No Band or scroll saw-No Problem

More than once I've heard folks say that they are waiting to buy a band saw or a scroll saw so they can start to carve. I've heard apartment dwellers say that they can't carve because they cannot use a band saw or scroll saw in the apartment. While a band saw and scroll saw can be an important tool to a wood carver, the lack of one does not mean one cannot carve. The main function of the saw to a wood carver is to start to shape the block of wood by removing wood that will otherwise have to be removed by knife or gouge. If you are carving a figure out of a large block of wood there may have to be a lot of wood removed. So in the absence of power saws, why not "carve smaller". Start to use a 3 to 5 inch block of wood. There's not nearly as much wood that has to be removed. There are other benefits to newer carvers when they carve smaller. No investment in power saws. Less money spent on wood. Less discouragement with a long time to complete the larger carving. You may feel more "free" to try new things when your wood cost is so small. So, just grab a knife and/or gouge and give "carving small" a try. When no power tools, try carving smaller