Been carving 50 plus years and boy you nailed the most common errors and ones that are often not discussed in standard carving books. Thanks for providing this so I can refer individuals to watch this first!
The repetition point is very true. As I look at my projects, the ones I've done repeatedly look best. One other point I'd make is don't get give up on a project if it's not looking exactly like you thought it would. Some of my best carvings ended up looking a lot different than I thought or wanted them to. Let your imagination have some fun too.
I just finished my first ever wood carving project! This video has given me the idea to woodburn the number 1 into it so that I can come back and do the same project (a stretching cat) again. And again and again! Thanks for the tips 😀
This was an excellent discussion. I have looked at or read several similar beginner mistakes video and posts and this is the best one I have seen. Well done.
Thanks PJ. I have been carving for a number of years (not excellent) and have found your tips fit me almost to a T. Have recently started power carving and woodturning because of tendonitis. Just wanted to tell you that you are much appreciated.
Number 10 has been my number one for years. Lol. Our carving projects have more forgiveness in them than we often do. It’s easy to get mad at yourself, then become discouraged. Learning from that mistake is what eventually leads to making less and less of them down the road. Rome wasn’t carved in a day.
Thanks for the video. Lots of good information. Question about your point #9...direction of wood grain and carving downhill. How can I tell which way the grain goes before I put knife to block of wood so I can carve "downhill".
Hi Robert. I totally get this is somewhat of a confusing subject. As you cut "downhill" you will see that the woodgrain gets longer and supports your cut. When you cut "uphill" the grain gets shorter and the knife either sinks into the wood or the chip breaks off instead of having a clean slice. Maybe think of the bristles on a broom. If you were to slice across the bristle of a broom, if you cut one direction the lower bristles will support your cut, but if you cut the opposite direction your knife would separate the bristles and sink into the boom without cutting. Are you officially confused now?? :) It takes a little practice, but you will quickly learn that when your knife slices through the wood and the chips come out clean, then you are carving "downhill". If you are chipping wood away then you are usually carving uphill. Here is a link to a video that we did on carving a basic spoon. In the video we talk a little more in depth of how to work with woodgrain. Please watch that video, practice a little, and comment what you learned. I am sure others may have a similar question, and maybe you could help better explain. ruclips.net/video/yoapUgMGx1g/видео.html
Great tips. But you forgot. Dont scratch your nose with a knife in your hand. I miss coming in everyday!!! Your freind now in Beaver Dam Ariz. Phil Hundley
You can't attend carving classes when there are none in your area. That's ok if you live in a city with millions of people. That's the only one of your tips that I disagree with. I am the only carver in my area within a thousand miles.
It sounds like you have some recruiting to do. : ) There are a few good websites that offer online classes as well. These might be helpful in your situation.
Been carving 50 plus years and boy you nailed the most common errors and ones that are often not discussed in standard carving books. Thanks for providing this so I can refer individuals to watch this first!
Thank you. I don't have the glove and thumb guard because I didn't know they were important, but I will buy them now.
I've been carving for about a year now and I can attest that these are all good tips.
The repetition point is very true. As I look at my projects, the ones I've done repeatedly look best. One other point I'd make is don't get give up on a project if it's not looking exactly like you thought it would. Some of my best carvings ended up looking a lot different than I thought or wanted them to. Let your imagination have some fun too.
I don't carve the same thing over again but that's a good point thanks! Good video! 👍
Great video PJ, I enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing, and I really like Treeline.
I just finished my first ever wood carving project! This video has given me the idea to woodburn the number 1 into it so that I can come back and do the same project (a stretching cat) again. And again and again! Thanks for the tips 😀
This was an excellent discussion. I have looked at or read several similar beginner mistakes video and posts and this is the best one I have seen. Well done.
Thanks PJ. I have been carving for a number of years (not excellent) and have found your tips fit me almost
to a T. Have recently started power carving and woodturning because of tendonitis. Just wanted to tell you that you are much appreciated.
Number 10 has been my number one for years. Lol. Our carving projects have more forgiveness in them than we often do. It’s easy to get mad at yourself, then become discouraged. Learning from that mistake is what eventually leads to making less and less of them down the road. Rome wasn’t carved in a day.
Great video... happy carving everyone 😊
Great video. Sound advice and a great reminder!
Very informative. Sharpening especially.
Terrific advice!
Very good information, thanks.
Thanks for the video. Lots of good information. Question about your point #9...direction of wood grain and carving downhill. How can I tell which way the grain goes before I put knife to block of wood so I can carve "downhill".
Hi Robert. I totally get this is somewhat of a confusing subject. As you cut "downhill" you will see that the woodgrain gets longer and supports your cut. When you cut "uphill" the grain gets shorter and the knife either sinks into the wood or the chip breaks off instead of having a clean slice.
Maybe think of the bristles on a broom. If you were to slice across the bristle of a broom, if you cut one direction the lower bristles will support your cut, but if you cut the opposite direction your knife would separate the bristles and sink into the boom without cutting.
Are you officially confused now?? :) It takes a little practice, but you will quickly learn that when your knife slices through the wood and the chips come out clean, then you are carving "downhill". If you are chipping wood away then you are usually carving uphill.
Here is a link to a video that we did on carving a basic spoon. In the video we talk a little more in depth of how to work with woodgrain. Please watch that video, practice a little, and comment what you learned. I am sure others may have a similar question, and maybe you could help better explain. ruclips.net/video/yoapUgMGx1g/видео.html
Great video. Iv carved for three years
What awesome points. A great video. Stripping. Way good info.
Excellent tips!
Great video!
Thank you PJ for producing this video. I am new and I am looking online for all kinds of information to help me get started.
JennyLyn
Great tips. But you forgot. Dont scratch your nose with a knife in your hand. I miss coming in everyday!!! Your freind now in Beaver Dam Ariz. Phil Hundley
LOL! That should be rule #1.
You can't attend carving classes when there are none in your area. That's ok if you live in a city with millions of people. That's the only one of your tips that I disagree with. I am the only carver in my area within a thousand miles.
It sounds like you have some recruiting to do. : ) There are a few good websites that offer online classes as well. These might be helpful in your situation.