6 Fundamental Rules Every Beginning Wood Carver Should Know (Relief Carving Tutorial)

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Mary May Woodcarving courses: www.marymaycarving.com/carvin...
4 Things to get you started in relief carving (The video referred to in the introduction of this video)- • 4 Things to Get You St...

[@OneKindWord]

fundamental rules of relief carving 1:33 first - never cut into unsupported fibers 2:53 second - my edge is a wedge 5:06 third - your gouge is not a lever 5:46 fourth - visualize your design in 3D 7:26 fifth - do what comes naturally 8:11 sixth - be prepared to screw up

[@lilcicero77]

OneKindWord very thoughtful thank you

[@lightningaxe28]

@@lilcicero77 yah I agree

[@simonhopkins3867]

is it just me or was this video really relaxing.

[@foxxyrocker82]

I'm glad it's not just me, lol. Totally relaxing.

[@longwhistler]

It is totally relaxing.

[@hmax1591]

The gentleman's smooth voice and relaxed tone was a contributing factor.

[@dentongamble8150]

Yeah, I’m waking up and realizing it is auto playing the next video 😂

[@user-jm3ot6qc8b]

Много пиздиш

[@patricklenz699]

This is very helpful to someone like me that has no idea what's going on

[@StumpyNubs]

That's my target audience! :)

[@WigWagWorkshop]

You have an amazing way of explaining the carving process. Your tutorials are easy to understand, and follow along with. They also do not overwhelm the beginner, which keeps one from getting frustrated. Wishing the best to you and yours! -Steven

[@CarpeDMPhoto]

Your straw analogy is AMAZING. This will really help me to visualize how and where to cut.

[@wolflahti412]

This brief video offers guidelines I have never seen in the many woodcarving tomes I have read. Good on ya.

[@sethgarcia8028]

Just wanted to thank u bro. I’ve gotten back into wood working lately n found a new love for it n your videos have a lot to do with that. My whole life my dad has owned a log furniture company. I got kinda burnt out but I found your videos n it got me interested in power carving relief carving dovetails n after that I just always appreciate your tips. Thanx again

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

I've enjoyed many of your vids and always enjoy your work along with the subtle humor. Great job on this one. Good teaching of the basics. I got into relief carving about a year ago and guess who's fault it was. Mary May! I watched her videos, some more than once. I spent the last year learning the tools I needed and how they react to the wood. You just explained what I learned by doing for the better part of that year. I just sat here and smiled. You put it so plainly and easy to understand. I finally, after carving a lot of names etc. just to practice, had collected a dozen or so chisels and gouges as I needed them. I then needed a case to carry them in. I built one, and in the end decided to carve my Bird logo on the front. It would be my first keeper carving. No pressure there lol! My latest video shows how I built it and it turned out better than I expected. I have fallen in love with carving!! Second only to music. I would encourage anyone with any desire at all to carve to just try it. It's fun and calming and your results will surprise you. Just start simple. Again though, I always enjoy your vids! It's time for a cold one my friend. You deserve it!!

[@miltonmcpherson411]

Thanks for the lesson. I am retired as a Graphic artist but I still do paintings in acrylics. i regret not seeing yours or having any instructions on carving in my life until this morning. I have tried to do wooden relief carving four or five times during the past fifty years. i really wish I had help before especially since visiting Florence Italy.

[@dionh70]

I have long wanted but never actually spent the time to learn how to do this, and this video was extremely educational. Thank you for putting it up. I have a small design that I want to carve, only a couple of inches across, but I had zero confidence that I could do it before watching just this video.

[@paulsmall5200]

This is one of the better instructions I have watched so far. Very informative

[@billfromelma]

Hey James, I can see you must have paid attention when Mary was teaching : ) great job. Going to stay tuned, I need all the help I can get.

[@petethewoodservant2481]

Loved the brilliant clarity of what you were getting across. Especially your comments on mistakes. My master when I was learning more than fifty years ago (Oh hell) Said to me the old adage 'He who never makes a mistake never makes anything.' So, by definition 'The more you make, the more mistakes you're going to make.' And believe me, I'm still making loads. Mistakes that is.

[@akirak1871]

It's great advice in the woodshop as well as in real life :)

[@Crasus1968]

Loved the video! So much info without droning on. Very informative! Thank you!

[@AnttiNannimus1]

Very nice, useful, and well-demonstrated tutorial summary, Stumpy, and thanks for giving Mary May her due credit as well. She credits her own teachers too. You should probably also add fundamental number zero, which is to always think about where that slicy-stabby blade will go when it slips (as it inevitably will), and keep your hands the hell out of there, so your nubs don't get stumpy.

[@pteddie6965]

What a great and informative video. As an absolute beginner, I've found this video to be quite helpful. You have a knack for explanation that really helps me follow your instruction. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.

[@gilliandavies3024]

this is the very best "How to" video I have ever seen. I love this man, he is gorgeous and quick and succinct and happy! Thank you Stumpy Nubs you are the best! As an art /craft teacher (retired) of many years and. beginner woodworker I can honestly say that I was going to give up until I saw this simple effective and amazingly good feeling video. You are a gem! thank you! I am off to buy a few basic tools.. I have my panel of beech wood for a major first carving!

[@tipsybo]

This is a great video to understand how to start carving. I really love your great explanations and the attention you pay to significant details. Your videos stand out because of this- great work thanks!!!

[@user-wj9rv4sz4g]

loved that you explained more about the woodworking but so many words i dont know, im going to start woodworking when we move to the new house. looking forward to trying it out!

[@designsbyphilip510]

Very nice advice on starting carving. These are the basics I will need when I try my first carving.

[@susangoodman2611]

This is a wonderful video. Thank you. I have done lots of carving...all on pine, nightmare wood for splitting, and not knowing the whys or wherefores...hahah I am so ready for knowledge to move me forward.

[@jbb5470]

Great video Stumpy! I have been wanting to give carving a try and you have presented it in a way I believe I can attempt! Thanks again

[@asmith7876]

Yet another stellar video, years old, that I haven’t seen from this guy…what can’t he do? I’ve done some wood carving, I always say you think you know what something looks like until you try to carve one! Whether a cat or the human face, it helps to have a model or picture to look at. Great video.

[@NMranchhand]

James, This video well displays your true talent, which as a presenter of information. I watch a lot of videos by artists and, we all know, organization is not their strong suit. Here you have digested ephemeral information and repackaged it for all consumers. Good job!

[@GoFyouSelfGrandma]

Great video!!!!!! You are an awesome teacher and illuminated the right points perfectly. Big fan now 👏

[@quotza]

I have bought all the chisels and some carving blanks and watched dozens of vids on yt. been a carver in my head for about a year.Been delaying starting in reality,yesterday decided to have a go. Got a limewood blank and carved a green man design from a google image I found.Very difficult.All the stuff you pointed out regarding grain , stop cuts etc now make so much sense.Great video , easier to understand now I tried. I dragged my attempt out of the cupboard this morning and it looks like the work of a two year old. May go back to being a carver in my head. Renewed respect for people who can do this, it all looks so easy when you watch a vid . I am going to continue learning the art and try to develop some skills . Many thanks Mr Stumpy ,great instructional video and very inspiring. Love your wine box project.

[@StumpyNubs]

The finest classical carver I know showed her first work, and it looked like it was made by a two year old too. But each project got a little bit better until she was a world class carver. Keep at it.

[@TheSevenJr86]

Did you give up? Surely hope you didn't. I started by whittling a fork and knife for my daughter to practice different cuts. Now I'm doing my initial to practice with gouges. If anything, it's still relaxing to make chips!

[@bluecobra6294]

Amazingly informative presentation, that’s how it’s done. Thankyou so much

[@tompritch56]

Good tips and great way to explain grain direction with the straws.

[@carvingthecottonwood]

Excellent description of grain and how to work with it... nice job!

[@Edenschmedennn]

You are the man for posting this video. THANK YOU!

[@ictshawntechguy1154]

I finally found a channel that has everything Im Looking for.i did woodworking in middle school but been building up my tools lately. Haven't used this stuff in years my main thing was measuring for accuracy. Love woodworking

[@ictshawntechguy1154]

I'm looking to make garden stuff and stuff for house plants. Good market I have a question I have a motebo 12in it says to calibrate it the first cut you have to cut the metal blade some. Am I freaking out about how serious I need to be on that cut I'm a newbie?

[@animeclips7232]

Stumpy Nubs always comes up with the best .

[@curiousgeorge555]

Extremely well explained. The diagrams were golden.

[@rediempti]

Great. Its true you should not be discouraged by the mistakes.

[@torikilgore5568]

This was super straightforward and helpful--thank you!!

[@norm1124]

Thank you for this great primer.

[@antonmoric1469]

Very nice set of fundamental rules. Thanks!

[@cathalodiubhain5739]

Excellent video, very informative and educational. Thanks for posting..

[@timschunk]

Awesome and concise - very well done Sir.

[@tonybruno9897]

AWESOME! Very easy to understand! Thanks!!

[@icespeckledhens]

Very good tutorial for those starting out

[@HillCountryPrepper]

Good pointers. You make it look do-able. Thanks!!

[@majeedahmad5070]

I hope so your videos are more help full for me. Thanks

[@adrianmonteforte721]

Mesmerizing and extremely well explained, subbed 💝

[@548528]

Excellent! I look forward to working with you.

[@staycalmandrelaxed5724]

I started just making letter openers out of Popsicle sticks it seems to work well to draw a few designs and carve around them but i never used a thicker peace of wood.

[@rayswoodshop4467]

As always, love your vids Stumpy.

[@yejiz_nuts]

thank you super helpful! especially those animations

[@maheshchauhan9290]

Nicely explained and shown.

[@hmax1591]

Excellent video and lesson.

[@tomseymour9925]

Very well done, clear and informative presentation. Thanks! Go Wings! (Next year!)

[@staceyk3908]

Thank you. So want to start carving so eventually can carve a wooden door and a pocket door, add stained glass and make it special.

[@ecrusch]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@creativeline03]

Thanks for sharing . great help for beginners.

[@jennymossa9492]

Thank you for this video!

[@jonathanbrown4465]

useful and informative video, thanks.

[@robertsoncletokoerner7012]

Parabéns...uma maravilha o seu entalhe.

[@larsturner310]

Thanks for doing this video.

[@majeedahmad5070]

Hi. Your job is very good.

[@ClevesBackyardWoodworking]

Great video for carving tips!

[@misaelcervantes2801]

Thanks man!! It´s very helpful!

[@meshugunner]

Great video. Thanks.

[@youremybiggestfan]

Thanks for the tips mate

[@percybechtold1567]

Great video! Thank you so much!

[@charlesyoung4744]

good practical basic info--thanks

[@WoodworkingVideos]

So.helpful video for beginners!

[@strange-universe]

good sensible stuff, thanks!

[@khivawoodcarving8849]

were very beautiful flowers🌺🌺🌺👍👍👍

[@josepinho8968]

Congratulations about the cut of the direction of the fibres of the wood

[@karinmarsi-williams8510]

Excellent thank you..😀

[@dcg19800]

Fantastic video

[@roberthead3930]

Thank you!

[@davidhadley370]

Thank you.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Great tips, and demonstration. Thanks, sub'd.

[@the430movie]

Probably the biggest take is grain direction when pushing your knife/chisel/gouge. Tear will almost always inevitably occur. Some woods are more forgiving than others, and some woods are much better for details and carving than others. It depends on your comfort zone in which you eventually find after carving and trying different woods. You get there with experience. While teaching is the know, it is experience that is the understand of life! Not everything you learn will get you through life, but by experiencing through trial, you will understand just what works best for you!

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

James, it helps when you have a bit of skill as an artist. 2 D looking like 3 D. Nice tutorial sir!

[@Phoenix-One0922]

Now... These tips and techniques do deserve a standing Ovation!!! Bravo Mr. Stumpy! (You have cute chicks...)

[@sofianebenhadj60]

very very very good of job

[@TheGraingirl]

Wonderful xx

[@KINDIRBUDS]

Thanks!

[@elizabethmorgan2513]

Can you please tell me what tools I should buy to do something like this? I did wood carving years ago but don’t hav any tools anymore. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you. Love your instruction. Excellent!!!!

[@TheGuyWithWifi]

first time a youtube video's animated intro has impressed me

[@IDVDalot]

thank you

[@chinh101]

Jesus christ- every subject I looked up, you are a part of it!

[@xariotesla9310]

Gr8 video Stumpy Nubs.... Have you worked with coconut wood or sapodilla wood?

[@ejicon3099]

You forgot to show the viewers what to do to smooth out and blend the carving into the rest of the panel. Is it just sanding, planing or more carving? Great video by the way.

[@qturn4726]

Nice video

[@rachaelcarroll8718]

Your video was so helpful I copied what you did every step of the way but the design did not come out as good as yours then I realised the gauge sizes were totally wrong, I used 6mm to outline, 7.14 3.14 and 7 12 only I noticed you only used a few as well what sizes do you use please thank you

[@dhenzparcotila4173]

Wow great job, i like wood working, maybe someday i am famous wood working man in the Philippines thanks for sharing this video, watching this 20 Aug 18 this is why we support PDU30admin 4life 4danext generation!

[@krashunburn]

James, I might suggest that you stress at the beginning of all of your carving videos the single most important and very first skill anyone interested in woodworking in all of its forms needs to learn- how to sharpen and maintain their tools. I know you have done videos on it, but it is still very much worth while stressing all the time, because as we both know there is nothing more dangerous to the novice carver than an almost sharp blade or gouge/chisel. Your viewers will thank you as will their fingers! After all, every time you teach about power tools you stress safety glasses, etc, right?

[@SPRINgERBELL]

Hello +StumpyNubs, not sure if you've covered this, but I can't seem to find any good video's on carving teeth, especially- even more so carving teeth for skeletons. Been carving for a little while now, but I'm finally onto a much larger more in depth project. Any information or links would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again for your advice and knowledge and spreading it!

[@grgabby]

thanks

[@Xyienced]

good stuff

[@ramirocruzado9368]

what is it better for carving? green wood or seasoned?

[@bkjackson8092]

Does anybody know where I can get good advice for a beginner carver in an urban setting? Meaning, I live in an apartment, no shop & am looking for advice on best type of clamp to use on an indoor table, tips for that work environment, such as managing debris, etc. If you could point me in the right direction I'd be grateful. Zero prior experience but dying to try it.

[@angaaronstv8721]

damnn the best tutorial i ever watch nice sir.

[@aussiegrace]

Would be really AWESOME if you would talk about using woods that are accessible to people ALL over the world who DON'T have access to your soft woods like basswood or butternut. (butternut is a summer squash lol) What should AUSTRALIANS use when starting carving?

[@Tina_K]

I learned something! Thank you! Do you have suggestions on which sort of wood to avoid as a beginner?

[@StumpyNubs]

As a beginner, I would stick with basswood. It's soft and the fine grain is less likely to tear and splinter. You can get it in small/medium sized pieces online.

[@Tina_K]

@@StumpyNubs thank you very much!

[@kiyokonanni4084]

I found your video on the fundamental rules of woodcarving very helpful. Thank you, as I have just started a week ago to do some Mokuhanga woodblock printing, startingn= with carving. I find it very difficult to carve against the grain of the wood, which happens, when your design covers both areas of with and against the grain. Any suggestions?

[@StumpyNubs]

Take sideways strokes across the grain

[@kiyokonanni4084]

@@StumpyNubs Thank you!

[@suecollins3246]

I watch a lot of UP Wood Art - lovely, but he only talks in Hindi so I don't understand. But still lovely to watch.