Thread: Idiots Guide to Woodcarving Needed

F&E
thats why I asked if the carving tools were safer than chisles.
I gave then a craft knife made then sit at a bench and kept a carefull eye on then always keeping fingers behind the knife.
but i think a craft knife is probably more dangerous than a properly designed tool.
so which would you let them use, my thinking is you have more control over carving tools than chisels.I find chisles scarey!!
is this right.?
I use the dremmle myself if I have to shape a bit to repair it. but their not useing that!!

astrid

I am not sure I understand what you mean. Chisels are carving tools. Do you mean small power tools like the Dremel? They are a bit harder to control properly but less likely to cause injury. Big ones like carving wheels are out of the question, I assume. Hand carving tools are knifes, chisels and gouges. Knifes might be slightly more dangerous than chisels and gouges becuse of the slicing action, but it is six to half a dozen. We all know people who went through their hand with a screwdriver so, as I was saying before, the tool in itself is not the main issue.

You can buy a Kevlar Glove from Carbatec, from memory its about $14, but everything I've seen says clamp the work, hold the tool with both hands, very hard to cut yourself then.

Mum liked the leaf bowl, it wasn't finished with anything, but she had to have it.

Carving tools arrived, as yet have not started on the relief carvings, Architectural Carving is what the whole exercise is about but as suggested, just using the tools, learning how to sharpen and going in baby steps.

Thanks for tips and help so far guys

these are little blades in assorted curves, and profiles, attached to a wooden handle.
I think you use them more like a paring knife. holding them lower down with the power comming from wrist action rather from a forward thrust like you do with a chisle.
but i dont really know what im talking about as I'm not a carver.
eg what would you use to carve a small animal?

but the glove sounds good ive got to go to carbitec anyway but my list is getting longer

astrid

Just remember what my grandad said, never cut towards you.

And if you are using one hand, and the other is behind the cutting tool , that rule is still OK.

My little girls always helped their mum with the cooking, never came in the workshop.

As most have said, plan to hold what you are carving down firmly and keep your hands behind the blade always. Blunt blades don't work! Don't buy cheap blades, buy a good set and you could have it for ever, if shapened correctly. Have you seen these, I've got a few and have been happy with them for small work:
http://www.carbatec.com.au/store/ind...50_11980_12000

Thanks F&E and all you guys for advice
What I wanted, a friend told me were lino cutting tools(yep the're chisles)
when i think chisle I was thinking the bigger ones used for mortices etc.

Went to carbatec and got two good sets for basic stuff, (thanks harry i got the mini palm set and the next one) different in each, so if my boy can take care of them, he can borrow his sisters'
also got the kelvar gloves but I'm going to have to modify them, as per usual
"small" is about V large for women.
I went to good old Lewis's in ormond and a lovely guy found some off cuts of QLD hoop pine for them to practice on.
Hoping this timber is ok?

Astrid

Astrid, please post us some pics. of their work.

Originally Posted by astrid

well no wonder kids sit in front of a vidio all day then if this is the trust they're given.
my kids are 14 girl and into drawing, and 10 ordinary small boy.

now if somone serious in encouraging children to use their imagination and talent could answer my question I would appreciate it.

Astrid

We all need to expose kids to situations where they can be creative. Giving them access to "stuff" (materials) and "things" (tools) and allowing them to "create" is the greatest gift you can give a youngster. (give a small person scraps from the wood bin and a bottle of glue....stand back and be amazed) Guided practice is also good, but allowing them to explore and question is good too.
Most adults have preconceived notions of how kids are supposed to "create" whether it be drawing, painting, crafting, etc and impose "adult" rules and regulations on them (I'm not speaking about safety here). Most young folks, if inspired, have a desire to emulate what they see. If we can move them away from the couch and the video games and give them access to hands-on, creative opportunities, they will be creative. It may be in their own way, it will be their expressions and they will be pleased with their efforts. Praise is necessary, as is introduction to "tools" for cleanup!!
We are moving on to world peace next week!!

As one, I feel fully qualified to throw in a comment. I realise this is going back to the original question before it turned into a parental problem meeting but I've been away for a while and am only just catching up, Cruzi if you still have any difficulties there are at least two very good carvers in your area who teach on a regular basis, if you are interested let me know and I can e-mail you phone no's or something

95% of my carving is with a knife......and I always wear a carving glove....its a good habit to start.............don't mind the cuts, but the blood messes up a good carving!

"Relief carving"
an emotion - experienced after counting ones fingers
on the completion of a carving.

"High relief" - all the fingers are there.

"Low relief" - most of the fingers are there

Update time.

Mostly doing shaping rather than carving ATM, a few odd shaped bowls, a shaped apple and a few handles.

Did some very crude scallops in relief on some pine, only took an hour each, learnt a bit, but still a long way to go.................

Not happy with the chisels purchased, not sure if its the nut on the lever or the chisels.

Cruzi,
the first lesson you will learn when carving pine
is that you should never again carve pine,
unless of course it is huon pine or celery top

lesson two- you are allowed to blame the tools
for at least another few years

good luck and thanks for the updates
can you post some pics?