpen your tools even before you begin carving. It isn't difficult and your investment in stones doesn't need to break the bank, just see them as essential! Nothing will put off a new carver as quickly as dull tools, though fortunately Flexcut come sharpened. But get their strop kit, it's only $10 and essential.

As for wood.......use what ever you can find to practice on. Anything. Old 2 X 4 ends, broken tree limbs, firewood, I've used old dresser drawers as carving wood....they use to be made of Boxwood and thats a great carving wood. Basswood is good to learn on....not expensive, and should be available locally. Butternut, Walnut, Mahogany and Pine all will carve beautifully, especially relief carving. Practice, practice and practice.

Don't buy a lot of books to begin with, borrow them from your local library, they will bring just about anything by inter-library loan , if you request them. Richard Butz's book 'How To Carve Wood' or Chris Pye's book 'Elements of Woodcarving' are good ones to begin with. But there are lots out there. Just be careful, you can spend a lot of money on books if you aren't careful. Besides, you have a whole lifetime of birthdays, Christmas's and so forth ahead of you, for your 'wish list', and your family will never have a problem shopping for you again!

Joining a carving club is also handy, and carvers are the nicest folks you will ever have the pleasure of spending time with.

Feel free to ask any questions you like, that's how you learn. We all enjoy passing on our experiences to others.

Most of all, enjoy your carving and creating. Best of luck to you.

Bob

[new_guy]

Hey Everyone,
I just wanted to say thanks for all of your help. I went ahead and got a flexcut bench knife and ordered the starter kit from Rick. I appreciate all of the comments and the support, I can't wait to get started.
Seth

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

be careful....that thing is sharp! from the voice of experience!! :