Flat Plane Carver

More Carvings I Have Done

2012-02-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

New Civil War Preacher

2012-02-12T14:51:00.000-08:00

A carving done for my pastor to represent a civil war solider and preacher .. he holds a bible in one hand and a rifle in the other .. at night he reads to the men from the word of God

Pattern For Old Man Jogger

2011-07-20T16:27:00.001-07:00

2 3/4 inches wide

Some More You Tube Viewers Carvings

2011-05-22T14:27:00.001-07:00

The Carvings Of Jack Jones

Patttern For The Folk Art Woodpecker

2011-05-21T05:54:00.001-07:00

Whittling The Minature Folk Art Eagle

2011-05-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/whittler0507?feature=mhee#p/u/5/ZM14WDioGuY ( the video)

Pattern For The Bear Scene

2011-03-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

The Big Headed Elf Pattern

2010-11-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

The Minature Figure

2010-06-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

3 inches high
1 1/4 thick

Attention Carvers

2010-06-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

As most of you all know .. I have always used the Ron Wells knife and love it to this day .. Ron became ill and turned the business over to Muike Shipley ..
Well Mike has put out his new line of knives and its similar to the Ron Wells .. but just improved and it is one great knife .. Iam using it all the time now and I have to say WOW !
I never thought I would say its better then the Ron Wells .. But its improved design is a great knife to use .. I use the mini detail 1 3/8m one .. Notice the two above .. The top one is the new and improved Shipley knife and the one below is the original Ron Wells ...You can look at them at this link and Thank You So Much Mike For designing this great knife
http://www.ozarkcountycharacters.com/tools.htm

Gene

Some Of My New Carvings

2010-06-01T05:11:00.000-07:00

The Flat Plane Hobo

2010-04-03T08:35:00.002-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/whittler0507?feature=mhw5#p/u/29/1BMO8AvR-Wc

A Flat Plane Carving By Tim Connolly

2009-12-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

A good example of a flat plane carving by Tim Connolly .. his cuts are very good to signify the flat plane style ..

Some More Great Flat Plane From The Gang

2009-11-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

Jim Daehler ( Sailor)

Herb Johnson ( Sadie and Rufus.. Old Man

Rich 2008( Oskar And Sarah)

Pattern For The Traveling Salesman Dog

2009-11-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/whittler0507#p/u/7/O-b0ssfYHEs

Pattern For The Hand Held Cross

2009-09-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

Due to the response for the pattern for the hand held cross .. and cross with dove .. here its is .. its made from 3/4 inch thick basswood and the video is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLTj8azobV0&feature=channel_page

Who Would Have Figured It ?

2009-08-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that this is the first time I have ever seen a chainsaw flat plane figure .. but here it is and it is compliments of TwoClones ( Buth Elrod) .. What a great job and a unique piece of work .. Thanks TwoClones for your wonderful piece http://www.woodhacker.com/

My Own 10 Rules Of Carving

2009-08-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

1. No matter what you carve .. just have fun doing it .

2. Rather simple projects or masterpieces .. Carving is carving ..dont let anyone tell you else wise ..

3. Never be ashamed of your carving .. We all learn differently ..

4. There will always be someone who carves better then you no matter how good you are ... Accept that and you will enjoy it more ..

5. No matter how simple or crude your carving may be .. there will always be someone who wants it and thinks its worth owning ..

6.Always try to improve in your carving .. but give yourself time . . Rome wasnt built in a day ...

7. Always share your experience in carving with someone else .. especially a beginner ..

8.Always take the time to share with others who ask about your carvings . how and why you like to do it ..

9. Never ! Never ! be critical or demeaning to another carvers work .. constructive criticism ..yes .. but never critical .. especially a beginner ..

10. Be safe .. Be courtious.. and Be responsible as a carver .. It will benefit you later in life ..

More Members Flat Plane Carvings

2009-08-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Flat Plane Carvings Of Shimmy

The Flat Plane Carvings Of Claude

The Flat Plane Carvings Of Herb Johnson

A Very Special Carver

2009-08-12T09:47:00.001-07:00

I know this doesn't have to do with flat plane carving .. But it does have to do with character and carving .. As most of you know .. There is a special carver from Pennsylvania who not only is a wonderfiul teacher .. but the same person as well and her name is Arleen .. She is a very special lady and A wonderful carver to boot .. Arleen has given her time to teach as no other carver I have known to help us all learn this great art .. Even though she does have classes you can pay for ... her talent is vital in both fields and her you tube videos are fantastic ... This is a lady who has given so much to so many in such a short time and has done it willingly .. Her teaching is one of the best I have ever seen and her camera work of demonstration is one of a kind .. Arleen is truly one of the most giving carvers of the year and I salute her in her efforts .. Her carving is not of flat plane orgin .. but it is even more special .. it is carving from the heart of a lady who just simply loves the art and is willing to share it with everyone ..
Thank You Arleen For Your Kindness
http://www.youtube.com/user/carverswoodshop

The Wonderful Flat Plane Carvings Of Keith O. Anderson

2009-08-03T15:25:00.001-07:00

Keith O Anderson of (Anderson Woodcarvings) is a wonderful flat plane carver and his pieces demonstrate that .. Keith and his wife reside in Wisconsin ... http://webpages.charter.net/keithand/

A Quick Carving Tip For Bad Basswood

2009-08-02T12:33:00.001-07:00

We have all got it .. if you carve long enough .. you will too .. Bad Basswood .. Perhaps it seems too hard and difficult to carve .. Sometimes southern basswood is like this .. not all .. but some is ..
Well the old timers have recommended a solution mixture of 50 % Alcohol and 50 % water mixed together and spray on the piece as you carve and it softens the wood .. Well I tried it and it works .. If you have a bad piece of basswood and its just very difficult to carve .. Dont throw it away ! .. Try this first and see if you like it ..

Web Sites For Flat Plane Carvers

2009-07-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

1. Little Shavers Woodcarving Supply http://www.littleshavers.com/

2. Pine Wood Forge
http://www.pinewoodforge.com/

3. Harley Refsal Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojusZBG7fWU

4. Woodcarving Illustrated Flat Plane Forum http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/forum/f70/

Send Me Your Pictures !

2009-07-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

Urbansheepdog ( Simon)

Windsong (Vic)

Selfsitter

Robert Cahills Flat Plane Work

This site is especially dedicated to the art of flat plane carving and I want you to share your flat plane work with everyone who visits this website ..

Send me your pictures of your flat plane work and I will be happy to display them on this blog .. dont worry weather you feel your work is good enough yet or not ... We want to see your attempts at flat plane carving ..

Email me at Whittler0507@aol.com with your photos

Other Excellent Flat Plane Carvings

2009-07-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

Up Close And Personal.. The Flat Plane Face

2009-07-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Deep Cuts are a trade mark of the flat plane face .. Made almost entirely by the knife itself .. And used in the piece to give it its character ..
Gene

Can Flat Plane Carving Have Any Roundness To It ?

2009-07-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

One question Iam ask hundreds of times is this question .. Can a flat plane figure have any roundness to its shape ? .. Well lets let the masters of flat plane show us ..
Observe the three carvings below ... They are Axel Peterssons .. Sevens and Harley Refsal .. All master's of flat plane carving .. Now observe the figures closely .. Is there any roundness at all in their work .. The answer is of course there is .. look at the head of the figure in the grey suit .. doesnt his head have roundness ? Is it completely flat in nature ? No ..of course not ... Look at Axel Peterssons figure of the gentleman with the cane .. Is his hat rounded at the top ? Yes of course it is ...
So can a flat plane figure have any roundness at all ? YES ! It Can ...
The confusion lies in the term Flat Plane .. So often people associate the term with everything has to be 100 % flat .. no exceptions and thats just not true ..
Flat Plane carving is more a style of carving rather then a absolute term ... The old style carvers had access to few tools and primitive style .. and If you observe the carvings below .. you see a certain style of rough knife work that is the trademark of flat plane carvers .. The large or small flat knife cuts that create the character of the figure in the face and body alike .. And then finishes with little sanding and the knife cuts visible to the observer .. The style is the key .. not the word flat ..
So if anyone tells you .. You cant see any roundness in a flat plane carving .. Tell them the masters work tells different
Gene

Carving Back In Time !

2009-07-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Old timers .. Remember this one .. If you have been carving for for along period of time .. How could you not remember Mallet Magazine ! ... When Carving Magazine and Wood Carving Illustrated were only mind sets for their publishers .. Mallet Magazine was going strong ..
It was published for the National Carvers Museum at that time in Monument Colorado and I had the pleasure of visiting the museum in my lifetime
But unfortunately because of problems unknown .. The Museum closed and there was quite a controversy surrounding the beautiful carvings that it displayed ..
I still have quite a few remaining issues of this magazine and iam sure alot of old time carvers do too ..

A step back in time for those who remember ..

Gene

Excellent Magazines For The Flat Plane Carver

2009-07-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

Woodcarving Illustrated is a excellent carving magazine for the advanced and beginner alike .. Its articles and photos are excellent and its info on carving is a joy to any carver .. It has demonstrations , future carving events and interviews with well known professional carvers .. It is a all around must have magazine for any wood carver ..
Also WCI carries one of the finest Carving websites available to the novice and advanced carver alike .. Its message board allows the carver to view , display, and discuss all types of related carvings with beginners and professionals alike .. A excellent learning tool for any carver to have available to him or her .. ( $20.00 year) http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/

Carving Magazine is a a excellent magazine and geared to the advanced and beginning carver alike .. Its format is very professional and articles and demonstrations are by very professional and knowledgeable carvers alike .. ($ 20.00 year)
http://www.carvingmagazine.com/

Chip Chats is probably one of the oldest carving magazines around today .. It is a excellent carving magazine and published by The National Woodcarvers Association .. But geared mostly for the show of carving rather then demonstartion .. It has excellent articles and photos on Woodcarving Shows and Future Events .. It is a magazine any carver would enjoy has a subscription to ( $16.00 year) http://www.chipchats.org/

Tom Hindes .. A True Wizard Himself

2009-07-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

Anyone who subscribes to Woodcarving Illustarted Message Board is certainly familiar with with Tom H .... His wonderful little wizards and santas have graced the pages of the message board for years ..
Even though Tom doesnt consider himself a flat plane carver .. That is immaterial to what Iam about to say about this man ..
Tom 's dedication to using his talents to help the beginner carver's is unsurpassed by his layed back style and the ability to present a simple style of carving to the beginner and advanced carver alike ..
His 5 minute wizard he introduced in Woodcarving Illustrated Magazine and I had the joy to do on my carving videos . .. Was the most requested item and biggest response I ever received on my you tube message board from beginners and carvers alike .. Everyone wanted to do the 5 minute wizard ....

Tom's teaching simplicity and quick way to carve a figure in less time with minimal cuts was a joy to those who had never carved before ....
We have to understand that this simple way to carve sparked alot of newcomers interest in wanting to learn and have continued to carve today ..
To me .. it was a start for many who never believed they could learn to carve .. but found something simple that they could start off with ..
I know Tom might have never realized this .. but I believe that he is one person who has provided the key to reaching alot of beginning carvers with the basics of doing simple pieces that when finished .. Look So Darn Good !.. And that in itself is a Art !

Some Of Tom's Wonderful Noah's Arks and Great Small Treasures

Up And Coming Flat Plane Carvers

2009-07-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

Urbansheepdog ( Simon) is from Scotland and has'nt been carving long ..but as you can see..he really has got the flat plane bug .. His carving 's already show originality for a new carver .. he is carving up a storm ..and turning out some very good pieces .. He has a love for the style and I think is becoming a wonderful flat plane carver as he is already demonstrating ..

Up And Coming Flat Plane Carvers

2009-07-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

Kaypee ( Ken ) is slowly becoming a wonderful minature flat plane carver and his work shows it ..His cuts and originality is a delight to see and he is a newcomer to flat plane .. but definately will be a great one as time progresses ..

Up And Coming Flat Plane Carvers

2009-07-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

Windsong (Vic) is a personal friend of mine and we have been messaging on WCI for years .. His flat plane carvings are a delight to me and I know will be to you also .. He is a wonderful fellow and a good flat plane carver as you will see from his work ..

Examples Of Some My Flat Plane Carvings

2009-07-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Good Power Sharpening Devices For The Flat Plane Carver

2009-07-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

If you ask woodcarvers what is the best sharpening system .. you better sit down and get ready to hear the opinions fly .. To me .. the best sharpening system for you is what suits you best for your specific purpose .. If you are only using basically a knife .. maybe just some stones and a strop is all you need .. Some carvers have a variety of tools ..large and small that they must use power systems to sharpen with .. Whatever fits your circumstances .. Iam not familiar with what you have .. But whatever it is .. Buying the right sharpening system takes homework and perhaps trying a demo .. There is no perfect sharpening system that works without trial and error on the part of the carver in using it and thats the key .. So before investing in a power sharpening system .. Do Your Homework And Investigate !

I personally love the Ultimate Sharpener by Chipping Away because I love the belt stropping system it has .. It is perfect for my Ron Wells knives and I love it .. But it doesnt mean its what you should use .. Take your time and most all sharpeners have demo videos on you tube and those who sell them .. I for one has seen carvers with the John Burke system and they absolutely love it .. It is a excellent system .. But I didnt choose that one ... I got one that fit my desire and needs .. Remeber .. only you yourself can decide what system works best for you and please ! please ! take your time before investing hundreds of dollars in a power sharpening system that you find out later you dont like ..
Gene

A Special Note To Beginners : I do not recommned beginners invest in a power sharpening system until they learn first how to sharpen their tools with a a sharpening system such as stones , sand paper , or strops .... You can make a cheaper sharpening system with a drill and sand paper without spending so much money until you learn how to sharpen .. Arleen in her wonderful carving videos on you tube shows you how to make one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIZpF2OdkW8&feature=related So until you learn the basics of sharpening .. Dont yet invest in a expensive sharpening system .. Also Rick at Little Shavers Woodcarving has a sharpening service for beginners and will sharpen your tools for a small price ... Check him out .. I hear he is fantastic ..
Gene

The Ultimate Sharpener By Chipping Away ( $242.00)
The Carve Sharp ($300.00) Work Sharp ($200.00)

The John Burke Sharpener ($385.00)

The Tomek Sharpener ( $600.00)

Good Sealers And Finishes For Your Carving

2009-07-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

If you ask 100 carvers what the best finish is .. you would probably get 100 answers .. So here are a few good finishes for sealing your carving .. I personally like the Deft Wood Finish .. Maybe because I have used it since a young man and it has always worked well for me or maybe because Iam just lazy and its quicker to use a spray .. Who Knows !

Safety Cautions : I recommend with any spray ..use a dust mask to keep from inhaleing fumes ..

My Antiqueing Solution

2009-07-15T08:27:00.001-07:00

One of my most ask questions is how I personally make the antiqueing solution I use on my carvings . There are different ways different carvers do it .. all are probably excellent .. But I will show you what works for me ...

The mixture is as follows
1. 1 QUART OF BOILED LINSEED OIL ( MOST HARDWARE STORES HAVE THIS )
2. 1/2 QUART OF MINERAL SPIRITS ( MOST HARDWARE STORES HAVE THIS )
3. 1/2 TUBE OF BURNT UMBER OIL ARTIST OIL PAINT ( HOOBY LOBBY CARRIES THIS OR ARTIST SUPPLY)
4.MIX THE SOLUTION TOGETHER IN A LARGE ENOUGH PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH A LID ON IT (WALMART HAS THESE)
5. AFTER CARVING AND PAINTING .. DIP THE CARVING IN THE SOLUTION AND AFTER 5 MINUTES .. WIPE DOWN WITH A CLEAN CLOTH OR PAPER TOWEL ..
6. LET DRY AND GIVE CARVING A COAT OF DEFT WOOD FINISH

SAFETY CONCERNS

1. ALWAYS WEAR SOME TYPE OF PLASTIC OR RUBBER GLOVES WHEN HANDLING ANTIQUEING SOLUTION ( MINERAL SPIRITS CAN SOAK INTO THE SKIN)
2. ALWAYS DISCARD WIPE DOWN PAPER TOWELS OR CLEAN CLOTHS IN WATER OR COOL AREAS ... BOILED LINSEED OIL IS HIGHLY FALMMABLE AND CAN IGNITE IF RAGS OR PAPER TOWELS ARE LEFT TOO CLOSE TO HEAT ..
3. NEVER ,, NEVER STORE PLASTIC CONTAINER OF ANTIQUEING SOLUTION NEAR OPEN FLAMES OR HOT WATER HEATER'S .. ANYTHING THAT COULD IGNITE IT ..
4.ALWAYS KEEP THE LID ON THE ANTIQUEING SOLUTION CONTAINER

Excellent Books And Videos For The Flat Plane Carver

2009-07-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

The Best Flat Plane Carvers Of Our Times

2009-07-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

Harley Refsal (1900's to 2000)

Andy Anderson (1900's)

Emil Janel (1900's)

The Trygg Family

C.O. Trygg

C.J. Trygg

Lars Trygg

Axel Petersson Doderhultarn (1868)

The Debate Over Using A Carving Glove

2009-07-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

The safety of any carver must lie in those who teach when showing how.... and I feel most teachers of carving do practice safety in their teaching ..
But not all teachers use carving gloves and I think its a matter of choice ... I myself choose to teach with a carving glove .. but mostly carve off camera with out one ..
But I will say this to all beginning carvers ! .. Please .. Please do not carve without a carving glove ! Their made for a reason and any carver who has not been carving a long time and has not mastered total control over the knife should wear a carving glove !
I know there are alot of teachers that dont teach with them .. But most all will tell you to use them in their instruction ..
Over the years many long time carvers have learn to comfortably carve with out a glove and know how to hold the piece .. keep the knife in proper position and the carving glove is a restriction to them .. but they all knew how important the carving glove was at first and tell you so ..

So please unless you are a experienced carver .. never .. never carve with out a carving glove ..

Gene

Excellent Woodcarving Knives For Flat Plane Work

2009-07-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

This is of course the Ron Wells Knife ..my favorite knife for flat plane work that I use constantly .. The reason I like this knife is because I like the handle and the thinness of the blade .. I can make thin flat cuts on my figures .. It's blade once sharpen .. stays sharp with stropping every once in awhile .... I use the 1 3/8 inch detail blade and they also make the knife in larger sizes ..
Note : Ron Wells ..due to illness no longer makes this knife .. but it is made by Mike Shipley and is still a fine knife .. Mike has used it for years to do his great carvings ..( Little Shavers $24.00)
The Harley Refsal Knife is a good knife for flat plane work ..I have never used one .. but if the old master uses it .. it must be good ( Pinewood Forge...$34.00)

The Denny knife is a excellent knife for flat plane and very durable .It has good steel and the handle is comfortable .. (Little Shavers $20.00)

The Murphy Knife is a good flat plane and beginners knife for its price and durability .. The handle isnt as comfortable to some carvers (Little Shavers $13.00)

The Flex Cut Knives are good for flat plane .. but the blade are a little thick .. The Plam v tools and gouges are excellent for flat plane work and highly recommended.. (Little shavers..$20.00)

The Extraordinary Flat Plane Work Of Hyung Jun Yong

2009-07-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

There are alot of flat plane carvers ... Harley Refsal , Emil Janel , The Trygg Family ... But I feel one of the most extraordinary flat plane carvers of today is a man who lives in Soth Korea by the name of Hyung Jun Yong .. Hyung 's carvings reflect the artistry of true sculpture mixed with the flat plane style of carving ... His work is truly a amazing site to look at and the artistry of his cuts are superb .. These pictures simply tell the story .. Hyung had only been carving about 2 years when he did these pieces ... What extraordinary talent this man has ... A mixture of flat plane artistry in his own native surroundings .. Hyung.. I believe is one of the best to come along in this era and I hope you enjoy his wonderful work .. I honor his talent and Am fortunate enough to call him a friend ..
Gene The Whistle Man
Memories Of My Childhood

The Painters

Excellent Carving Woods For The Flat Plane Carver

2009-07-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Basswood is of course the all around best carving wood for the flat plane and most carvers .. It is readily available and takes detail well ... The price is reasonable and you can usually obtain it in the size you wish from most carving supplies http://www.heineckewood.com/

Jeltuong is a excellent carving wood from Mylasia .. but often times hard to get and can also be quite pricy ... http://www.freemansupply.com/Jelutong.htm

http://www.fandfwoodcarving.com/butnut-blks.htm

Butternut is a softer wood of the walnut family .. excellent to carve .. but a bit pricy at times

A Texas Flat Plane Carvers Whittling Knife !

2009-07-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

A Gift From God

2009-07-13T19:44:00.001-07:00

Even though I have been carving for 15 years .. I will never forget who gave me the ability to learn this wonderful hobby ...

Who gave me the mind to learn ?

Who gave me the hands to carve ?

Who gave me the eyes to see ?

Who gave me the heart to press on ?

Who gave me the talent to enjoy ?

Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ

Thats Who ?

Let all of us never forget that ..

The You Tube Project : The Dog And The Coon

2009-07-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Flat Plane Carvers Tools

2009-07-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

The Ron Wells Carving Knife and The Flex Cut V Tool With a Carrying Box

Burying Ole Clem !

2009-07-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Can You Identify The Man Who Ate Your BlueBerry Pie Mrs. Figgin ?

2009-07-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

Thank God Its Friday !

2009-07-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Shotgun Wedding

2009-07-13T16:16:00.001-07:00

My Latest You Tube Project

2009-07-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

Carving The Caricature Fisherman

What Is Flat Plane Carving ?

2009-07-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Flat Plane Carving is the old style carving of the european carvers of the 1800 and 1900 "s .. It is the way old figure carvers use to using basically only a knife would carve their figures and leave the knife cuts showing ..

One of the leading flat plane carvers of today is Harley Refsal and he is a expert on the subject and has several teaching videos and books on the subject ..

I also have teacing videos myself on you tube a
http://www.youtube.com/user/whittler0507

I hope you enjoy the site

Gene

Carving A Flat Plane Face On A Golf Ball

2009-07-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

A Example Of The Steps In Carving A Flat Plane Figure"s Face

2009-07-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

Examples Of European Flat Plane Carvers

2009-07-08T18:38:00.000-07:00