Beginning Woodcarving

Reviewer: Steven R.

This was a most exceptional lesson on beginning woodcarving. I learned more in the first one hour of this three hour progam than I had in the first two classes at our local community college. In fact, after viewing the DVD I called the instructor and advised him that I would no longer be attending class. Frankly, compared to the information on Ev's program, attending any further classes at the community college was a waste of my time. I was beginning to feel somewhat hopeless until I viewed the DVD. I would give this program a definite 5 star rating and recommend it to anyone who wants to attempt woodcarving as a beginner.

Reviewer: David B.

How often do you see a video that goes above and beyond? This is truly a video where I felt that I got more than I hoped. Mr. Ellenwood even gives you his phone number at the end, if you need help. Hows that for standing behind your product! Everything short of the carving tools that you see in the video you can get at his website. All the prices on his website were very reasonable. Makes it very easy for you get started. I also liked that he doesn't shy away from recommending particular brand names of tools. Probably the best video that I've rented so far.

Reviewer: Jack P.

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best, I rate these instructional videos, "Sharpening Simplified" and "Basic Woodcarving," as definite 10's! The level of professional presentation; the clarity of explanation; and the obvious depth of experience make these videos a true value for both beginners and seasoned carvers. They are obviously an accumulation of a lifetime of tried and perfected experiences. You can't go wrong on these titles.

Reviewer: James M.

The very best I have ever seen!----------JIMO

Reviewer: Aimee J.

I agree with all the great reviews below. Initially I rented this for my husband, but I think I'll be trying my hand at wood carving soon! I was always afraid of the knife and cutting myself. But all the safety issues are covered very well too. Excellent instruction and very interesting and informative at the same time!

Reviewer: Bob L.

Excellent for beginning woodcarver. Excellent info on sharpening tools.

Reviewer: Jim H.

This is an excellent video for a beginning wood carver. Each subject was covered thoroughly. The narrator's explanations were well thought out. The camera work was well done - plenty of light and good focus. I had the sense of being in a studio audience. The narrator's stage presence was subdued - I drifted off to sleep several times but didn't really mind. An above average feature was the section on sharpening. Using the techniques displayed, I took an old 1/2" bench chisel, polished it literally to a mirror finish, grabbed a piece of wood and sliced-off a thin piece of basswood with practically no effort. Then I put a slit in my shirt, again practically with no effort, all within ten minutes. In all, it is a well presented topic. Don't watch it just once; in a second viewing ideas will be clearer and more details will be evident than weren't apparent the first time.

Reviewer: Travis C.

I subscribed to Woodcarver University via SmartFlix, and this was one of the first batches of DVDs shipped - excellent work by SmartFlix (just who is the masked genius who put this DVD in the university and pushed it up to the front of the "course" list? ;-).

Anyway, the DVD is excellent, on two levels. The camera work, editing, etc. are seamless, and among the very best available on how-to DVDs.

Second, the instruction is really crisp, clear, and presented in the appropriate order. There are a lot of simple simple rules that as a heretofore self-taught carver I didn't know. They're obvious in retrospect, but having someone lay things out clearly for me was really helpful. I liked the tutorials on sharpening, holding knives and gouges, stop cuts, and more.

Highly recommended.

I wish it wasn't Christmas this week - I'd like a chance to slip down to my shop and give it a shot. The good news is that I can keep the DVD as long as I want because I got it via Woodcarver University (small plug there), so I'll just hang on to it for another few weeks.

Reviewer: Glenna A.

Beginning Woodcarving was an excellent DVD. I used it on the 1st day of my woodcarving class of eight high school students. So much was learned from the DVD. I would recommend the DVD to anyone that is beginning to carve. Thank you for making it affordable to show these students how to carve. They are doing an excellent job.

Reviewer: Jerry R.

I do not do woodcarving, therefore I found this DVD very boring.