I have several projects in the works that require some carved detail. I was looking at buying a set of Henry Taylor Carving tools from Lee Valley. But before I spent my money was wondering if there are better or other more preferred brands out there. Price is not option.
Scott C. Frankland
Newfoundland Wood Worker
Replies
I've used Henry Taylor and Pfiel(swiss made) and I prefer the Pfiel hands down. They stay sharper longer and sharper to a sharper edge. The octoganal handles are also better on the Pfiel.
Hope this helps.
Beaux
Scott, I think you're getting good advice. I'd say Three Cherrys is pretty good too. With respect to buying sets, sometimes it works for the smaller tools. You will still get some stuff you won't use much, but you won't have all that much money tied up and you will find things you like that you might not have thought you needed.
You are a wood worker so I needn't tell you anything about sharpening. Except, use a strope. Use it a lot. When you reach the point where you are not sure that the last stropping made a difference, it's just about enough.
Don't preclude making tools yourself. I find that some of my best tools have come from a late night carving session when I just couldn't get those cuts done and I just needed a different tool. Eighth and quarter inch drill rod are handy. I like water quenching steel because its easier to get rid of used water than used oil. I use oxy-acetyline for forming and hardening but propane is easier to control when anealing.
But then, that's more than you asked.
BJ Member of Southern Maryland Wood Carvers.
Thanks to all that replied. I will have to check out that place in BC. Being Canadian I don't get the deal you guys/girls in the US get but that's all right. As for making my own I think I will have to try that some day once my metal working skills get a little more up to par.
Scott C. Frankland
Newfoundland Wood Worker
Look no further. LIGNUN
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled