Humble Beginnings.

[Steve Krumanaker]

This may not seem like it's turning related but it is.  I want to learn a little about chip carving for embellishing.  I have some boxes turned and ready but thought it might be better to practice on some flat pieces first. Glad I did, it's harder than I thought it might be. I am finding it's a lot like turning in that it's all about technique. This is the most basic cut and probably the most often used in chip carving, the triangle. Going to take a lot of practice I think. I can see some progress from top to bottom but have a long way to go.

 

 

Steve

[John Morris]

I love your humble beginnings Steve, chip carving has been on my bucket list for a few years now, so I'll sit back and watch your progress and enjoy, so far looks like you are off to a great start, with skilled hands, tip of my hat for your first attempt, not bad, not bad at all!

 

By they way, excellent tagging of your topic!

[Cal]

Looks like you are off to a great start Steve.

[Stick486]

YOU are an amazing individual Steve....

[HandyDan]

Choice of wood has a lot to do with it too.  You already know that I'm sure, you are no slouch when it comes to researching.  You are doing well for a first time and must still have plenty of hand strength.

[Gene Howe]

Great start. 

[Smallpatch]

We use to spend the summer in the mountains at an RV park and the first time we stayed there in 2000 we parked right in the middle of a group of chip carvers and met there ever year. They were old timers there at Fun Valley. They all used the

 Aspen from that area.

  I had my basement loaded with scroll saw, small table saw, 10 " band saw and a bunch of helping tools and the chip carvers bragged about bringing all the things they needed in the glove compartment.

  I did see two of the guys go to Pueblo,Colo for a couple of scroll saws that first year we were there......because of me

Last time I seen them and still wonder if the scroll saws ever got used..

 

  Steve just don't give it up and those bowls should move up to the top shelf and leave your partners in crime here on the Patriot way behind...

[lew]

Seeing this reminded me of a local "hobo" whose work sells, around here, for quite a tidy sum!

 

His name was Frank Feather.

 

https://antiquesandauctionnews.net/articles/Frank-Feather-Cane-Sells-For-%246%2C900-At-Gateway/

[Jim L]

I was lucky enough to spend a full day with Wayne Barton, I have a small sample of his work which he signed for me.  Watching him work was magical, he is a gifted artist.  This will be time well spent to become proficient....  Nice work!

[Gerald]

But they make it look so easy on The Woodwrights shop. Will be interesting to see the turned results. Just a thought if did a second turning and opened the bottom of the V .........what would that look like ? Kinda extreme piercing.

[Grandpadave52]

You never cease to amaze me Steve with your passion to incorporate new design elements in your work. I'll follow along in awe, envy & enjoyment.

Keep the posts, pics, and learning progression coming. Another dimension to what we have. Maybe with enough interest @John Morris could add a Carving forum to the menu?

 

There was a guy on the old Handyman Club of America who became extremely good at self-taught chip carving. He too incorporated it within some of his turnings. I invited him here through a HCOA-PM before the forum was closed down but apparently he never saw the PM?? (Bob ???? maybe @It Was Al B, @LarryS, or @ChuckJ can remember his last name; he was from Ohio.) 

[LarryS]

46 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

You never cease to amaze me Steve with your passion to incorporate new design elements in your work. I'll follow along in awe, envy & enjoyment.

Keep the posts, pics, and learning progression coming. Another dimension to what we have. Maybe with enough interest @John Morris could add a Carving forum to the menu?

 

There was a guy on the old Handyman Club of America who became extremely good at self-taught chip carving. He too incorporated it within some of his turnings. I invited him here through a HCOA-PM before the forum was closed down but apparently he never saw the PM?? (Bob ???? maybe @It Was Al B, @LarryS, or @ChuckJ can remember his last name; he was from Ohio.) 

His name is Bob Phelan. 

I am friends with him on Facebook.

[Grandpadave52]

11 minutes ago, LarryS said:

His name is Bob Phelan. 

I am friends with him on Facebook.

That's him...great guy and extremely talented; used to have a premiere shop too. aka "60 Vette"

If you have his email address, you can send him an invite to join here via TPW.

 

Apologize @Steve Krumanaker...sorta hi-jacked the thread. Bob would be a great resource & mentor for anyone learning to chip carve.

Edited June 13, 2018 by Grandpadave52

[LarryS]

12 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

That's him...great guy and extremely talented; used to have a premiere shop too. aka "60 Vette"

If you have his email address, you can send him an invite to join here via TPW.

 

Apologize @Steve Krumanaker...sorta hi-jacked the thread. Bob would be a great resource & mentor for anyone learning to chip carve.

Sent a message to him through Facebook. 

[Steve Krumanaker]

5 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Apologize @Steve Krumanaker...sorta hi-jacked the thread. Bob would be a great resource & mentor for anyone learning to chip carve.

Not to worry Dave. I'm here to share and learn, right now it would be great to have someone like him offering help.

 

Steve

[Steve Krumanaker]

Thanks to all for the comments and encouragement! This piece of bass wood is 12/4, just over a foot long and about 7" wide. I have both sides prepped for practice. It's my plan to do both sides, plane it off, and start over. I figure by the time it's 1/2" thick or so I may be ready to try carving on a turned piece. if not, well, I've got more practice wood!