Post #718364 by AlohaStation on Tue, May 27, 2014 2:09 PM

I guess I should throw my 2 cents in... I'm just like most carvers on this forum - I am self taught (with 10 years carving), and have figured many things out the "hard" way. Here are some suggestions I give other people that are trying to figure out how to get started:

• Bring the wood UP to you. Create a place that holds the log/wood up to your level. This prevents undo strain on your back and neck. I use several stations to work, my favorite is a folding ladder that I have rigged to hold logs just above waist level. Another using WillCarve's basic plan of cement blocks and 4x4s (see his picture). Its easily adjustable and fits in my confined space. And lastly I use a Workmate for anything Mid-sized (the clamping mech works great).

• Dull blades are dangerous - LEARN TO SHARPEN. Dull blades lead to applying more pressure than needed and can result in inadvertant slips.

• Use Eye, Ear, and Breathing protection. Finite particles can irritate your biology and result in nasty health conditions. In the case of whittling small objects use carving gloves (some day I hope to buy one).

• Use a urethane mallet. The act of pounding chisels is harsh on the whole body. The urethane mallets soften the transfer of vibrations from the mallet into your body. This effects your arms, shoulders, back, hips, and knees.

• When moving large obejects, find the right tools for the job. There are techniques to everything and learning how to handle large objects will assist in everything you do. Hand trucks, winches, jacks, rollers...