[Woodcarver] tool condition

[Ivan Whillock]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike and Patty" <MikeandPatty at wavezcom.com>


> I am very inexsperienced in the purchessing of new tools.

>

> When order  tools pre sharpened --

>                                                        Should the u shaped

> ones be even across the edge or doesn't it matter?

> I was thinking to start with they would be level on the edge?


Tools can come sharpened three ways: squared, wings forward, wings back
(nosed.)

The preferred sharpening of tools varies from carver to carver, and also
from place of manufacture.    In his book, English carver Chris Pye
considers nosed tools incorrect.
However, in HIS book, Austrian carver Helmut Mayr prefers his gouges to be
nosed to the same radius as their sweep.

Therefore, you will find that tools made in England will usually be squared
at the edge, those in the Alpine areas, Germany, Austria, will often be
"nosed," which reflects the  carving styles of the carvers in those regions.

Each sharpening has its advantages and its limitations. Most professional
carvers I know have a variety of squared, nosed, and wings forward tools,
depending on their styles and how they use their tools.  Most grind their
tools to their own specifications, sometimes to a specific purpose.

The profiles of the tools you buy will reflect the preferred "norm" of the
carvers in the region of manufacture, not a universal "right" or "wrong"
system--cuz there ain't none!

Ivan Whillock Studio
122 NE 1st Avenue
Faribault, MN  55021
Visit my website at
http://www.whillock.com
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