beginners "must tools"

#1 08-31-2003, 06:35 AM

Hi all a 'newbie' here. I've finally reached the point where I have the time and a few extra pennies to try to enjoy 'wood carving' Are ya'll able to tell me the initial 'must have' tools to begin with? I've been looking at different tools, and I really don't know which are the ones that will be most beneficial.
TIA for your trouble to respond

AlArchie · #2 08-31-2003, 07:34 AM

That, my friend is a question that opens up a lot of debate......I guess it depends a lot on what type of carving you intend to do.

There are specialty sets available from various suppliers for relief, sculpting, caricature carving and general whittling.

If you are interested in one of these particular areas, I'd suggest you check either the Lee Valley, or Woodcraft, or any one of a dozen other suppliers for a set specifically selected for that style.

With that said, as a starter for general carving, I'd suggest a bench knife (either Murphy, Flexcut, Diobsud, Cape Forge, Whittlin' Jack or another good brand), a detail knife from the same source, and a set of palm tools, consisting of a 'V' tool, skew chisle, 'U'gouge, straight and bent, and a straight chisle, straight and bent. These five or six piece sets can be purchased for 30 to 40 bucks. DO NOT get a cheap hobby set, as they need too much work to make servicable for a beginner.

X-Acto makes very sericable starter sets for around 40 bucks, too, and although some folks deride the exacto line, I still use the one I purchased over 30 years ago. These sets have handles with interchangable blades that serve as bench knives, detailers, V and U gouges, small saws, etc. In MHO, a good buy for the money.

Hope this helps.

Al

#3 08-31-2003, 08:38 AM

thanks for the time of your reply. I have (or have been collecting) most of the tools you mentioned. I was really wondering about the tools like mechanical type, the ones that have chain saw types on grinders etc. I have been looking at several of those type on the Lancelot ?? web site.
thanks again...

AlArchie · #4 08-31-2003, 09:34 AM

Whole new genre, there!

I have the Lancelot blade and really like it. There is another brand (can't think of the name right now) that is a disc, rather than a chain, that claims less chance of kick back, and just as good cutting. I have never experienced any kick back from my Lancelot blade. I'd suggest you get the secondary smaller diameter add-on blade, too. I'm going to order one soon, although the standard blade does a good job of roughing.

I made my own 'Foredom' style power carver from a 3/4 horse motor, and a good flex shaft. Wouldn't have been any cheaper, but I already had a spare motor, and this thing will NEVER bog down, so what the heck?

There are a whold bunch of chainsaws out there. I have a Husquvarna 'wild thing' I use for general cutting and some prep of collected wood. I've also had a Mac in the past and either one was just as good.

Also have an electric chainsaw (Wen) for use inside (no exhaust) and it works, fine.....not as powerful as a gas powered job, but satisfactory for most large roughing, and even light tree trimming around the house. There are, again, several other comparable brands, and despite the manufacturs' claims, I really don't think any one is suprior to any other.

Haven't done much CS carving so I can't advise you there, but perhaps Colin can lend a hand there. My guess is they need special bars and chains as the tips seem to be offered in quarter and dime size. Might need to get new sprockets for larger saws, too.

Al

lorax · #5 09-02-2003, 08:05 AM

Al is refering to the Arbortech disks. I have both the 4 inch and two inch and the are worth every penny. the carbide disks cut a smooth channel rather than the tearing that the chainsaw teeth leave.

AlArchie · #6 09-02-2003, 11:37 AM

Lorax, I have not had a rough cut with the Lancelots. They leave a very smooth surface, course, like knives and gouges, ya gotta keep em sharp, and if you're eating through bark, that means pretty regular sharpening. I haven't used them at all on anything but clean wood and have never even had to sharpen them. Carbide cutters, though are even toughter and require less maintenance.

Al

#7 09-05-2003, 01:34 PM

Koi,
I have all of those power tools along with various chainsaws. I like the Arbortech's and the Lancelot but seem to be able to remove a lot of wood fast with the chainsaws. I have of course the speciality bars and chains on mine. For you info carving chainsaws have different carving bars. i.e. The bars come in tree different sizes there is a dime bar, nickle bar and quarter bar. They are named as such because the tip of the bar is the size of a dime,nickle or quarter. If you are using a carving bar it is benificial to use a 1/4 inch chain. If you use this chain that is far superior for carving you must change the sprocket as well. Also when running the carving bars you must keep the chain quite loose or you will burn out the tip in minutes. When people see me carving they always comment that my chain in too loose. I recommend about 3/4 inch slack in the chain.
Well that is my two cents worth for all of its worth I am sure you are not going out to purchase all of those saws at once so if you were only going to purchase one I would recommend a 12inch bar with a 1/4 inch chain on a little Stihl 017 or Husky 144 its like using a paint brush once to get used to it.
Good luck carving and welcome aboard.
Colin

wade clark · #8 04-24-2005, 08:15 PM

Hi,

The Lancelot and squire tools by KA Tools (King Arthur) are outrageous wood movers! I love them for rough-out on large projects! They're for sale on ebay, as well as Woodcraft Supply. You'll be thrilled to own them! The 14 tooth lancelot is indespensible once you see what it will do and the others are great too. I've bought everything they sell I'm so impressed.
Can someone recommend a great place to buy everything I need to modify my chainsaw for wood carving?
Thanks!

wade clark · #9 04-26-2005, 08:53 PM

Ken,
I use the Lancelot and Squire together sometimes and sweep across the wood. They really seem to go after it for me! I'm impressed with them! I have no experience with carving with a carving bar and chain on a chainsaw, so I can't compare the KA tools to that. One of my next purchases, I'm sure! Where would you recommend buying bars and chains for this? So much to learn, so little time!

wade clark · #10 04-27-2005, 09:44 AM

Ken,
Sew your pockets shut! Plug your ears, wear goggles and dust gear, long sleeves, button your top button and wear a pair of shoes you don't mind filling with with sawdust, no socks -- they'll be ruined! I'm trying to be funny, but I'm serious! You're right! It's a mess! Anything with a chainsaw blade is! But it's fast for me and fun, and I don't sew my pockets shut, I use a blower (outside) to clean myself off good enough to throw all my clothes in the washing machine -- not with my wife's fineries or towels or anything else; thy'll never be the same!
I love the hand tools! I love the beautiful curl that comes with a sharp gouge! The path behind it is beautiful and nothing exposes the beauty of wood like a sharp gouge! Even the mess seems clean in comparison. But if you have a long way to go and alot to move, I seem to get there faster with my Lancelot! It leaves a pretty clean smoothe cut with a little practice! I still will carve and finish off with my gouges and chisels because I love that smoothe finish they leave! I usually don't even sand afterwards unless I have to. The cut of the hand tool is right without it if I did it right! But I'm still learning, maybe I'll change my mind a year from now looking back!
Wade