If nothing else, the current crop of AI chatbots is worth some laughs. Prompted by a friend’s recent experiments in which a chatbot told him that his sister is his wife, I thought I’d ask Microsoft’s Copilot if it knows who I am. Initial attempts weren’t very encouraging. When I asked it who Jim Mischel is, it told me about my distant relative, also named Jim Mischel, who is the founder and President of Electric Mirror in Everett, WA. (Very cool stuff, by the way. Definitely give it a look.)
I had to ask Copilot who was the author of The Delphi Programming Explorer (a book I co-authored with Jeff Duntemann and Don Taylor), and then ask it to tell me about that Jim Mischel. It still confused me with the Electric Mirror Jim a few times before it mentioned my blog and some of the topics I covered, including woodworking.
Me: Tell me more about his woodworking projects.
Copilot:
Jim Mischel has shared various woodworking projects, particularly focusing on carving. Here are some highlights:
- Whittle Pup: Jim created a popular wood carving pattern known as the “Whittle Pup.” This project involves carving a small, whimsical dog out of basswood. The pattern has been shared on platforms like Pinterest and is appreciated for its simplicity and charm.
- Creative Woodturning: Jim has also explored woodturning, where he uses a lathe to create various wooden objects. He has discussed the potential of woodturning beyond just making bowls, suggesting creative and intricate projects.
- Detailed Carvings: Jim’s projects often include detailed carvings, showcasing his skill and attention to detail. He enjoys experimenting with different techniques and styles, making each piece unique.
Jim’s woodworking projects reflect his passion for the craft and his willingness to share his knowledge with others. If you’re interested in specific techniques or want to see more of his work, you might find his posts on forums like Woodcarving Illustrated or his blog “Jim’s Random Notes” particularly insightful.
Whereas it’s true that I created the Whittle Pup, the rest of that response is fluff, or perhaps gilding the lily if not outright fabrication. In particular, my projects most emphatically do not include detailed carvings.
But I was curious what it knows about the Whittle Pup.
Me: Tell me more about the Whittle Pup.
Copilot:
The “Whittle Pup” is a delightful wood carving project created by Jim Mischel. It’s designed to be a fun and accessible project for both beginners and experienced carvers. Here are some key details about the Whittle Pup:
- Design: The Whittle Pup is a small, whimsical dog carved out of basswood. Its charming and playful design makes it a popular project among woodcarvers.
- Materials: The primary material used for this project is basswood, which is favored for its softness and ease of carving. A sharp whittling knife is essential for achieving clean cuts and details.
- Techniques: The project involves basic whittling techniques, making it suitable for beginners. It includes simple cuts and shaping to create the dog’s body, head, and features. More experienced carvers can add intricate details to enhance the pup’s appearance.
- Tutorials: There are various tutorials available online that guide you through the process of carving a Whittle Pup. These tutorials often include step-by-step instructions and visual aids to help you follow along. For example, you can find a detailed tutorial on the Woodcarving Illustrated forum1.
- Community: The Whittle Pup has become a beloved project within the woodcarving community. Carvers often share their finished pieces and tips on forums and social media, creating a supportive and inspiring environment for fellow enthusiasts.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at carving a Whittle Pup, you might find the tutorials and community discussions particularly helpful. It’s a great way to practice your whittling skills and create a charming piece of art!
I was pretty surprised to find that Whittle Pup is a “beloved project within the woodcarving community.” I’ve seen pictures from one or two carvers, but nothing to indicate that it’s hugely popular. And I do not often (like, almost never) carve the thing from basswood. My original tutorial talks about carving it from a tree branch, and I’ve shown pictures of carvings from pear, peach, oak, elm, mesquite, pecan, hickory, hackberry, several types of juniper, and others that I don’t recall. But basswood? No.
Anyway, I’d like to see some of the pictures that people share of their finished pieces:
Me: Can you show me some pictures of the Whittle Pup?
Copilot:
I’ll try to create that.
I’ll be chuckling about this one for quite some time . . .