Annual Christmas Party

Every Holiday Season I look forward to our annual Christmas party and each year it just seems to get better. This year was no exception. Everyone brought something for the pot-luck dinner and there were lots of tasty things to eat. Spending time with friends carving, laughing and eating is always a good thing.

Seated aroung the table from left to right are: Gayle Barkle, Joanne Layne, Ken(the trouble maker) Giles, Gary Taylor, Ross Connor and Glen Beere. Its a great group of folks and we all have a lot of fun each week.

Santa Goose

This time of year carvers are busy carving Santas for themselves or as gifts. I've heard more than one carver say " I'm tired of carving Santas". Well, you may want to try carving a little Santa Goose for a change of pace. This little guy stands about eight inches tall and is about three inches wide - perfect for placing on the mantle or under the tree.

Our Monday night carving group started this project a couple of weeks ago and all the geese are turning out great. Carving from a bandsaw cut-out may be a bit challenging for the beginner but just remember to carve evenly off the centerline and keep it round!

This pattern comes from Tom Wolfe's "Santimals" book. In the book there are detailed photos for carving a raccoon from a bandsaw cutout and you just follow the same basics for the goose. You can find this book on Amazon.com or other internet sites. The goose is just one of seven animals you can carve with a Christmas theme. Give it a try, you'll really enjoy it.

Stocking Stuffers for Carvers

Has anyone asked you for your Christmas wish list? Here are a few inexpensive gift ideas for you or your carving friends.

You have probably seen this Wimp Wrap at carving supply stores. Did you know that you can buy a 3" wide roll in the horse department at farm stores for a fraction of the cost? I buy mine at IFA Country Stores for about $2.00 a roll, take it home and cut it into 1" sections on my band saw. Be careful when cutting as the blade tends to "grab" it. You can use a serrated blade - I use the bread knife if nobody is looking.

I often get worn spots in my carving glove, but the rest of the glove is just fine. A few drops of Fray Check on the worn spot or hole, will keep it from unraveling and add more life to your carving glove. This way you can buy tools, not gloves. I bought mine at Joann's fabric store in the notions aisle.

These are plant "frogs" which are used in the bottom of a vase to arrange flowers. They are about 2" in diameter with metal spikes. I use mine to hold my carving off the table surface while my paint and antiquing are drying. They prevent the project from moving around and paint accumulating in a ridge at the bottom, and provide even air flow to dry. I bought mine at Michael's in the floral department.

Something Really Different

Last Friday I had the opportunity to learn power carving with Craig Hone at Treeline. Now, I have done a little power carving over the years, using mostly my Foredom and Optima. The Foredom I used for rough-in and the Optima for finer details as it turns at about 40,000 RPM's. The tool I used in class turns at 400,000 RPM's, just a little faster! This is an air-driven tool which requires a compressor to operate. It is remarkable the ease at which you can carve with this tool. You hardly know the tool is on until you touch it to the wood, then its true ability reveals itself. I was amazed at how the bit floats over the wood and leaves behind the most intricate details.
I can't wait to use this tool more extensively on other projects. The realism it will bring to carving fur on animals will really be something. The tool is a little pricey but I think well worth the investment for the serious carver in all of us. If you have any questions, contact PJ at Treeline, he'll have all the answers for you.

Teaching at Treeline

Last Friday I taught my new Santa ornament at Treeline. We had all carved together for years making it a fun day with friends. They are all excellent carvers and did a great job on the ornament. I want to thank PJ for all his hard work in pulling together this class and arranging lunch for everyone. He makes it a pleasure to teach at Treeline.

Wood Carvers Tool Tote

My last entry included a photo of my "tool tote" and lazy daisy (Susan said I can't call it a Lazy Susan anymore). Since then I've received quite a few emails asking where I bought the tote, just like my wife said I would. You can buy one from Bob Clarke on-line at http://woodcarverstooltote.com/

I will be teaching my Santa ornaments at Treeline tomorrow and look forward to spending the day with my carving friends.

Chip Tip for Tools

For the last couple of years, I've been using this handy little tool caddy. It's small but will carry 32 gouges plus room for several knives. I have also attached my Dockyard Micro Tools to the end, with velcro and there is a small drawer for pencils and such. It keeps the tools organized and protects the edges from bumping into each other, and is convenient both for home and travel.
The thing I don't like is constantly lifting and turning the tool caddy to get to the tools on the other side. I solved this problem with a simple "lazy Susan". It is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the tool caddy and it really turns smoothly. I bought the lazy susan for about $6.00 at IKEA but you can find them everywhere. There are some plastic ones I've seen at K-Mart, but I don't know that they would hold up as well - and of course, being a carver I prefer WOOD.
You might notice that all my tools have a green band around them. I marked them with green metal paint so I can keep track of them in classes. I suggest you find a method to mark all your tools so they don't get lost or walk away.....by accident!!