G
Joined: Mar 22, 2008
Posts: 10
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G
Hi everyone, I'm fairly a new member, but have been bitten by the tiki bug for a while.
It's spring break so I decided to try my hand at carving a tiki. Here's what I learned from my personal experience, which may be hopeful to other newbies. By all means if you have anyother suggestions, please add them.
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When starting off instead of buying your own set of tools, ask around ie friend, neighbor if they have a set of carving chisels to loan to you. This way you wont have to dish out $$$. Good tools are costly.
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When borrowing chisels try to get
- 45 degree gouge
- flat chisel
- U shaped gouge
These are the basics and will help you create basic shapes and details.
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Always keep your chisels sharpened well. A dull chisel will only give problems and may cause accidents. *Note most tools when bought new do not come pre-shaprened.
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Look around your neighborhood for cut lumber to carve out of. Of course some prefer to dry the lumber before carving. It's up to you.
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For a beginner one should start off with a soft wood like basswood to familiarize oneself with carving and chisels. Basswood blocks can be found not only in lumber specialty stores but in craftstores also.
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Choose a simple tiki to carve first. I know it's tempting to start off with a fancy, wicked subject. After a first failed attempt, I carved a Moai. See pic below. He's carved out of mango wood.
Hope that helps. By all means, please input your tips. I would like to read them.
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