Brand new 22 year old wanting to whittle!

[GlidingGoose]

G'day all!

I'm brand new to the forum, and to this wood-working world really, aside from woodwork class for the first few years at high school. I'm from Melbourne, and I'm really keen to get into whittling. I'm 22 years old, and I've graduated from International Studies at Uni, and I'm about to start an Honours degree in the same field.

My problem is that I have absolutely no idea where to start on all this. I have tried some branches off trees here and there, but they all seem to be way too hard/ cracked/ split/ knotted etc.

Keen to get into the forum a bit and learn what I can. Cheers!

Michael

[Lyle]

Hello Michael
I am not a whittler so take what I offer with the proverbial grain of salt. ��
What are you trying to do. Walking sticks or knicknacks.
I know that some of the UK blokes gather hawthorn branches and dry them for ages. They can steam bend them for the crook shape before carving/whittling.
Any photos of the failures might help. Green wood will split crack and open up in the end grain.
After whittling you might try sealing with shellac or boiled linseed oil or another sealer finish. There are plenty out there.
Looking forward to seeing some of your work.
Lyle

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi Michael, Welcome to a Top Forum, I've not done any whittling or carving, but I believe a good wood to start with is a timber called Jelutong. It's a very plain sort of timber, but is used by Pattern Makers, and carvers, and should be able to be bought at any good timber supplier.
If you can't get hold of a piece over there, let me know and I'll send you a piece for the cost of postage.
Kryn

[dubrosa22]

I haven't done too much whittling or carving myself either, but I reckon a few half-decent carving chisels/knives are essential. Something like this:
https://www.hobbytools.com.au/kirsch...hisel-set-4pc/
(plus a sharpening stone.)

Not sure what you're using now but Stanley knives and kitchen paring knives won't go far on Aussie hardwood sticks and branches.

V

[old1955]

Welcome to the forum Michael.

[GlidingGoose]

• @old1955, thanks mate, I appreciate that!
  
• 
  @dubrosa22, Funnily enough, my interest in whittling has more come as a result of having the tools but no way to use them. So I actually have some great little knives. Might need to invest in some sharpening equipment though. Thanks for the tip! Any trade secrets on sharpening equipment?
  
  @KBs PensNmore, Thanks for the welcome! Thanks for the tip. I've heard great things about jelutong so its great to hear that from you. I'll contact a few places and see what I can find. And wow, that is a very generous offer. I'll have a ring around and if I have no luck, I'll definitely get on to you. I really, REALLY appreciate that kind offer.
  
• @Lyle
  
  Thanks mate! I'll be looking at doing knick knacks - little animals and toys...that sort of thing. Cheers for your tips and info. I'll be happy to share some of my progress once i get stuck into it all!

[JJF]

Welcome to a Forum

[crowie]

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum "Michael".
There are a stack members across the Melbourne area, quite a few in country Victoria plus lots more across the rest of the country & the world.....
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP [Work In Progress] photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork......
Cheers crowie

PS _ Keep an eye out on the forum for Melbourne Get Togethers as a great way of meeting like minded folk....

[Sir Stinkalot]

Hi Michael ....

I'm not sure what type of whittling that you are looking at getting into but I would recommend contacting one of our members: https://www.woodworkforums.com/members/49739-whittling
I have done a few introductory courses with Whittling and they have been enjoyable. I believe that he may have some written material / photos that can be used to get you started.