Carpentry and Woodworking - Wood Carving

Hi all, since I seem to have sawdust in my blood I have decided to maybe get into wood carving, however I do not know which book to get to get into. Any one have any recommendations on what "you" think is a good beginners guide? I doubt I will get into bust carving (no desire), but more decrative and maybe a handfull of trucks/cars/const. equipment for the kids etc.... Of course I could find that my enjoyment of working with wood does not run this artistic and will settle for getting more equipment so I can make some better stuff. (kinda hard to build much with a skil saw, hand saw and a hammer, y'know?

A good place to start is by doing some research. Type wood carving into your favorite search engine and you will find a wealth of info. Your local library will probably have some how to books. When I lived in Tidewater Virginia I use to go to the wood carver shows. The ducks and other birds were so exquisitely carved they looked alive.

BSB,

Ducks and Birds seems to be one of the largest groups of wood carvers. My FIL started carving ducks at a late age and many came out very well done. Some sitting around 'my' family room are a reminder of his efforts. His tool supply was also limited. But a good dremel type tool will come in very handy for shaping.

fred

You might try subscribing to some magazines, lots of ideas there and might give you an idea of what type carving you want to try...Woodcarving Illustrated is a good one, and I like "Chip Chats" a lot, also a couple new ones coming out, can't think of the name of the one, but one is "justwoodworking" that has all kinds of woodworking and also carving and burning.....:rolleyes:

thanks for the suggestions. did a search and even checked out amazon, but not many had reader reviews. Guess will check out the local book store this weekend. or first of the year. (when the crowds go away)

Start by taking a class for beginers, maybe at the local Woodcraft or better yet join a local carving club. In a club there are a lot of people who have a lot of experience, who usualy are willing to help a beginer. There you can learn about different areas of carving from simple whittling with only a knife, or sculpture in the round. This way you can see which style you would like to get into without spending on unnessasary tools. Keep your tools sharp and ware a glove, Only Jesus shed his blood on purpose.

Woodcarving can be lots of fun.I wouldnt personally reccomend that you run out and start taking classes.I find that by doing a little research here you can find plans,tools,books,as well as excellent advise from pros on how to do almost anything.I get my best results from using the links to different pages once you get on the page which has subject you are inquiring about.I have a variety of diff sites I use.I would be glad to share some with you if you are interested.