Carving Class Next Saturday July 30

[Mike Davis]

I hope everyone is ready for the carving class next Saturday July 30 with Mark Strom.

The class will be at Bill Clemmons' Shop in Liberty. Bill will be sending directions later in the week.

Please remember to bring cash for the fees, $100 for the class, $5 for lunch or bring your own, $6 materials, total $111.

The students I have listed are

Bill's grandson

B4man

CarvedTones

ScottM

richlife

Mike Davis

We do have room for one more if anyone is interested. I know there were a couple more in the original thread that said they had carving tools but could use a few pointers.

If you have not seen Mark's work feel free to take a look at http://www.stromcarver.com



Bill Clemmons, CarvedTones, Mike Davis, richlife, ScottM, stave, b4man

 

[richlife]

Great! I've been looking forward to this with relish (or even pizza).

Rich

 

[TracyP]

Sounds like a great day forth coming. Y'all have fun. If it wasn't my birthday day I would have signed up. I would really like to have joined the class.

 

[Bill Clemmons]

If it wasn't my birthday day I would have signed up. I would really like to have joined the class.

What a great birthday present to give yourself. :eusa_danc And you'll still be home in time for cake and ice cream. :new_birth

Bill

 

[Mark Stewart]

sounds ike you guys will be having a great class. It looks a bit adevanced for me and Ill be slaving away for a few dollsrs. Some one take some good pics for those of us stuck to a machining center.

Thanks MArk

 

[CarvedTones]

Great! I've been looking forward to this with relish (or even pizza).

Rich

I will be driving right through Pittsboro if you want to car pool.

 

[stave]

Glad everyone is excited, I know I am looking forward to it.

If you have a light mallet you may want to bring it. I will be bringing the basswood panels, patterns, lights and a few mallets. The three finished pieces will be there for reference when carving and I will point out the difficult areas or problems to watch out for in the beginning.

I want to emphasize that these carvings are not as complex as they appear. A few really easy cutting techniques and you will be moving right along. I tried my best to eliminate the frustration and to build on the gratification....it is going to be a great time!

See you Saturday.

Stave

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Mark, are the basswood blanks you're bringing the same size as the panels you posted in the other thread: 7 x 22? I'm planning on making a few "bench hook" type jigs to hold the panels in different vises. Depending on the panel size, I'll make them just slightly oversize.

Bill

 

[stave]

Just measured the panels and they are 7 3/8 x 20 3/8. I am getting things together now for the weekend. Look forward to seeing your jigs and your shop...

Stave

 

[richlife]

I will be driving right through Pittsboro if you want to car pool.

Hey, Andy. I know we're good, but wanted to let everyone one know that you and I did connect offline and plan to come to the class together.

Anyone who carves or has the interest, might I suggest that you bring any mallets, pieces, etc. that you'd like to show us. For example, I actually have 3 mallets -- one I don't like at all and two others that I love, but that I use for slightly different purposes. I'm sure most of us would like to see what each uses, likes, doesn't like etc. Might help head off an unfortunate purchase or experience or, better yet, point some of us to something we really like.

Rich

 

[Mike Davis]

That's a good idea Rich, I have made some mallets and plan to make some more. It would be great to see what is most effective and what three sizes are most useful.

 

[richlife]

That's a good idea Rich, I have made some mallets and plan to make some more. It would be great to see what is most effective and what three sizes are most useful.

And you bring up another good point, Mike. What we've made and what we've bought. I've bought a number of gouges, but had a need for a really long gouge. I'll bring along the two I modified from long drill bits also.

My interest in carving started before I retired, so fortunately I had a little money to invest in tools. Some were good purchases for me, some not. In particular, I found that whatever the brand, what is important to me is how the gouge fits my hand. I find I just can't work with some. It's easy for me to bring my tool roll, so maybe that will help also. Probably most of us have something it would be nice to see, feel and even possibly use.

Rich

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Rich, the point you make is exactly what I'm hoping will happen. My grandson is at the beginning of his carving life, and I hope this gives him an opportunity to see and experience different aspects of the hobby. In that respect, we've already had a great day w/ PeteM a few weeks ago, and I hope this Saturday is just as meaningful for him. :icon_thum

See y'all Saturday.

Bill

 

[ScottM]

Bill your grandson will have company. I am a very raw beginner when it comes to carving. I do not even own a mallet. Gee, I hope one of you are nice enough to loan me one.

 

[stave]

Man you folks move fast, hard to keep up with you. I was going to come home today and mention here that if people had more carving tools than listed to bring them. Not only with the possibility of using them on the carvings but to discuss use, handles etc. You guys beat me to it by a long shot.

This weekend is going to be great, I can see that already. Got any idea how long it will take to get there from Asheville? GPS say 3 hours 45 min, I figured 3 1/2...makes for an early morning but I want to get there a little early to get situated.

Stave

 

[PeteM]

Wish I could be there. It should be a fun day.
But be warned. Carving is another slippery slope!

. . . and remember to bring some bandaids! :wink_smil

pete

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Scott, I've got a couple of mallets, both round and flat, you can try out.

Stave, I've always allowed 4 hours when I travel to Asheville, just to be on the safe side. If you want to get here early just to check everything out, I'll probably be over at the shop around 8:30 or so.

Band-aids! Yep, got a whole first aid kit, and two extra boxes of band-aids. Let's see who draws first blood. :gar-Bi

See ya Saturday. :icon_cheers

Bill

 

[CarvedTones]

I will bring 3 mallets - a light round, heavy round and a flat one I made several years ago - the "Poplar Pounder". Yes, I have since learned that poplar is a poor choice for mallets but fortunately the mallet doesn't know that and has held up fairly well.

 

[richlife]

Scott, I've got a couple of mallets, both round and flat, you can try out.

Stave, I've always allowed 4 hours when I travel to Asheville, just to be on the safe side. If you want to get here early just to check everything out, I'll probably be over at the shop around 8:30 or so.

Band-aids! Yep, got a whole first aid kit, and two extra boxes of band-aids. Let's see who draws first blood. :gar-Bi

See ya Saturday. :icon_cheers

Bill

Stave, I'd go with the 4 hours if it were me. I suspect you'll hit some good traffic here and there and you may want a few minutes to wind down first.

I think Bill has a house full, but if it would be of help to you, I live only about 45 minutes beyond him (east of Pittsboro). We have plenty of room and I'm happy to offer the mother-in-law apt if you want to come down the evening or night before.

Rich

 

[stave]

Rich,
I appreciate the generous offer but I have obligations Friday that I can't get out of, looks like it is going to be an early morning Saturday!
See you all Saturday.

Mark