blocking out blanks without a band saw

[karmasabish]

I'm stressing out here because I don't own a band saw, and it seems like it doesn't make financial sense to buy one to cut the occasional blank to carve. I have a coping saw but boy it takes a long time to cut with, and it doesn't make sense to use just to cut off a half inch off the long side of a blank.....

what are you folks using to cut wood into the right size and shape?

[carvin don]

I am fortunate enough to have two different size band saws, one of which my good neighbor gave to me! He needed more room in his garage for his 1944 Farmall and John Deere...he knows where to go if he ever needs anything cut

If you do not have access to a band saw, you can always whittle using small blocks, that wouldn't require the hogging off of a saw. Also, there are woodcarving stores that sell pre-cut blanks for you to carve.

Before I bought my first bandsaw, I knew other folks that had them, and they would either let me use it, or they would cut the blanks for me.

You may even want to try purchasing a large rough-out tool, like a #5 or #3, one inch wide palm chisel. Or you can buy larger tools and use a mallet for roughing out, but you will need a vise of some sort to secure your carving.

Good Luck and happy carvin',

[karmasabish]

I am fortunate enough to have two different size band saws, one of which my good neighbor gave to me! He needed more room in his garage for his 1944 Farmall and John Deere...he knows where to go if he ever needs anything cut

If you do not have access to a band saw, you can always whittle using small blocks, that wouldn't require the hogging off of a saw. Also, there are woodcarving stores that sell pre-cut blanks for you to carve.

Before I bought my first bandsaw, I knew other folks that had them, and they would either let me use it, or they would cut the blanks for me.

You may even want to try purchasing a large rough-out tool, like a #5 or #3, one inch wide palm chisel. Or you can buy larger tools and use a mallet for roughing out, but you will need a vise of some sort to secure your carving.

Good Luck and happy carvin',

great thanks for the advice Don!! I'll try to find a rough out tool....

[popedandy]

I don't rough out the carving, if that is what you are asking. I whittle because I enjoy it. No one else cares what I'm doing or when I get it done, so there is no time pressure.

[Ed in SoDak]

Small bandsaws and scrollsaws can be found for around $50 and are useful for other stuff. If the blank can be clamped a backsaw used for cutting trim might work. Try pawn shops for cheap used tools.

A rotary rasp for the dremel or drill comes to mind with ample application of suitable precautions.

-Ed