[Woodcarver] beginner $50 tools

[Classic Carving Patterns]

I am a real believe in beginner's carving tool sets for several reasons.
Usually we, Mike and I, suggest a basic five or six tool set for around $50 and
a bench knife or chip knife as your first investment into carving.  So our
beginner's start with an investment of less than $100.
 
There are several forms of carving where one or two tools are really all you
need to start our hobby as figure carving or whittling with a bench knife or
high quality pocket style knife - chip carving where a chip knife and stab knife
will do everything you need.  But those two tools - the bench knife/chip knife
and stab knife - will not let you explore relief carving!  
 
A basic beginner's set with round gouges, chisels, skews and v-gouges will let a
beginner try every style of carving. Yes, you may end up using just a few of the
tools so some may seem a waste of investment.  For some reason I have never
gotten comfortable with the skew chisel?!?  But having enough tool profiles at
the start of your hobby gives you so much more variety in carving styles that I
believe they are worth it.  
 
I started with wood spirit walking sticks and a bench knife was all I really had
to have.  Yet, somehow, I have ended up a relief carver and just a bench knife
won't get me very far into this form of carving.
 
With an inexpensive (notice I did not say a CHEAP craft store set) beginner's
set you have at hand the basic tools for any carving you might want to try.  As
you develop you style, discover your favorite variation of carving then add high
quality tools specifically for your type of carving.  But don't throw that
beginner's set away as one day something might catch you attention and you will
be delighted that you have them on hand.
 
Just my opinion.
 
Susan Irish

Carving Patterns Online
Designs Online Since 1997!
Classic Carving Patterns By L.S.Irish
http://www.CarvingPatterns.com <http://www.carvingpatterns.com/> 
http://www.WoodCarvingPatterns.com <http://www.woodcarvingpatterns.com/> 


-----Original Message-----
From: woodcarver-bounces at six.pairlist.net
[mailto:woodcarver-bounces at six.pairlist.net] On Behalf Of Martin Leenhouts
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:04 AM
To: [Woodcarver]
Subject: Re: [Woodcarver] beginner $50 tools


For chip carving, $35.95 is all it takes for a top quality Swiss cutting knife
and stab knife. Add fancy handles for another $20 if you like.
 
The low start up cost is something I really like about chip carving.
More chip carving tool info at http://mychipcarving.com/knives.htm
 
And this ain't no dripple.
Marty
www.MyChipCarving.com


Lkdhvt at aol.com wrote:

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Should beginner's start with a beginner's (inexpensive) carving set or go 
right
to the $50 each tools ?
 
No No NO to starting with sets and/or $50 each tools.
 
In most of the classes I teach I tell beginners to start with a basic straight
blade bench knife.  Then buy tools one at a time as they need them.  If you buy
a "set" of tools when you first start out___ you will usually find you only use
a few of the tools in the set.  I often tell people to buy a tool as they need
it for a project--i.e.-need a small palm v tool-buy it.  If you only buy
individual tools as you need them-over a period of time you will find you build
a good usable collection.  As far as brand, I think is a matter of personal
preference.  Many people like the flexcut tools--but I am not fond of their
handles, so I buy the blades and make my own handles.  Have a couple of flea
market "finds" I really like.  I have some of the old Marples tools I bought new
in the early 70's and I really like them.  The ones they make today--I find the
quality is very poor.  Hope this helps a bit.
I could go on for a long time with the tool dribble.  Feel free to contact me
off list and I will try to help as much as possible.
 
 
Don H in VT
http://woodcarversdepot.com/




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