Shopsmith Forums

I enjoy making canes and walking sticks. The walking sticks are what got me started with carving. I did this cane for someone for Christmas. It is a walnut shaft and the handle is zebrawood.

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No, Not a cane maker. Just a 'wanna be'. Canes are a project that only sits in my head. Has not yet found its way to my hands. Seems that cane carving would require some machine work to add tips, ferrules, etc.

I truly admire your work, C.V.!! Would love to see more of your work. Carving is an activity I love, but have not found time to do. Only if I am removed from my shop do I find time to carry the carving kit (a fishing tackle box) to maybe get something done. I'm slower than a cow on crutches! One of these days, this house and those of relatives will get enough of my furniture and then - It's carving time.

charlese wrote:No, Not a cane maker. Just a 'wanna be'. Canes are a project that only sits in my head. Has not yet found its way to my hands. Seems that cane carving would require some machine work to add tips, ferrules, etc.

I truly admire your work, C.V.!! Would love to see more of your work. Carving is an activity I love, but have not found time to do. Only if I am removed from my shop do I find time to carry the carving kit (a fishing tackle box) to maybe get something done. I'm slower than a cow on crutches! One of these days, this house and those of relatives will get enough of my furniture and then - It's carving time.

Carving is something you have to do slow. The wood will not be rushed. Once you learn some tricks of the trade it goes faster. I am a big fan of carving how to DVDs. They are cheaper than classes and you can learn at your own pace. It would take me three or four days to carve a wood spirit (old mans face) in to a walking stick. I got a video and he did it in an hour. Just the way he did the cuts and when. How I can do a basic wood spirit face in an hour.
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Caricature carving is a great way to learn and fun to do. These are bass wood eggs I did for grandkids. You just need a sharp knife and bandaids.

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I wish I could carve. I try but with not much success.

If ever in the Dayton Ohio area in Nov. You may like to drop in to the "Artistry In Wood" show. This show would be worth a trip if you like to take a road trip. Some of the work is amazing. Just North of the Shopsmith factory.
http://www.daytoncarvers.com/competition09.html

cincinnati wrote:I wish I could carve. I try but with not much success.

If ever in the Dayton Ohio area in Nov. You may like to drop in to the "Artistry In Wood" show. This show would be worth a trip if you like to take a road trip. Some of the work is amazing. Just North of the Shopsmith factory.
http://www.daytoncarvers.com/competition09.html

That is nice! I really miss the fellowship of a woodcarvers group like your Guild. The Texas Wood Carvers Guild is a great group. I was a member there. We do not have any organized clubs here. There are a number of world class carvers in the area. I am not one of those. But I love carving.

cv3 wrote:Carving is something you have to do slow. The wood will not be rushed. Once you learn some tricks of the trade it goes faster.

I'm willing to learn if you are willing to share your tricks.

I assume you start with a knife and a tree branch.

paul269 wrote:I'm willing to learn if you are willing to share your tricks.

I assume you start with a knife and a tree branch.

What do you want to carve? If you are just starting caricature carving, learning to carve basswood eggs is a good way to learn. There is a good little book Carving Whimsical Birds* By Laura Putnam Dunkle. If you want to do relief carving there is a great set of DVDs by Nora Hall that I learn a lot from. But first I would look for a cavers club or guild in your area. They are like the SS forum, most every one is willing to help and share. Here is a web site for carvers clubs in your state.
http://www.counciloakwoodcarvers.com/indianalist.html

Teaching my self carving, What I found was that it might not have turned out as nice as you want but it was very relaxing and enjoyable. As time goes on I will get better. Mainly relief scenes or faces right now.

CV
Great work!
I carve the same as I turn ... as a part of something larger. I am certainly not in your class and so far have only done some releif for my boat and for some cabinetry. I agree that it is relaxing and satisfying. Last winter I carved trailboards for my sailboat while I was in AZ. It kept me from obsessing on golf and gave me a woodworking project while away from my shop.

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Now that I have discovered SS, I have a shop here too. Didn't think there was room before.

I look forward to seeing more of your pieces.

Paul M