Tony Gonzalez
Michigan
Bio: I am a novice woodworker that dables in wood carving. My most recent addiction is wood fan carving. More specifically, wood fan bird carving. It all started when I saw Glen Van Antwerp (a fellow Michigander) on the Woodwright's Workshop displaying his talents. I was hooked ever since. The ideal wood to use is Northern White Cedar. Unfortuneately, that species is not abundant in the Detroit metro area. I have been experimenting and finding that Western Red Cedar, Spruce, and certain types of pine are good woods. I am hoping to periodically post pictures to share with anyone who is interested. Enjoy!
Tony's Fan Carving 
HI Tony,
I am a big fan of your work. I have followed your fan bird progress for 2 or 3 years. In fact, you inspired me so much that I drove 8 hours from West Virginia to Fennville, Michigan to take a class from Sally and David Nye. They were so kind and helpful and taught me so much.
I do have a question. Did you say once that you used off the shelf pine from Lowes or Home Depot and boiled it for sometime to put moisture back in the wood? White cedar isn’t available in my area and to order it would be too cost prohibitive. I am trying to find a more viable option.
Thanks again for the motivation you have given me.
Gene Connor
Hi Gene, great to hear from you again. Thanks for following me and the kind words. Sally & David are very nice folks. Even though I have not met them in person, I have communicated with Sally via email. But yes, finding a supply of wood can be troublesome. I have used a clear pine from Lowes, but they have discontinued supplying it. Do you have spruce or white pines in your region. You may want to get to know own some tree cutting folks maybe they can get you some different samples. Another option is to find a million near you. I found one in Northern Michigan that would UPS me rough sawn cedar boards, 16 lineal feet of 1×4 for around $60 or $70. I request flat sawn pieces so the grain would be right. I even sent the mill one of my birds because I appreciated them working with me. I hope that helps. I know I struggled with find wood for a few years. Best of luck to you. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Tony
Hi Tony,
Your fan birds are beautiful!
I am just starting to carve fan birds and found your page. I ordered blanks and am using the book and video from the Nye’s which are very helpful. I would like to make smaller birds. Do you know how I could figure out smaller sizes? I bought the 6 inch blanks and would like to try to make 2 out of the blank – (2″ x 3/4″ x 6″).
Thank you,
Cindy