Advice Please Which Tools & Makes - Relief?

[GAIA]

Hi all,
I want to relief carve doors.What charateristics, qualities should I be looking for in my carving tools, which ones should I be thinking of getting? Any makes I should be looking at ?
Ta very much.
Pete..

[pallin]

There have been many discussions of tools for relief carving. See the related threads listed at the bottom of this page. If you are carving hardwood doors, I suggest full sized, quality tools that can be used with a mallet. I would use Pfeil (Swiss-made), sold only by Woodcraft in the U.S.

[carver33]

As Phil said, quality full sized mallet tools. However, there are many good brands out there and I've seen little difference in the better brands such as Dastra, Two Cherries, Henry Taylor and Pfeil.

I started with Henry Taylor and have picked up additional tools by them simply because they have served me well. I also like the older Buck Brothers, W. Butcher and S. and J. Addis gouges when they can be found for a reasonable price.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

My favorite is www.drakeknives.com. Pfeil makes good gouges, chisels etc., but I don't care for their knives.

Dave

[pallin]

Dave, the originator of this thread asked for advice on tools for relief carving of doors. I do not believe knives are suitable for this type of work.

[carver33]

Although the vast majority of relief work is done with gouges, a good knife can come in handy for some clean-up work.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Phil, Guess I missed relief at first. That being said, Drake also sells much more then just knives, he sells well made gouges, V tools, skews, etc. And I have to agree with Bill, "a good knife can come in handy for some clean-up work". Enjoy the rest of your weekend Phil.

[Dagwood]

get a high quality tool to start with... the bigger the wood the bigger the carving tool?

[GAIA]

OK, thanks everybody.
Pete.

[Steve Reed]

Pete, as you can see, everyone has their favorite tools. Hmm no one mentioned Ashley Iles? Anyway, the bottom line from this old carver, get the best tools you can afford. I started with a set of wood chisels from the hardware store. You will find that as you progress, you will collect more and more tools. Find a quality set that you can afford to start off. Once you get your feet off the ground, add to the set. For relief work I agree with the above, probably full-sized tools and a mallet. Best of luck and put some pictures of your work.