[Woodcarver] New job - Carving for the Business Traveller

[Charles Trella]

Hey there folks.  I had posted about my job search awhile back after being 
notified of a layoff at the end of this month.  Well - the good news is . . 
.. I have a new job!!!!

The bad news is that it will require travel 2 or 3 days a week to cities in 
the eastern 1/3 of the US.  This will put a crimp in my ability to 
participate in my community theater, but I've been thinking that rather than 
sitting my hotel watching TV after work in the evening, I could be 
CARVING!!!

So, here are my questions. I am mostly interested in carving woodspirits and 
greenmen, and fantasy figures (wizards, dragons, etc.), as well as Santas, 
gnomes, and gnome homes.  Since I won't be able to carve any large items 
while travelling due to flying and luggage restrictions (hiking sticks, 
large relief carvings etc.) I am thinking I could be carving small basswood 
and cottonwood bark pieces.  The question is this - any tips for the carving 
business traveller?  How do airlines react nowadays to carving tools? Is it 
possible to carry any on or will I be arrested for carrying weopons? I 
assume i'll need to pack them as checked luggage.

So - any thoughts from experienced business travellers who fly and carry 
small carving kits/projects will be appreciated.

Cheers to one and all!

Chuck