Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 29, 2010 10:19pm | #1

   OK, I'll confess -- I don't have a clue what you're looking for!  Being recently obsessed by wood-turning, my mind immediately goes to those tools, but the "#6" throws me off.

1. 
   Zabo2 | Mar 29, 2010 11:08pm | #3

   New Gouge

   Forestgirl

   The #6 refers to 6 sweep which I think means the curve of the  chisel. It's a carving tool  (chisle) that you either strike with a mallet or push by hand. Nice to hear from you.

   ZABO

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 29, 2010 10:20pm | #2

   OK, I'll confess -- I don't have a clue what you're looking for!  Being recently obsessed by wood-turning, my mind immediately goes to those tools, but the "#6" throws me off.

3. 
   jeffs | Mar 30, 2010 01:25am | #4

   Woodcraft sells Pfeil gouges- which are good.

   another source is http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com

   or Garrett Wade, or Lee Valley....

4. 
   gdblake | Mar 30, 2010 09:02am | #5

   Highland Woodworking carries Flexcut

   ZABO:

   highlandwoodworking.com is Highland Woodworking's website.  They carry the Flexcut brand of carving tools.  The Flexcut website is flexcut.com if you want to investigate this brand. 

   gdblake

1. 
   Zabo2 | Mar 30, 2010 11:57am | #7

   The Flexcut Looks Good

   gdblake

   The flexcut looks good, have you used them before? Do they stand up to mallet use? At this point I don't intend to get into serious carving. I make little boxes and sometimes  want to sculp the tops a little to give them a rustic look. I thought about buying a set but can't afford a couple hundred at this time. The #6 just looked like the curve I wanted maybe a #7 or so would work just as good. I'm just trying out a new idea so don't want to spend very much to start with.

   Thanks ZABO

1. 
   gdblake | Mar 30, 2010 11:08pm | #9

   Flexcut mallet gouges

   ZABO:

   I have a Flexcut #8 mallet gouge that I have used for several years to make bowls.  I have used it on red oak and Brazilian Cherry (which is pretty hard) as well as softer woods without any problems.  I also recently purchased their smaller Power Handle nine piece set.  I chose the Flexcut because I can get them sharper than other brands I have tried plus I like their handles.  

   Up to now I haven't done that much carving, but am wanting to duplicate a furniture type I see in antique stores that have some simpler acanthus leaves for adornment.  I've read all I can on the subject of relief carving and have been practicing on scrap.  I agree with those who recommend taking a class or two.  As soon I find new employment I plan to get some one on one instruction.

   gdblake

5. 
   JiminFla | Mar 30, 2010 10:29am | #6

   Zabo,

   What do you plan to use the gouge for?  Why did you decide you needed a #6?  If you plan to do any carving, you'll need more than one gouge.  Many manufacturers make starter sets that include some of the more popular sizes.  If you're serious about learning to carve, you should consider taking a class to get a feel for it and see if you like it.  The instructor will have gouges that you can use and will show you how to sharpen them. 

   Jim

6. 
   flairwoodworks | Mar 30, 2010 09:04pm | #8

   I'm with Jim Reedy on this one

   Unless you are cutting circles of the same radius as the #6, I'm not sure why it's this one you need.  For one, the odd numbers are much more common than the even ones.

7. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 30, 2010 11:47pm | #10

   Pfeil pfiend

   Over the years, I've built up what could only be considered a starter set of carving gouges, mostly Pfeil, with which I've been pleased. Their steel is pretty good, but the handles are a bit on the small side. So, if you have large hands, yu might look at other brands.

8. 
   Zabo2 | Mar 31, 2010 12:03pm | #11

   Mallet Gouge

   I think I will go with the Flexcut #8X13/16. I plan on using it to cut scallops on the top of boxes to start with. I  have seen this method used before to give it a rustic look. And maybe later on I will be able to take some carving lessons or not. Also maybe someone will give me a tool or two at a time if I leave enough hints for birthdays and such LOL. But for now I think I will go this route. If anyone has any more recommendations please let me know. Thanks for all the replies.

   ZABO