WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
This is a class for beginners to learn the basics of carving spoons. Everyone will carve a simple shape first, then have options for exploring variations. The outline is:
- Class goals
- Safety
- Grain Observations
- Tools
- Tool Maintenance
- Carving Techniques
- Prepare the spoon blank with your pencil
- Get Carving
- Scrapers
- Finishes
PREREQUISITES - we request that students be or become members of the Oregon Carvers Guild. You can join here ($35 per year).
TOOLS - Students need to supply two tools, a hook knife such as the Morakniv 164, and a sturdy straight knife such as the Morakniv 120 or Flexcut KN14. If you have similar tools already, talk to the instructor (click here) to see if you can use what you already have, or email Larry Wade (click here) to see if the club's tool library has any you can rent.
Tools need to be sharp, so plan on putting in effort ahead of time to strop them. If in doubt, contact Larry Wade (see below) to help sharpen ahead of time, but don't wait until the last minute.
It is really handy to have a bench hook, sometimes called a carving hook, to protect your table or workbench and to hold your work. They come in a variety of configurations, but a good one is described in the Sept 2021 and Dec 2020 newsletters. In-person students can use those in the shop.
SUPPLIES - You will need bandaids and antiseptic nearby, a pencil, a carving glove and thumb guard (or wrap), and a strop with honing compound. It is handy to have a 3/4" smooth dowel and 1200 grit or higher sandpaper for sharpening your hook knife.
COST - Tuition and materials total is $40.
WOOD - Basswood will be provided. If attending on Zoom, the wood needs to be picked up a little north of Beaverton, but it can be mailed if postage is reimbursed.
INSTRUCTOR - Al Plasch - Al is a club member in Ventura, CA. He is past president of their local club and has taught beginners in a variety of settings for years. He will be teaching from his shop in Ventura, and Larry will be assisting via Zoom and in his shop near Beaverton.
For questions, contact Al Plasch at 805-657-5015 williamplasch@gmail.com, or Larry Wade, 503-312-7745, lpwade@gmail.com
