Former chainsaw woodcarver looking for a new hobby

[ChainsawCritters]

I am a Chainsaw carver that has just went through a triple bypass and can't carve wood anymore, so need to get into something to carve. I have chose leather, but like all hobbies, I need to get some learnen. LOL

I need to find out what tools to use first on the cuts then how to feather, or shadow or what ever you call it . Can I get any help with this? Thanks in advance. Ed

[Tom Katzke]

I am a Chainsaw carver that has just went through a triple bypass and can't carve wood anymore, so need to get into something to carve. I have chose leather, but like all hobbies, I need to get some learnen. LOL

I need to find out what tools to use first on the cuts then how to feather, or shadow or what ever you call it . Can I get any help with this? Thanks in advance. Ed

Ed, there is a bit of a difference. You can, with some work, do 3-D leather work like you did in Chain Saw work. One advantage is you do not have to work around defects in the material as with wood. I have seen brands, tic marks and a few other things but I have never seen a knot hole in leather yet.

As far as what tools to use and in what order that is up to the individual. I suggest you get a few books to look at or visit a local leather supplier that deals with hobbyists. One book that will serve you well is Leathercraft Tools by Al Stohlman. If you want to continue doing figure work then I suggest Pictorial Carving and Figure Carving Finesse also by Al Stohlman.

If you do not have a leather supplier near you then I suggest Hide Crafter in either Fort Worth or Denver. You can find them on line at www.hidecrafter.com. They have the best tools in my opinion and they also have created many videos as well as pattern packs. They will have the 3 books I suggested.

I have attached a picture of one of my Wife's projects. It is the only one I could find on my computer.

If you have any more questions please ask.

Tom Katzke

Central Oregon

[ChainsawCritters]

Ed, there is a bit of a difference. You can, with some work, do 3-D leather work like you did in Chain Saw work. One advantage is you do not have to work around defects in the material as with wood. I have seen brands, tic marks and a few other things but I have never seen a knot hole in leather yet.

As far as what tools to use and in what order that is up to the individual. I suggest you get a few books to look at or visit a local leather supplier that deals with hobbyists. One book that will serve you well is Leathercraft Tools by Al Stohlman. If you want to continue doing figure work then I suggest Pictorial Carving and Figure Carving Finesse also by Al Stohlman.

If you do not have a leather supplier near you then I suggest Hide Crafter in either Fort Worth or Denver. You can find them on line at www.hidecrafter.com. They have the best tools in my opinion and they also have created many videos as well as pattern packs. They will have the 3 books I suggested.

I have attached a picture of one of my Wife's projects. It is the only one I could find on my computer.

If you have any more questions please ask.

Tom Katzke

Central Oregon

Thanks Tom I will get those books and start on my way to doing 3-D leather work. The mallaet and tools wont jar my chest like the chainsaw did. I hope to do good in this, as it has had my att. for some time now. Ed

[Johanna]

There is a man in our area who does chainsaw carving at fairs and festivals, and I cannot remember his name for the life of me, but he always draws a crowd of spectators. I am amazed at how he knows what NOT to cut away. Just like in music, where the notes you don't play matter just as much as the ones you do, carving leather or wood is the same way. You already understand texture and depth, so switching mediums is just a matter of mechanics, not aesthetics. During my years as a Tandy manager, I noticed that people who had already worked with clay or wood or other three dimensional media easily picked up leatherwork, compared to "painters".

One difference you will note is that wet leather can be formed (molded) and I've yet to see anyone do that with a log. As you experiment, you will figure out what works best for you, and you will develop your own style. For carving basics, you can't go wrong with an Al Stohlman book. His book "Leathercraft Tools" details care and use of all the regular tools of the art.

What geographical area are you from? There may be a leather guild near you, and that would be a great opportunity to learn a little more and make some new friends. If you are anywhere near Pittsburgh, Pa, there is a show coming up in October that will knock your socks off, if you can attend. I know this is a leather forum, but I would bet everyone here would love to see pics of your chainsaw carving, if you're willing to share. Welcome to the forum- glad you are here!

Johanna

[Gregory B. Moody]

I always suggest Al Stohlman's book " Belts Galore" as the best , cheapest , first book in anyone's leathercrafting library. It also has the advantage of showing how fo make a product which has a good chance of making money for the crafter... to help pay for more tools.... since most people need at least one belt... and when they are using it they are ' walking advertizements' for your craftiness... Greg