Originally Posted by
Al Launier
Thanks for your comments John.
My initial attempt at buying "supplies" was very limited as I'm still testing the water so to speak. The items in question were of low value with a $9.95 shipping cost & it just rubs me wrong to pay 2-3 times more for shipping than the item itself costs. I'm not ready to buy on a larger scale, plus my main interest in carving will be to carve/engrave person's name, etc. on hobbyist projects; jewelry boxes, cutting boards, etc. on other types of wood, i.e. walnut, maple, cherry, mahogany, poplar, etc. I've always felt that these gifts lacked a personal touch for the person. I burn stamp "Hand Crafted by Al Launier" at inconspicuous places, but that isn't what I'm looking for. Frankly I'll never reach the level you are at as I doubt if my patience would hold up, but if I can carve scroll lines, lettering, perhaps with some decorative chip work, I think that would satisfy me.
I just found out that the local lumber mill where I get my "box" wood sells butternut wood, although I haven't seen it yet. I'll be looking into that along with white pine & poplar to develop my skills. As you mentioned, I think it would be helpful to learn on these woods as that may give me an earlier start once I gain some competence on these woods. I'm going to have to learn how to not only cut with the grain, but also to cut in an orientation that best presents the figuring of the wood. So, at this time anyway I'm more interested in sheet wood rather than square/rectangular carving blocks.
Well, my Ruby Chip Carving knife just arrived. Time to fondle it & get it sharpened.