First time carver - advice on equipment

[ADO]

Hi

I plan to begin some carving on a large olive that I posted elsewhere on this site. I have never carved before and I am pretty comfortable with using this olive as good practise.
I don't have any appropriate power tools although I am handy with planers, drills, etc. Some people advised me to buy a mallet and set of woodworking chisels as a way of easing my way into it. I know how easy it is for machines like routers etc can get away from you so this may be a good option but I suppose extremely time consuming as its a very large olive stump. I don't plan to be in a hurry, however and i am going to come up with a basic design before I carve.
does any experienced or beginners to carving have any advice or suggestions.

thank you

Adrian

[paddles]

I am also a beginner carver, and the first thing I suggest is POWER TOOLS!!! and don't stuff around get the big stuff! second, grab a lump of wood, not a tree, grip it in the vice and go for it! learn about pressure etc...

failing that, if you do intend to go ahead with hand tools, same thing, practice on a lump of wood... go somewhere appropriate, grab a branch about the same size shape (better yet type) of wood (ie a branch off a mature olive) and go for it. If you mess up, you just have to go find another lump of wood... as opposed to find a new tree....

[alpineart]

Hi ADO , Mate a mallet and chisel went out with the ark , Power tools are as safe as the operator is careful . I have a variable speed ozito router with a power drill handle attached where the base fits and it does not get out of control , "i do" . The variable speed it the best option as you can take small volumes out at low speed or large volumes at high speed . The cutters are cheap straight cutters tungsten or high speed steel , used for rebating in a normal router . The Ozito has a removable base to basically turn it into a short die grinder .

I use burrs , router bits all shapes and sizes ,to suit the various collets that come with the router . When it comes to finishing off i have a GMC or Dremel type mini die grinder or an air die grinder . Hope this helps .Remember all machines are dangerous , then again so is a sharp chisel in the wrong hands . No loose clothing , eye protection ear muffs are a must , but i don't encourage gloves as you loose the feel of the machine and always make sure you are carving away from your body not towards yourself . If something goes wrong the machine won't come back onto you .

Cheers Alpineart

[Andrew Legg]

Adrian,

I have only dabbled in carving, but I have learnt a few things. If you plan to do battle with big material, get big tools or big patience. If you plan to do fine work, then the small stuff is fine. Olives are hard, so ensure that you buy good quality tools (not expensive - good quality), and for heaven's sake, don't scrimp on carving bits as you will only create immense frustration for yourself! Buy stuff that has been proven and that works!

I recently worked an olive, and I found the best solution was a chainsaw for rough shape, then a die grinder, and although I've never got to it, a dremel type tool for fine details. Using power tools is a very different process to hand carving, so there's a decision you'll need to make there. I've also seen a guy using jewelers tools as a replacement for Dremel type tools.

Finally, look to nature for your inspiration, plan ahead, don't wear a tie when using a die grinder, do wear eye protection, and practice practice practice!

Even more finally, remember to check your tools are switched off when you plug 'em in . . .

Cheers,

Andrew

[kcpoole]

I only have a dremel and a arbortec carver ( 4'), but i do not have any monster trees either.
Dremel is good for me as I happy to take it slow and use the lighter tools.

Sensible clothing and Eye / Ear protection are the essentials along with your imagination.

Ken

[Tony Bebb]

G'day Ado

Mate, go Aussie made I reckon you can't go past the Arbortech carving tools made in Perth. I have used them for years. 4" industrial blade will whip away olive quite easily and the mini blade will finish. Both attach to normal grinders and are easy to use. Fine finishing work with a dremel is perfect as they are not strong enough for heavy timber removal, especially as hard as an Olive.

A die grinder with router bits is an alternative, and there are many attachments for them onloine in the form of Samurai and Ninja blades among many others.

Have fun and go easy to start. Then rip in when you're comfortable.

Tony

[ADO]

Thanks gentlemen

that is good news because I always need excuses to buy power tools. The Arbotech blades look great and they aren't too far away from where I live. I already have a 115mm angle grinder. Maybe a dremel or ozito for the more delicate or finishing off.
thanks for the heads up on safety. I used to make surfboards years back so I really think also that safety is of paramount importance.


cheers

Adrian