[Woodcarver] Re: Buying Carving Tools & Sharpening Information

[TWWOODWORK at aol.com]

Like all carvers, I have a preference in tool brands,but it changes depending 
on what tool is needed for what I am carving. 
       One of the best bits of advice that I received was from Chris Pye, a 
professional carver in England. He suggested that you buy one or two tools from 
several different manufacturers to see what you like the best. Different 
strokes for different folks.
       I have a 60mm #3 from Pfeil that I like the most among the larger 
tools. It is great for clearing the background on relief carvings. However, I had 
to reshape the blade before it would cut much of anything. Angle was way too 
high.  But it is very expensive. But then again, aren't all good tools that 
wide expensive.
       For carving, I believe that the sharpenng process is the most 
important thing, regardless of which name brand tool you buy. And the lack of 
knowledge how to sharpen is one of the big reasons people quit carving.
       I would strongly suggest that anyone beginning carving order the  DVD 
by Everett Ellenwood at www.ellenwoodarts.com. It is the very best sharpening 
information I have ever seen and has helped me even after 15 years of carving 
and sharpening tools. And, is invaluable when it comes to sharpening the V 
tool.  Also, he shows you how to gear up for sharpening for less than $25.
       I believe it is the best $30 I ever spent (that includes shipping) and 
I wish that I had had this information when I started. I wandered around for 
a number of years picking up an item of information here and there, but it was 
several years before I began to get sharp tools. And the V tool, my goodness, 
it was the most troublesome of all. It took a class with Chris Pye before I 
was able to sharpen mine so it was easy to carve with . Also, his books are 
excellent and available thru Amazon.com for less than $20 each. His volume I is 
an encyclopedia of information. 
       And that's all folks!
       Tom
       Thomas W. Horton
       Glen Mills, PA         
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