Introducing myself

[Stacy Shure <sshure@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I was going to recommend that your best "tools" to have when you begin are a
respirator (or dust mask) and goggles.  As for the butcher block table, you
might want to try Harbor Freight Tools or Northern Tool Company (they have
websites) -- they have premade table bases for different size block tops.  They
do not have casters, but I have never thought casters safe because of what Linda
Davis said - the table will move away from you.

I would also suggest trying a sculpting class in your area.  The classes will
provide you an opportunity to not only learn about the techniques of carving -
but also expose you to various different kinds of stones and the best tools to
use on each.  And of course there are the subjects of finishing and sanding, a
class by itself!  I have found that the classes I have taken introduced me to a
community of carvers that have become my friends and my support base.  Your
friends are there to support you in your moments of doubt and frustration.

I, too, had always wanted to be artistic and could not draw.  Surprisingly after
learning to carve in the 3 dimensional form I went back to drawing, and with the
help of a highly gifted teacher, have learned to draw much better.  Enough to
sketch pieces and the human figure for models if I am not direct carving.  I
highly recommend this teacher, his name is Sabah Al-Dhaner.  He teaches every
July at the stone sculptors symposium which is held in Washington State.  The
symposium offers all kinds of classes, from pinning and sleeving (finishing) to
monumental construction.  You can go to the website for Northwest Stone
Sculptors Assocation at http://www.nwssa.org/ to check out their
symposium coming up in July.

Best of luck in your carving!

Stacy Shure