beginner needs V Tools and Gouges recommendations

[One Thumb Carver]

Ok I totaly confuse with all the V Tools and Gougs the knifes I have is there some basic tools which to start out with that don't cost a arm and a leg Basically I have very lttle funds to buy everthing. Thanks
P.S. I like to do Caricature Carving

[mpounders]

I started out with this set from Smokey Mt, Wood carvers for $75.95 Flexcut Palm Setss

They come sharp and I still use mine. Although it is a set, it doesn't have a lot "fluff" built in. You will be able to use all of these on your cariacatures.

[One Thumb Carver]

Than You Mike (mpounders) for you help

[rcurtism]

I use one knife and three gouges all flexcut probably have a total of 50 bucks into the whole set up. And most of the time it is just a simple 15 dollar knife.

[Inadv]

Bill,

Welcome to the forum. What part of GA are you from. I'm from SAV. myself. You can get a good start with the tools recommended by Mike and Curt. The myriads of tools available do sorta boggle the mind at first, but you'll get used to it. Try to find a carving club near you and don't be afraid to ask questions.

L.P.

[Claude]

Bill:
I have the same set as Mike - it was my first set of gouges, and I still use them all. As he says, no weird gouge in the set that you'll never use.

Having said that, though, the Beginner's set from Rick at Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply is also a great starter set, and even comes with glove, strop, etc.

Claude

[carvingbarn]

I would encourage you to buy the best tools you can. Good tools make your carving more fun. I have Flexcut palm tools and have been very happy with them. I have 3 of thier knives also. I have been carving for a while and have many more tools than I use. I have the 6 or 7 I use most of the time and the others are there if I need them. It’s like eating popcorn. Once you start with one tool its hard to stop.

[Mitchell]

This is a common question and answered often.... you may want to look at previous answers.

This is a good place to start: Need help with tools - suggestions on gouges It has some links to other threads also.

You also need to give a little more information to get a better answer - that's why I referred you to some older posts - you can see that the answers are VERY broad.

Carve Safe
Learn to sharpen
Find a carving buddy - better yet a club.
Read old posts to fine-tune your questions.
Practice
Carve safe

[Sean R]

I just got back from a carving session with my friend Don Mertz, And we were talking about gouges, And honestly starting out i do not use many of the tools i buy ( so far ) I use my knife and knife only. But i only practice faces right now so the knife is just fine. Don't get me wrong I have spent over $1,000 dollars on carving tools/equipment but that is because i just have the tool bug hehe. But while having a beginner set of tools may be nice. I could of just bought a really nice knife and been set for now. But as Mitch has said there are so many answers to this that it all comes down to what you want and can spend. The end result is to have fun and not stress to much on tools
Sean

[One Thumb Carver]

I live in the Metro Area of Atllanta Town is Loganville