Replies

1. 
   BG | Oct 28, 2004 01:36pm | #1

   gizzo,

   In a similar discussion about a year ago, one of our more talented posted a picture of a set he would recommend. I wish I could remember who it was to give proper credit.  Anyhow, maybe this will help a bit....

   
1. 
   LeeGrindinger | Oct 28, 2004 08:23pm | #3

   Hmmm, made quite an impression, huh?

   Here's the page from which that picture was taken, http://www.furniturecarver.com/carving.html

   I'm a believer in starter sets. I'd never send a painter out without basic colors in thier palette, I'd never ask for a symphony from a composer with only 3 notes.

   Lee

1. 
   BG | Oct 28, 2004 09:43pm | #4

   Lee,

   Sorry about that memory thing.  I was pretty sure it was you that had posted the picture but I kinda figured the joy of being right was not worth the pain of being wrong..lol.  Maybe I've been married too long.... 

1. 
   LeeGrindinger | Oct 29, 2004 02:23am | #6

   I was just pulling your leg, BG. Actually, I was impressed you came up with the picture.

   Lee

2. 
   joinerswork | Oct 28, 2004 04:38pm | #2

   gizzo,

   Here are the carving chisels I use most often in my shop.  This is for reproduction  furniture, mainly;  volutes, shells, fans, acanthus leaves.

   #3 sweep fishtail, about 9/16"

   #5 sweep gouge, 1/2"

   #5 sweep gouge, 7/8"

   #11 sweep gouge, 1/2" but could be a bit wider

   #9 sweep gouge, 5/16"

   #9 sweerp gouge, 3/16

   #11 veiner 1/8"

   #11 veiner 1/16"

   55* parting tool (vee chisel) 5/16 sides

   45* parting tool, 3/16" sides

   skew chisel, 1/2"

   I have others, but these are the ones that I find most useful.  Doubtless your own needs will lead you toward other shapes and sizes as time passes.  Buy them as you need them.

   I have not found the "sets" sold by retailers to have the sizes/shapes I most often need.  Woodcraft sell the swiss-made chisels by the piece.  It's been years since I purchased any, but the ones I have are pretty good.  I shortened the handles of the ones I got, they seemed too long for comfort for me.

   Frank Mittermeyer (gunsmith supplies) in NY, used to carry a line of German made tools, reputed to be top notch.  I'm dating myself here, that was in the mid '70's .

   The tools I like best are old British (Sheffield) ones.  I have several tools by Addis, a James Cam, and a few by Wm. Butcher.  Good steel, and nicely finished.  I have a couple Buck Bros. (American) chisels from the early '70's when I was just getting started.  They have good steel, but are a little rough on the outer surfaces.

   Hope this helps,

   Ray

3. 
   sawdustmaker | Oct 28, 2004 10:32pm | #5

   Another thing you might want to consider is starting out in an easy to carve wood, like basswood. This will allow you to get a feel for your tools and technique.

4. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Oct 29, 2004 01:40pm | #7

   The Swiss chisels from Woodcraft are good, also Three Cherries brand from Germany.  I have not been impressed with the stuff from England lately.  I bought some Marples cheap and the quality and finish was not good.  Choose quality over quantity.  A starter kit might be OK, but I find the sizes are a little small.  They usually give you 10 or 12 mm gouges.  But, that depends on what you want to carve.  I like to use the largest chisel thats practical.  Easier for me to control.  I most often use 18 or 20 mm.  Couple wide gouges (3, 5, 9), Couple skinny gouges, a veiner, and a flat.   I like a skew, but many are too pointy for me.  I like a shallow angle better.  If you buy individual ones, can start with maybe 3 pieces.  #5 gouge, a veiner, and a flat.  I have a hundred, but those are what I use most.  A carver's glove is a good investment.  It will let you keep more of your fingers.  I did some nasty cuts when I was learning.

5. 
   Clay | Oct 30, 2004 06:39am | #8

   Check with local woodworking shops and try to find a local carving club.  The guys in those clubs are terrific sources for advice and often have access to semi-pro dealers who have top quality stuff for discount rates.  Here in Saint Louis there are several such clubs and some of their members make some of the best tools that can be had, other members are dealers for lesser known brands of tools that are really nice and they sell them at the club meetings for less than most stores or even on-line dealers can.  Plus you will learn vastly faster with a few opportunities to see skilled carvers at work.

   
   

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   Edited 10/30/2004 10:35 am ET by Clay

6. 
   TomBrown10 | Oct 30, 2004 03:14pm | #9

   Dear Gizzo,

   I'm certainly no expert, but I have tried three different brands of carving tools, and I would say to you that if you buy anything but the Pfeil Swiss-made tools, you are wasting your time. The other brands make a struggle out of it.

   Go to Woodcraft and simply pick one up in your hand. At that moment you will realize what I am talking about. They feel great and are so sharp right out of the package, you can go at it on the hardest of woods without a second thought. They are expensive, but are worth EVERY penny. They turn the tedious into pure pleasure. 

1. 
   LeeGrindinger | Oct 30, 2004 05:45pm | #10

   I feel I have to step in here. Pfeils are adequate tools. There are a host of carving tools out there better than Pfeils and worse than Pfeils. The steel in the Pfeils is very good, however, Pfeil has eliminated the ferrule. The ferrule will help prevent the wood handle from splitting in a tang tool. For hand work, that done without a mallet, the Pfeils are fine but they are not well suited to heavier mallet work.

   Lee

7. 
   SawdustSteve | Oct 30, 2004 09:24pm | #11

   Hi Gizzo... Check the magazine rack at Barnes & Noble. There are several wood carving magazines. Buy two or three and start reading them. Look for info on a woodcarving group meeting near you. These guys and gals have lots of good info that they are willing to share with you. The groups may also have beginners classes and a 'garage sale' at their meetings. Maybee even 'club member discounts' with some of the advertisers. SawdustSteve