Carving

I have a basic set of Flexcut carving knives, and that + sandpaper are the only tools I use at the moment. I have a set of small gouges but they came from the store with terrible edges on them and I need to learn how to sharpen them properly before I can see doing anything with them.

I carve all sorts of wood as I am still learning its attributes. I've tried cedar, alder, birch, maple, hemlock, fir, basswood, and elm so far. The hardwoods are my favorite.

I've only been carving for about a year, producing mainly Christmas ornaments as I am planning on selling them at a local craft fair next weekend. Due to the fact that I am still learning, I have been sanding and painting my work because I'm not able to carve enough detail yet.

Apologies for not having any pictures to post at this moment. I will try to come back later with some.

Some questions for posters to answer:

What tools do you use?
What woods do you prefer to work with?
What sorts of things do you carve?
How did you pick up the hobby?

And, of course, post some pics of your work!

>>897223

That´s the happiest electrical socket i have ever seen.

any natural ways to dye wood? the only thing ive tried is boiling in coffee

>>897280
I've heard of soaking in tea as well though I've never tried it myself. Food coloring works really well too though I guess that doesn't count as natural.

Some woods react to various substances by changing color. Ammonia will darken oak, and lye will darken cherry.

What is a good online resource for learning how to sharpen carving knives using a whetstone? I have a book but I can't get the hang of it.

>>897264
I second this.
Also is it very messy because I live in a student flat so the only space I have is my tiny bedroom room.

>>897317
Look up some knife sharpening videos on youtube

How the fuck do you guys sharpen and strop your hook knives??

>>897374
carefully,

i hold the knife still and move the stone or rod or leather over the knife

or take dowels and glue sandpapeer to them

>>897472
>or take dowels and glue sandpapeer to them

This is what I presumed most do, though I am interested to know if anyone uses fine round files or a grinding belt.

>>897223
>
er du fra danmark?

File: 20161121_155941.jpg (2MB, 2160x2160px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 2160x2160px

Trying new ways of getting the handle curved. Also carving a canoe paddle. Will post pics later
>>897501
Yes

Fedt!

Where did you get your knives, in denmark or off interweb? -want a flexcut knife and get into chipcarving/engraving

>>897777
Made the small one pictured in OP image from a no-name blank I picked up at a fair. The other ones just a paint stripped mora classic I bought inew Sweden. Never ordered a knife online. I suspect our laws are retarded on things like that.

File: 1476061036497.png (141KB, 800x600px) Image search: [Google]

141KB, 800x600px

>>897777
checked

>>897223
Probably a totally stupid question from someone who is interested but never done any carving - how do you gauge the remaining thickness of the wood when carving out a spoon or bowl?

Is it just a bit of guesswork and practice? Is it actually easier than I'm making out in my head?

>>897963
I think it's easier then you think. I just kinda do it you know

File: 20161122_163222.jpg (2MB, 2160x2160px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 2160x2160px

As promised. The paddle. Still very early but I'm almost done with the shaft. Roughed out the grip shape and started thinning the sides of the blade

File: 20161123_113603.jpg (1MB, 2160x2160px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 2160x2160px

Work I progress

Have you used that mug? How well do wooden cups/bowls hold up over frequent use and infrequent washing?

File: 20161123_170658.jpg (2MB, 4128x2322px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 4128x2322px

Not a wood carving but finished shaping and drilling this mussel she'll the other day for a primitive knife/scraper. Can get it decently sharp with a little patience. Cordage is a bit inferior. Still learning. Not the greatest photo but oh well.

>>898971
If I drink like 3 cups in a row it starts taking on too much moisture and the fibres separate but close again when it dries out.
As for the washing. I don't know. If it gets too bad you can always just shave more wood off.
>>898985
Did something like that once where glued anot oyster shell to a stick wit has pine resin glue and jute. Dropped it once and it broke