A very first...

[MHill]

This is the first time I have ever tried my hand at whittling. I remember when I was a kid my grandfather used to whittle caricatures so I decided I would try my hand at it. I used a Schatt & Morgan Railsplitter and the spey blade almost exclusively. Not up to what my grandfather used to do however I'm pleased for a first attempt. I have a feeling I'm going to be trying more of this.

[Jimbo]

nice, how long did it take you?

[Ramrod]

Wow! It must be in your blood.
Great lookin railsplitter too
Mark

[MHill]

Thank you,

Total time? I would have to take a guess as I didn't keep track. It took me 5 days total, and I would guess I worked on it for about an hour and a half each day. It seems like it's one of those things that you can work on forever depending on how detailed you want to get. I might try and find a pattern or maybe a book before I try again.

[carvin don]

That's some real fine whittlin', MHill! Is that white pine or cedar? Beautiful carving, clean cuts and nicely proportioned...I'd say you're a natural! Can't wait to see more

oh, and nice knife!

[MHill]

The package was labeled basswood. It was the hardest basswood I ever held.

It's funny you mentioned proportion. That was the one thing I learned about all of this. Make sure its proportioned first so you don't end up with no room for the legs.

[carvin don]

The package was labeled basswood. It was the hardest basswood I ever held.

It's funny you mentioned proportion. That was the one thing I learned about all of this. Make sure its proportioned first so you don't end up with no room for the legs.

Yessir, sometimes that happens, even basswood, known for its even grain, can be hard as stone to carve. Sorry you got a bad batch...if yer lookin' to buy some real good basswood, try these folks..http://www.heineckewood.com/index.htm

I struggle with proportion all the time, so it seems...that's why I mostly use patterns or cutouts. Yer lil' feller looks great!

[MHill]

I like this place. I think I'll stick around for awhile. I really need to pick your brain for a bit. I'm trying a dog right now. It's difficult to get the dimensions correct. I don't have any patterns or books yet. I'm just sketching something on the block and going for it. That's where I went wrong on the guy above. I only sketched the head and when I had the basic shape formed I sketched the body. Big mistake. Thats how you end up with a pissed off dwarf.

This time I did a basic sketch for the entire body. What's hard about this one is the amount of wood that needs to be removed.

[robinetn]

I like this place. I think I'll stick around for awhile. I really need to pick your brain for a bit. I'm trying a dog right now. It's difficult to get the dimensions correct. I don't have any patterns or books yet. I'm just sketching something on the block and going for it. That's where I went wrong on the guy above. I only sketched the head and when I had the basic shape formed I sketched the body. Big mistake. Thats how you end up with a pissed off dwarf.

This time I did a basic sketch for the entire body. What's hard about this one is the amount of wood that needs to be removed.

I've never tried carving , but what I've been told is that you just have to (in the instance of carving a dog) cut away any wood that doesn't look like a dog !
Seriously though , I have the utmost envy and respect for those of you who are soooo....talented and I thoroughly enjoy your presentations .This looks like the beginning of another great carver !

Bob R.

[carvin don]

I've never tried carving , but what I've been told is that you just have to (in the instance of carving a dog) cut away any wood that doesn't look like a dog !
Seriously though , I have the utmost envy and respect for those of you who are soooo....talented and I thoroughly enjoy your presentations .This looks like the beginning of another great carver !

Bob R.

Bob, that old expression is pretty much about right!

[carvin don]

MHill,

Buying carving books and /or magazines are a great way to get patterns and ideas. There are two fine magazines on the market for carving, one is Wood Carving Illustrated and the other Carving Magazine.

Also, check out Don Mertz's website, he pretty much carves everything with just a knife. He has a great blog on whittlin'! http://woodbeecarver.com/ and has great tips and advice for us whittlers

[Ramrod]

I think the thing is great! Who needs legs when ya got personality? Maybe he lost his shins in the war...
Mark