Hand Carving a Longrifle

[Jim Kibler]

Who says I don’t promote hand work!

[Bill Raby]

I love it! The video does a good job showing that carving is not all that hard. A simple design like that can be done by just about anyone.

[HSmithTX]

Thanks for doing that video Jim!

[Dwshotwell]

This is a very good tutorial. I particularly appreciated the discussion of reading the grain and fixing wonky lines. When the pros make videos the work often seems perfect, and it’s great to see Jim cleaning up his lines, dealing with tear out, and changing grain patterns.

[PK1979]

Dwshotwell - exactly my thoughts. As a beginner, I find it extremely helpful to watch the whole process in real-time, *especially* when things don't go perfect. The ability to recognize a developing issue and adjust accordingly is what usually takes hands-on experience to develop, and learning/viewing someone else's process has been a great shortcut for me. I also appreciate that Mr. Kibler talks us through the entire session. It's not always easy to narrate work as you're doing it, even with an expert/mastery-level internal understanding of it, but it really increases the value of the video (Mr Raby's video series are another nice example of this, I might add...).

[Beaverman]

Thanks for the tutorial, well done. I have enjoyed them all!

[Whitewalls]

Jim makes it look so easy. Like Bob Ross painting a few happy trees. Unfortunately the trees don't look so happy when I paint them. I know my limitations and therefore I cannot imagine ever taking chisels to a gun stock.

[Steeltrap]

I love it! The video does a good job showing that carving is not all that hard. A simple design like that can be done by just about anyone.

;

Note the words “just about”. 

[Bill Raby]

Anyone capable of building a gun is also capable of carving it with a little practice. Carve your design on a board a few times until you get it right then do it on a gun. It's sad how many people give up before they even give it a try.

[Dwshotwell]

For me the key was learning that I actually enjoy the practice work / process. Treat the practice work as fun with low expectations to start out and like most things you'll see improvement. That, and has been said a million times on this forum in as many different contexts, study originals and get a feel for how things should flow. Also, practicing drawing scroll work etc. with pencil and paper - it's become my new favorite form of doodling during work meetings. There are really good how - to draw - acanthus leaves etc. videos out there on You Tube these days.

[t.caster]

So that's how you use those long bladed chisels, eh? I have a set I tried, but never got comfortable with. Might try tapping with a hammer now, like engraving.

[Jim Kibler]

So that's how you use those long bladed chisels, eh? I have a set I tried, but never got comfortable with. Might try tapping with a hammer now, like engraving.

I usually tap a v-tool.  For me it's easier and much like engraving.  The chisel I just push by hand.

Jim

[elkhorne]

Jim,
Very nice work, you are a true artisan. I like how you use the small Vee tool to outline the elements of your pattern. If I am not badly mistaken, that is how the late Homer Dangler carved. I remember in one of his videos, he explained how he had studied Beck’s work and he felt Beck executed his carving the same way. The only big difference was that Homer used a fairly large Vee versus your much smaller one. It seems to me that the smaller one would be much easier to see and control. We appreciate your time to do the video as it motivates many of us to jump into practicing our carving skills. Thanks again.
elkhorne

[TDM]

Jim, the video is great. But I may have to watch it a dozen or so times for it to sink in. Kinda hitting a wall right now with my carving.

[Mike Brooks]

So that's how you use those long bladed chisels, eh? I have a set I tried, but never got comfortable with. Might try tapping with a hammer now, like engraving.

I usually tap a v-tool.  For me it's easier and much like engraving.  The chisel I just push by hand.

Jim

Me too. No control pushing the V tool. Skid outs are common while pushing.

[Bigmon]

This is a greatly appreciated and needed video.  Everything I do is just sort of self taught and imagined?  The video shows me what I do right or wrong.
The whole time I was watching this I was just amazed at how sharp the tools were.
I think this is the first thing one needs, and where I am usually lacking.  And I see others work that shows me they are not getting their tools sharp.
How about someone that really knows how, to do a short basic video on how to sharpen a chisel or especially a V gouge.  And of course the scoop shape.??
I have all these of decent quality, but have a hard time getting a good edge on them.
Thanks for the great video

[LynnC]

I enjoyed every minute and learned quite a bit. C scrolls next!  Thanks to Jim for the carving 101.

[Jim Kibler]

I'm really pleased that so many have found this little video useful.  Thanks guys!

[Tim Crosby]

This is a greatly appreciated and needed video.  Everything I do is just sort of self taught and imagined?  The video shows me what I do right or wrong.
The whole time I was watching this I was just amazed at how sharp the tools were.
I think this is the first thing one needs, and where I am usually lacking.  And I see others work that shows me they are not getting their tools sharp.
How about someone that really knows how, to do a short basic video on how to sharpen a chisel or especially a V gouge.  And of course the scoop shape.??
I have all these of decent quality, but have a hard time getting a good edge on them.
Thanks for the great video

  See if this helps: https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=11.msg20#msg20

[AZshot]

How nice it is to watch and learn. 

[Jim Kibler]

I'd also like to say that much of the credit on this video should be given to Katherine who did the editing.  I'm not always  the most cooperative video subject and it took a LOT of work on her part putting the footage together.  Not sure of all the tricks she used, but it took quite a bit.  I need to slow down, and move / talk appropriately for a video, but it's really hard for me to do.

We have another video on finishing a longrifle partially completed and have ideas for more as well.  Thanks again!

Jim

[Beaverman]

I'd also like to say that much of the credit on this video should be given to Katherine who did the editing.  I'm not always  the most cooperative video subject and it took a LOT of work on her part putting the footage together.  Not sure of all the tricks she used, but it took quite a bit.  I need to slow down, and move / talk appropriately for a video, but it's really hard for me to do.

We have another video on finishing a longrifle partially completed and have ideas for more as well.  Thanks again!

Jim

Agreed! kudos the Katherine as the shooting with correct lighting, sound and editing is 90% of the videos creation and she does an excellent job!, you need to give her a raise!