I would like to share a simple Christmas mouse carving that can be done with only a knife. I’m also adding a pic of the pattern that I use to cut out on the bandsaw. It measures 4” long 2” tall and 1 inch wide. This mouse is in mahogany. If you have basswood that would be great. Feel free to use pic and print pattern Good Luck Attached Images 804DFCAE-7BC0-420F-A2A3-BDF8C9277BAB.jpg (214.8 KB) 4A32638A-5110-4B0B-BDE3-150661C6F11C.jpg (215.8 KB ..read more

I had a itch to carve a face for my gate to my shop. The wood is jacaranda with a exterior oil base stain for longevity. Jacaranda is very good carving wood i cuts nicely. My piece was air dried about 6 months Attached Images 255B2F21-40F8-411B-8F77-4625FFE5AE8C.jpg (224.2 KB ..read more

I am not an experienced wood carver and this is my first attempt at letter carving. I was pleasantly surprised at how straightforward the process is. I got a used copy of Chris Pye’s book, watched a few YouTube videos, and went at it. Definitely far from perfect, but pretty pleased as a first effort. IMG_0240.jpg Attached Images IMG_0240.jpg (124.4 KB ..read more

I Would like to share something you don’t see often. It’s a called a viewing stone or scholar stone. Japanese and Korean craftsman have been producing this unique and very interesting way to display a stone for thousands of years ? My stone is from a local Mountain. Mt baldy I’m pretty sure it’s a piece of granite that was tumbled to a egg shape. I picked it from dry river bed during the summer months. Thousands of stones around it were round but more pancake shaped. The wood is blue gum eucalyptus a difficult but not impossible wood to carve and shape. Thanks for looking Attached Images F37C ..read more

I'm looking to add a new sharpening station now that I've embarked on woodcarving. The setup that I have now works well for my woodturning tools. However, since I will be woodcarving in another part of my shop and the what works for those tools my not be the best for woodcarving tools I thought a separate station would be a good idea. I'm currently looking at purchasing a Tormek T-8 Custom and adding a CBN wheel and honing wheels. The Tormek T-8 isn't all that impressive to me but their jigs do add some nice functionality. What do you experienced woodcarvers recommend for sharpening tools ..read more

Awhile ago I purchased a set of Chris Pye chisels from Tools For Working Wood that included a cloth or canvas roll. Unfortunately the roll is not available separately and I can't find any that have the same internal flaps that covers the bare chisel when rolled. Anyone know of one that is available? The Chris Pye one holds about 12 or so chisels in two rows ..read more

I want to try carving on my next project. I want to make a piece with naguri style texturing. I’m picturing the cut being about 1/2” wide and maybe 1/16” deep. I’d like to buy a nice gouge upfront to practice with. What kind of chisel would you recommend ..read more

What wood would be easy to carve for a beginner and yet suitable for a butter press? My wife wants to hand carve a 4 x 4 block for some friends which I'll make into a butter press. They have several A2-A2 Jersey cows and their butter is delicious ..read more

Alexander Grabovetskiy in one of videos reviews a wood carving bench or table made offered by Veritas. It is no longer available however. Is there something equivalent out there that is available ..read more

I have been looking to expand my random collection of 12-15 carving gouges but balked at paying the cost of new Pfeil- quality tools and couldn't find a good used set that didn't look to need a lot of work. The Schaaf sets have received good reviews for steel quality and value with the caution that they typically need sharpening if not reshaping and the factory quality control is hit and miss. I got their full offering of three sets through Amazon, 25 tools for $209, figuring that even if some were duds it would be worthwhile, and they do have a reputation for replacing tools that don't measur ..read more