"Tips" from the pages of Wood Carving Illustrated - Gifs for Carvers.

   

 

Gifts for Carvers
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Gifts Under $300

2276 Foredom Woodcarving Kit2276 Foredom Woodcarving Kit:
Foredom’s New 2276 Woodcarving Kit gives you all the power and control you need for most carving applications. It includes the powerful Series S 1/8 horsepower motor, FCT variable speed foot control, No. 44T tapered handpiece with 3/32-in., 1/8-in. and 1/4-in. collets for use with all shank size carving accessories, and a new Woodcarving Bur Set with a Typhoon Carbide Bur, two CeramCut Blue Stones, a Cross Cut Carbide Bur, and Split Sanding Mandrel with Sandpaper Template. The 2276 also comes with a “How to Carve” Booklet, Carving Bur Selection Chart and Rotary Accessory Catalog. Available from: The Foredom Electric Company, 16 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801/ 203–792–8622, Fax: 203–796–7861, www.foredom.com or contact your Foredom Dealer

 

Gifts Under $200

The Wecheer 330 Heavy Duty CarverThe Wecheer 330 Heavy Duty Carver:
New for this fall, the machine has reverse cutting rotation, which opens up carving with this unit to left-handed carvers. Now that Wecheer has added this feature, these machines offer everything a standard power carver has plus more power (1/4hp instead of 1/8hp). Available from: Warren Cutlery Company, 3584 Rt. 9-G, PO Box 289, Rhinebeck, NY 12572/ 845–876–3444, Fax: 845–876–5664, www.warrencutlery.com.

12-Piece Beginners Woodcarving Kit12-Piece Beginners Woodcarving Kit:
This kit includes one 5/16-in. gouge, one 9/64-in. gouge, one 9/64-in.bent parting tool, one 3/8-in. chisel, one 3/8-in. skew, one 3/8-in. bent chisel, two carving knives, one sharpening stone, one 4-oz. bottle of honing oil and The Complete Woodcarving Workbook. The specially designed seven-pocket canvas tool roll holds everything neatly in place. Available from: U.J. Ramelson Co., 165 Thomas Street, Newark, NJ 07114/ 973–589–5422, www.ramelson.com.

Set of 11 Carving Tools in Wooden Box by Two CherriesSet of 11 Carving Tools in Wooden Box by Two Cherries:
This 11-piece carving tool set includes no. 1 8mm straight chisel, no. 2 10mm skew chisel, no. 8 6mm straight gouge, no. 8 8mm straight gouge, 2mm straight veining tool, 75-degree 6mm straight V tool, small chip knife, double-curve knife, fine skew knife, sheepsfoot style knife and small combination water stone. The tools are all from Two Cherries Small-Size line and come arranged in a handsome custom-fitted wooden box for safe storage and protection. Available from: Traditional Woodworker, 800–509–0081, www.traditionalwoodworker.com.

Proxxon Power Carver SGM: Proxxon Power Carver SGM:
This handheld reciprocating carver takes the work out of your carving project. It delivers up to 15,000 strokes per minute without developing dust. Experienced and professional carvers will appreciate the rapid cutting action and ability to do fine work while beginners will find their work improved, since both hands are free to guide the carving tool. The unit’s ergonomic design and the weight of only 11/2 lb. make this tool a very easy manageable unit. It comes in a sturdy storage case with 3 chisels (U, V and flat) and also accepts a full selection of Flexcut gouges. Available from: Prox-Tech, Inc., PO Box 1909, Hickory, NC 28603-1909/ 1–877–PROXXON, www.proxxon.com/us or contact your Proxxon dealer.

Miniature Carving Tools from Two Cherries: Miniature Carving Tools from Two Cherries:
The tools included in this new series of carving tools from Two Cherries are just 4 in. long, perfect for hard-to-reach spots or for taking your hobby on the road. Small octagon handles fit comfortably in the hand, and the balance of the blade and handle is perfect. Handforged by skilled craftsmen and heat-treated to take and hold an edge, the series includes 6mm chisel, 6mm skew, 4mm and 8mm gouges and 4mm V tool. Also available as a set. Available from: Robert Larson Company, San Francisco, www.rlarson.com or see our advertisement for a list of dealers.

Arbortech Mini Grinder Power Tool: Arbortech Mini Grinder Power Tool:
The preferred choice of professional woodworkers around the world, the Mini Grinder Power Tool is fast, safe and controllable. With an incredible range of applications, the Mini Grinder is ideal for fast and effective woodcarving and shaping. It offers great versatility in cutting, sanding, grinding and scrubbing a wide range of materials around the house or workshop. Available from: Arbortech Industries Ltd., 800-598-2743, arbortech@arbortech.com.au, www.arbortech.com.au

 

Gifts Under $100

Cape Forge Mini SetCape Forge Mini Set:
The interchangeable mini set includes five blades (no. 5 gouge, no. 9 gouge, V tool, straight and skew), a handle and a handy leather pouch that will fit in your pocket. This is the perfect set for adding detail to any project. Best of all only stropping is needed to maintain the edge, for each tool is handforged and hardened to a Rockwell 62c. Custom sizes available. Available from: Cape Forge, 120 Clarks Mills Rd. Dayton, ME 04005/ 888–310–3343, Fax: 207–499–7037, www.capeforge.com.

High-Speed Rotary ChiselHigh-Speed Rotary Chisel:
A new carbide cutting tool for use in Pfingst, Foredom and Dremel-type rotary tools and high-speed die grinders, the high-speed rotary chisel will remove material faster and cleaner than anything currently available. These fine chisels are not limited to wood and can be used with marble, steel, plastics, ivory, antler, composits, gold and silver. The tool removes material quickly without clogging, and its self-cleaning design means no more time wasted cleaning tools. Available from: Creative Technologies, Inc., PO Box 2606, Casper, WY 82602/ 307–266–2797, Fax: 307–226–2791, www.rotarychisel.com.

Brand New Chip Carving Knives from Chipping AwayBrand New Chip Carving Knives from Chipping Away:
These new knives come with innovative handles that are both comfort-fit and contoured for holding in the proper cutting position. The wider throat on the Large Cutting Knife makes it easy to see the lines you are following as your thumb is kept back out of the way. The Small Cutting Knife comes with a larger and longer handle that not only appeals to those with smaller handles, but those with larger hands will find it easy to hold for those delicate tasks. Knives can be purchased either pre-sharpened or non-sharpened and come packaged in a clear tube for protection and storage. Available from: Chipping Away Inc., 808 Courtland Ave East, Kitchener, ON Canada N2C 1K3/ 888–682–9801, www.chippingaway.com.

 

Gifts Under $50

Carver’s Spoon PlaneCarver’s Spoon Plane:
Easy to control and quick cutting, our spoon plane quickly and easily makes hollow or dished-out cuts. Not only is it perfect for spoons and bowls, but it can also be used to smooth the surface of large carvings. Made of cast bronze, then coated with titanium nitrate for a super smooth finish, the plane features a large comfortable handle for extended use. The plane is 13/4 in. wide, 61/8 in. long, with a 13/8-in. wide blade. Requires honing before use. Available from: Woodcraft Supply Corp., 800–535–4482, www.woodcraft.com.

Switch-n-Lock Drill HolderSwitch-n-Lock Drill Holder:
Very useful in holding a stropping or buffing wheel for sharpening carving tools, Switch-n-Lock attaches to a workbench or countertop up to 21/2 in. thick. A band can be mounted on the top or side and rotates 360 degrees. Fits almost any drill. Available from: Christian J Hummul Co., PO Box 522 Nescopeck, PA 18635/ 800–762–0235, Fax: 570–752–0938, www.hummul.com.

Feather Carving KitFeather Carving Kit:
Featuring very detailed instructions, this feather carving kit is the perfect way to learn how to burn and paint feathers. The kit comes with six feather blanks, six feather study castings, full color burning/painting instructions and one page of feather templates. Available from: Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers Supply, PO Box 82, Townsend, TN 37882 800–541–5994, www.woodcarvers.com.

Mini Kutzall Extreme Dish WheelMini Kutzall Extreme Dish Wheel:
The Mini Kutzall Extreme Dish Wheel will fit on the Arbortech Mini Carver as well as the Proxxon Mini Angle Grinder. It is an excellent addition to these tools and offers an intermediate step between carving and sanding. Made of a steel disc coated with structured carbide teeth, the wheel is very durable and gives a fast cut and relatively smooth finish. Available from: Treeline, 1305 East 1120 South, Provo, UT 84606/ 800–598–2743, www.treelineusa.com.

 

Free Gift With Purchase

Personalized FlexCut Wooden Boxed SetPersonalized FlexCut Wooden Boxed Set:
Give your favorite carver, instructor or club officer a laser-cut, personalized wooden boxed set. Any in-stock FlexCut wooden boxed set, purchased between now and December 10, can be personalized for free with three lines of text, up to 25 letters for each line. Select from four basic layouts for your engraving. Available from: MDI Woodcarvers Supply, PO Box 4, Pittsfield, ME 04967/ 207–487–3100 or 800–866–5728, Fax: 207–487–3600, www.mdiwoodcarvers.com.

 

New folding knives
Are on Carving’s Cutting Edge
Woodcarving is going more mobile than ever thanks to new folding knives, one of the hottest developments in carving. If you’ve got time on that out-of-town vacation to carve, treat yourself to one of these knives and leave your other knives, gouges, V tools and tool holder at home. Or consider these three knives if you are looking for a super stocking stuffer for a fellow carver:

Carvin’ Jack by FlexcutCarvin’ Jack by Flexcut:
Carvin’ Jack is a complete carving kit in your pocket, featuring a detail knife, a hook knife, a straight gouge, a gouge scorp, a V scorp and a chisel. The blades of this unique carving tool fold into the handle like a pocketknife’s blades, so you can carry it with you and carve whenever there is time. All six blades are made of high carbon steel, are honed to a razor edge, and lock securely in both opened and closed positions. The kit includes a Flexcut Sliptrop, Flexcut Gold polishing compound and complete instructions.
For information, go to www.Flexcut.com.
Cost: the suggested retail price
is $129.95.
Available December 1 in limited quantities from authorized Flexcut dealers.

Notto Folding Woodcarving KnivesNotto Folding Woodcarving Knives:
Made of high carbon tool steel with a stainless steel interior to prevent rust, these new folding woodcarving knives from Notto make it easy to take your carving with you. Choose from four different blade types: Chipper, Spear/Pen, Sheepsfoot or Stait/Wharncliff. Cost: $89. Available from: Rick Notto
7182 Millstone Street
Spring Hill, FL 34606 352–688–2334

Oar Carver PocketknifeOar Carver Pocketknife:
Designed for woodcarvers of all abilities, the Oar Carver Pocket-knife comes with two folding Warrencliff-based blades and a scaled handle that ensures a non-slip grip. The knife is comfortable to use and stays sharp once resharpened, so carving for long periods of time won’t present a problem. An optional leather sheath is available for purchase. Cost: $60.
Available from: Ross Oar
West Falls Woodcarving
7458 Ellicott Road
West Falls, NY 14170 716–662–3648 broar@juno.com