I am completely enthralled with the fan birds. I have done some carvings (miniature shoes, wooden chains, etc) but have never tried the birds. I live in Northwest West Virginia (Vienna). White pine and oak is in abundance here so I was wondering if it may work. I am not sure if I can do the birds but I am excited to try. I am nervous about trying the riving, that seems like the most difficult part to me. Thanks for your blog, I really enjoy it.
Gene Connor
Hi Gene, Thanks for looking at my blog. Don’t be afraid to give fancarving a try. I would start with just carving a simple fan. Here is a link to the the Woodwright’s Shop with Roy Underhill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHHqe_jdO2Y
This is where I saw fan carving for the first time. I believe the white pine would work just fine, but not oak (too hard). any wood that has straight grain and strong fibers. Like I said, just try it. I did, my first fan was not pretty. I will have to post it on my blog sometime.
Remember, when riving, you want to split, not cut. Good luck. Search youtube for fan carving. There are other videos out there that could provide more information for you.
Thanks, Tony
Tony's Fan Carving 
I am completely enthralled with the fan birds. I have done some carvings (miniature shoes, wooden chains, etc) but have never tried the birds. I live in Northwest West Virginia (Vienna). White pine and oak is in abundance here so I was wondering if it may work. I am not sure if I can do the birds but I am excited to try. I am nervous about trying the riving, that seems like the most difficult part to me. Thanks for your blog, I really enjoy it.
Gene Connor
Hi Gene, Thanks for looking at my blog. Don’t be afraid to give fancarving a try. I would start with just carving a simple fan. Here is a link to the the Woodwright’s Shop with Roy Underhill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHHqe_jdO2Y
This is where I saw fan carving for the first time. I believe the white pine would work just fine, but not oak (too hard). any wood that has straight grain and strong fibers. Like I said, just try it. I did, my first fan was not pretty. I will have to post it on my blog sometime.
Remember, when riving, you want to split, not cut. Good luck. Search youtube for fan carving. There are other videos out there that could provide more information for you.
Thanks, Tony