Aboutmaura macaluso Expertise I can answer all questions regarding woodcarving, chip carving, scroll sawing, carving tools and techniques and can answer most questions regarding wood. I am not an appraiser of carvings nor an antique dealer.
Experience I am a custom commission woodcarver. I have been carving for many years now, have won numerous awards, and am very well connected in the world of woodcarving. I am the owner/operator of www.carvinginnyc.com
Organizations national association of woodcarvers, woodcarvers of queens, Richmond county carvers club, carving life panel of experts
Publications Chip chats, carving magazine
Education/Credentials Have taken many, many classes and instruction from many fine carvers, I was originally self taught which is the best way to learn. Many thousands of carving hours later and I find that I am now well-respected.
Awards and Honors best of show staten island & queens
numerous 1st place and other title awards at many venues
Past/Present Clients My work is now in international collections
Question I've always been interested in carving/whittling. I feel like I can be very good at it, and the little I've done, I've really enjoyed it. What kind of tools, methods, would you recommend? I think I'd like to start with smaller carvings. Thank you though, for your time and effort.
Spencer
Answer Hi Spencer,
I am always happy to help a new carver on their way. The first tool any carver should have is a good carving knife. Not a bench knife, not a craft knife, not a utility knife, not a pocket knife but a carving knife. There is a huge difference. Look at the link below.
I suggest any of the knives that say "regular" blade. These knives are a bit pricey at 35.00 but they are the best and you will not be disappointed. This one knife will last you the rest of your life if not abused. If your money is very limited then do a search for a "Murphy knife" just make sure it comes presharpened. A Murphy knife should come in under 15.00
There are pretty much 3 standards to any carving tool, top-notch, economical and just plain junk. Any time you can afford the top-notch tool it will pay off down the road. Normally I try to save people money but carving is one of those things that if you don't have good tools, you will pay for it in frustration. A frustrated carver will never become as good as they can be and may chuck it all. Or you will wind up throwing out the junk knife and having to spend more for a good knife anyway. So just trust me and get a good knife. Other brands to do searches on are "Ron wells knives" "flexcut knives" "dunkle knives". Good steel which makes good knives costs money. You can save money on other supplies but your edged tools are worth exactly what you pay for them for the most part. You will be on your way with a good knife and some sharpening items. You will want to keep that knife really sharp. The Helvie knife will come supersharp and you will need to purchase a leather strop and some buffing compound.
May I suggest the dunkle strop and compound at the bottom right of the page. This retailer is excellent. The reason why I am including his links(the woodcraft shop-do not confuse this store with the chainstore Woodcraft) is that he is the best in the carving business. You can call Larry(aka big dog) and ask him anything and he will never steer you wrong. Mention my name also and he will bend over backwards for you. He is an actual carver himself and knows what he's talking about.
Once you have your knife and strop you will be prepared to start whittling. One item you will want to have around are bandaids. Cutting yourself a few times in the beginning is just part of the learning process and to be expected. The next thing to get for smaller carvings will be a small set of palm tools. a fairly economical line is "flexcut"
FLEXCUT ORIGINAL PALM SET - 5 PC. (FR310) which is the first item here
either one of the top sets are good. I use these to teach my beginner class.
you can also do a search for all the items I mentioned above. There are plenty of retailers out there, some higher priced, some lower priced.
Now that you have your tools, what do I suggest??? first that you look around locally for a carving club. They are all over the place, you just have to find them, perhaps at senior centers or Lutheran churches(seems lots of them are carvers) You can learn a tremendous amount just by sitting next to another carver. don't hesitate to ask questions. They will also know where to go for wood in your area and will have lots of patterns and tips to share. Also stop into a big bookstore and pick up either Carving magazine or woodcarving illustrated. They will have some step by step projects for you.
If you have more questions(and you will) don't hesitate to contact me again. Thanks for a great question.
