My first spoon

[mrmel]

This is a pic of my first attempt at carving, it's a spoon. It started as a plank that i found in my dad's garage.

Unfortunatly though, i noticed that there was a hole in the bowl about half way through making it.

Oh and i kinda cheated and used a power tool to finish some details. *hangs head in shame*

What do you think?

peace, mel

 

[litefoot]

Looks ok for a first go,you may find the carving a bit easier with some green wood,a piece of birch is always good.
Litefoot

 

[kimbo]

That's a good first effort mrmel .........far better than mine mate!

Plenty of people here will give you some great advice where to go from here.

all the best

 

[mrmel]

Kool thanks guys, any and all constructive critisism or advise more than welcome.

i will be trying my hand at a kuksa in the near future so keep an eye out kos i will be showing any and all who wish to see.

Peace, Mel

 

[DoctorSpoon]

Definitely find some green wood if you want to make a kuksa! Try your local tree surgeons, they often stick it all through the chipper just to get rid of it. If you have a choice of species go for willow, poplar or alder which all carve really easily. If not then, as litefoot said, birch is very good.
Nicola

 

[malente]

Wow, looks nice!

Mike

 

[mrmel]

Cheers Doc I was planning on useing the turorial in the articals section for my kuksa.
What do you think of oak as i have a massive oak tree in my garden, which I could take a piece from?


Peace, Mel

 

[malente]

Is't the problem with oak that it needs to sit for a year or so to get toxins out? Or was that only for burning?

Not sure!


Mike

 

[DoctorSpoon]

No reason why you shouldn't use oak, but it does tend to be quite tough going. If you're new to carving it might take you several goes to hollow deeply into a kuksa during which time it will get increasingly hard.

I personally would find something easier to start with like alder, poplar, willow or birch.
Nicola

 

[robin wood]

Is't the problem with oak that it needs to sit for a year or so to get toxins out? Or was that only for burning?

Not sure!


Mike

No "toxins" in oak only tanin...the same stuff you get in tea if you leave it stewing a long time. Its also the stuff that comes out into whiskey and red wine from the barrels and gives a sharp taste. Perfectly safe for food use but quite fibrous and not in my first (or second) choice list for spoon carving.

 

[FerlasDave]

thats a hell of a lot better than my first 'attemt' mine ended up looking like a doorhandle!

 

[mrmel]

I think I still may try oak because I have a good supply.
Thanks for the advise and the kind words.

 

[malente]

No "toxins" in oak only tanin...the same stuff you get in tea if you leave it stewing a long time. Its also the stuff that comes out into whiskey and red wine from the barrels and gives a sharp taste. Perfectly safe for food use but quite fibrous and not in my first (or second) choice list for spoon carving.

Ah, thanks for the insight. I love this forum, so much excellent knowledge & advise! :You_Rock_

Mike