questtion re carving tools

5/28/04, 6:00 PM #1

Rod Cole
Guest

questtion re carving tools

Rod Cole

>Hi all!

I'm interested trying my hand at some simple carving. To start things like fairly simple three toed trifed feet on table legs, maybe carved shells.

LOL, at least I hope that is "fairly simple".

I'm not sure what chisles to start with. I presume a small set is the economical way to go. Of course if that means buying 8 tools, of which I end up using 4, I might be wrong.

At this point I have some interest in not spending the kid's college fund, but don't want junk either.

What might a starter set consist of? Brands to consider?

I note there are about a million of what look like Chinese sets on ebay, and presume I should not go that route. Right? There is currently a set of Miller Falls and a set of Buck Brothers (with plastic handles, so I don't as they are vintage). Take a flier on one of those?

TIA for any and all comments.

- Rod Cole

Re: questtion re carving tools

5/28/04, 6:11 PM #2

Dan Donaldson
Member
Offline
5,264 posts

Registered: 9/17/01

Re: questtion re carving tools *LINK*

Dan Donaldson

>Here is a link to Lee Grindinger's "dirty dozen" starting chisels. I would buy individual tools rather than sets so you know that the tools you buy will be ones you will use. I don't remember if the dirty dozen includes a back bend, but if not, that is probably one tool additional that you would want to get for carving the trifid foot. (or a ball and claw)

Dirty Dozen

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: questtion re carving tools

5/28/04, 6:24 PM #3

Rod Cole
Guest

Re: questtion re carving tools

Rod Cole

>Thanks much. I'm surprised I did not get that when I did a quick search. But your link gives me the whole thread, which is great.

- Rod

Re: questtion re carving tools

5/28/04, 6:40 PM #4

Sam Simpson
Guest

Re: questtion re carving tools

Sam Simpson

>Hi Y'all,

Rod, this question pops up from time to time, so you might do a search for it. As with most things there are a few different points of view. The one that has worked well for me for training new carvers, is "The Book of Wood Carving" by Charles Marshall Sayers. ISBN 0-486-23654-4. In the book Charles suggests four tools to buy, and cautions about buying tools that are too small to start with. The tools are - A straight parting tool 1/2" No.39 (or 3/8" or 5/8" of same number) - A straight gouge 5/8" No.5 - A straight gouge 1" No.3 (or 7/8" of same number) - A straight gouge 3/8" No.7

The book starts with a sharpening tutorial and follows with a few simple exercises. Within a week of giving this book to a student I see results. After that, it's all in how you hold yer tongue.

As for the brand names? I have many different makers. The ones marked Swiss made seem to be better than the ones marked German made. I would avoid sets and I would caution against anything with the word flexible in the name. (If you wonder why, just think of a digging shovel with a rubber handle? loss of control)

Regards Sam Simpson

Re: questtion re carving tools

5/28/04, 7:08 PM #5

Rod Cole
Guest

Re: questtion re carving tools

Rod Cole

>Thanks. A book and some practice would be a good place to start.

I did do a search and did not get much. Perhaps I did not type in the search words any better than I did with the title of the first post. :)

- Rod

Re: questtion re carving tools

6/1/04, 3:54 PM #6

Tony - Memphis
Member
Offline
2,075 posts

Registered: 2/6/03

Re: questtion re carving tools

Tony - Memphis

>I'm still quite the rookie carver, but I would advise against buying a handful of tools without specific needs. Iw ould find a particular project, examine whatever articles, books, ref. you can find (there are a lot out there - videos too) and then buy what I need for that project. I'm partial to the Pfeil tools from Woodcraft and a couple of Canadian distributors. One good reference that shows how much you can do with just a few tools is Mike Davies' book. FWW has had some pretty good articles too. There is a woodcarving mag out there that has a lot of stuff I'm not interested in, but they have had some real good follow along articles. I followed one to carve a pineapple. Phil Lowe's video on B&C feet is really good and so is Mack Headley's shell carving video. Older FWW issues had some good carving references too (Mack did an article on carving leg knees that is pretty good). Anway, good luck with it. I'm not very good, but I do enjoy carving. Adds a new dimension to your work.

Tony

questtion re carving tools

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