where to start?

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Armacielli

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I received a Central Forge 5 piece wood carving chisel set for Christmas. I consider myself rather adept, but I have no idea where to start with carving (I always saw it as something outside my skill set and artistic capability.) I usually learn how to do new wood working things from my grandfather, but he doesn't know how to carve either, so now I'm kinda wondering where to start here such as what each type of chisel is used for what, where to learn more, etc.
 
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Basswood!, start with that as it is a real good wood for carving. that will give you time and experience with how the tools cut. The only other thing I can tell you about carving is that there is a skill that develops that is very real. You know the joke about asking "How do you carve a horse"? and getting the answer "Take a piece of wood and cut away anything that does not look like a horse" it is actually more truth than most people would know. You learn to see what you are carving before it is carved. then just whittle away what does not belong. and saws, bandsaws, even chain saws are fair game when it comes to removing the waste. Nobody wants to set and hack away at 2" of waste wood with a whittling knife. and yes the skill out there will boggle the mind. I have seen trees carved that had limb on them as then as sewing thread. then there where leaves carved on those. you could not breath on that work without damaging it.
good luck it is fun if you like something that is slow paced relaxing and mind absorbing all at the same time.
 
Boy, that's a whole new ball game from other woodworking. Hope they didn't get them mixed up with turning tools, thinking they resembled lathe tools. And how the heck do you get them that sharp?
 
Christian

Tupelo wood, basswood, butternut and Red Bay are just a few good woods to start on. I would highly recommend that you go by the wood store, or a magazine store and check out several of the wood carving magazines. There are several that are written here in the States that address very basic projects, and also have a few projects in them for more advanced carvers. There are several other magazines that are published out of England that are beautifully done, but really do not address new carvers. They are pretty to look at though, and have some examples of the highest form of carving both from the skills level, and artistic level.

My Fathers family is up from your neck of the woods, and last year there was a carving festival/show that they visited, and Dad says there was some outstanding work there. In the back of several of the carving magazines there is a list of clubs, and where and when they meet. By far the quickest way to get some help, and guidance is with an established club. They will probably be your very best resource, so look for a club that meets in your area. They will know about classes/instructors in your area, and will be indespensible in getting you hooked up with local resources and good deals on carving stuff. Hit me up on email, and I will send you some stuff!

Robert
 
Not sure where you live in relationship to a Woodcraft, but most Woodcraft stores host a carving club that meets periodically. Contact them to see if one is available.
 
I can't speak for you, but the best place for me to start would be to find a really really nice display for the tools. If I were ever to start to try to carve, I can garrannteeee you that I will wind up with a major cut to my hand somewhere.... I'm in less danger from a whirling saw than from a set of really sharp knives. DAHIKT. LOL.

I agree that best place to start would be with a club. Second would be look on line for all the fine tutorials there.
 
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