New to the Forum, just saying "hi!"

[JimPMA]

Greetings to all here. Just thought I'd say hello since I just started carving again after many, many years away from it. I did some carving as a kid and haven't in quite a while. I'm starting into it again to occupy some time now and because I've always been interested in working with wood. I spent most of my working career around various machinery in manufacturing facilities, and accumulated a lot of very nice tools of my own at home. I built most of my own home furnishings because I wanted specific pieces that I custom designed and built. Nothing ornate though, but the joinery was always interesting. I found the greatest challenge was building my stuff without any mechanical fasteners whenever possible.

Unfortunately, after some pretty severe health issues, I have been forced to stop work and eventually downsize my living space to now being in a mobile home. So there is no space for table saws, lathes or milling machines that once occupied my cellar and garage. I do have enough space for carving tools so that's what I've decided to begin doing. I'm beginning to accumulate the tools needed and trying my hand again. I have made a couple of small figures and have enjoyed doing them. They are by no means very good, but I hope to get better as I learn and progress. I will post some pics and would appreciate any comments or criticisms. I joined this forum for ideas and help, and have also subscribed to the magazine (waiting for the first issue to arrive) in hopes of learning the techniques that will make my carvings look better and be more satisfying.

Guess that's about it. Thanks for listening.

[scotia carver]

Hi Jim
Welcome to the forum,this is the place you will get answers to all your questions,lots ideas to choose from. I think your first carving are very good, keep at it
Bruce

[Mottles]

Hi Jim, those are some super carvings you are off to a good start. Your little carvings are so much better than my first carvings. Subscribing to the Woodcarving Illustrated Magazine has so much to offer and it will encourage you to become a good carver. Also here on WC Forum there is a wealth of experience and knowledge and we always try to help another carver. So Welcome and happy carving.

[Merle Rice]

Hi Jim, It looks like you have the Basic ideas for Carving and with time and Practice it will cause the improvement that you are looking for. Welcome and looking forward in seeing your future pieces. Merle

[Tom Ellis]

Welcome to the forum Jim, you have picked a great hobby to keep you going. Looks like that little elf had a nasty knot coming through his foot. Some of the surprises you have to get used to. You are off to a great start............Tom

[ada504fha]

I like your work... especially the little gnome. Welcome!

[Soggy]

Welcome to the forum Jim. This is a great forum and although there aren't a whole lot of active members at the present time, you'll find those that are here to be a very helpful bunch of guys and gals. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask , somebody will be willing to help you out.
Wayne

[honketyhank]

Hi Jim. Welcome on board. There are many different styles to try out and mess around with and there are folks here with expertise in most of those. The main skill is being able to make your knife/chisel/gouge sharp and then able to maintain its edge. From there, the carving universe is wide and deep. A really sharp tool is sooooo nice to use.

[joepaulbutler]

Isn't this a great site Jim, you can tell already that you are most welcome here. One warning though, ···" I'm beginning to accumulate the tools needed", That is an understatement. I find carving a great way to keep the mind and hands busy. So, welcome to the chipmakers of America. Your carving differently show you have the talent.

[Claude]

Welcome to the forum!

Claude

[Randy]

Welcome to the forum Jim. Your off to a good start. I have also have gone though some major life changes in the passed. Carving has always been a great place to focus my mind and fill my hand. And the people I have met though carving clubs and the forum are all great. Glad you have gotten back in to it.

[JJF]

Welcome to the forum

[JimPMA]

Thank you all for the kind welcome. Much appreciated!

[pallin]

Welcome, Jim! You may discover that many of us have a background similar to yours. I built furniture for my home when I was first married, and did some simple carvings about that time. Much later (like, at retirement) I started carving in earnest again - but now mostly relief and chip carvings. Hope we can help you to pursue whatever style of carving you like.

[Bob K.]

Welcome to the forums, Jim! Glad to have you with us! This is the right place to get wood carving help and advice. One of the great things about wood carving is that the tools needed don't take up much space...I have most of mine in just two fishing tackle boxes.