Beginners tools

#1 04-03-2002, 10:50 PM

Can any of you fine carvers point me in the direction to
a good to excellant choice for beginners tools for relief carving? It would be
greatly appreciated.!

#2 04-04-2002, 01:38 AM

eBay, eBay, eBay.......LOL

Just type 'Wood Carving Tools' in the search box and place a bid on a set with at least 24 pieces. There are many different ones to choose from, so shop around. They are not the best in quality, but they are far from the worst.

It is also better to pay $20 for a 24 piece set to begin with, than $240 for a six piece set you may never use again

#3 04-04-2002, 02:38 PM

Can't completely agree with you on the 24/$20 set of tools. I got a set of those 'cheap' tools once and the shafts bent the first time I tried to use them! I got a set of 6 for around $25 and theyare still in use after 5 years. Cheap is usually good, but you have to put limits on it. If it takes the fun out of the job, it ain't no bargain!

#4 04-04-2002, 04:07 PM

Chances are the 6 you got for $25 are comparable to the sets of 24 sold on eBay.

These distributers make up sets consisting of maybe 8 mallet tools, 8 palm tools and 8 small knife tools. So I would not be surprized if the 8 mallet tools are comparable to your 6 tools.

I know that German/Swiss tools in sets of 6 or 8 go for well over $200 and sometimes $300 dollars. So for you to have found 6 for $25 dollars I can only imagine they are similar to the eBay ones.

There are real cheap ones sold in today's 'Dollar and Job Lot' stores that go for around $6.95 for a set of 10...LOL...They are worthless.

Below is an eBay 23 piece set for $28. (12 Mallet and 11 Palm)
The Mallet tool shafts are C45 high carbon steel. 3-3/4'' wood handles are reinforced with ferrules on shank/handle joints and on the base to resist mushrooming.
Cheap tools won't go that far in quality.

#5 04-04-2002, 04:46 PM

As a comparison, below is a 6 piece set sold by X-Acto for $28.95.
Notice how flimsy and raw the shafts are as well as the handles being un-reinforced. This is the type of set I would steer clear of.

#6 04-04-2002, 07:57 PM

8)Hey Stacy,
I noticed you asked about a 'good to excellant' set, not a cheap set.
Pfiel is a good choice, but pricey.
Flexcut makes some good tools. I have both, and find I use the Flexcut more.
Palm tools are easier to handle, and they hold an edge if you keep them stroped.
I am not one for buying tools over the internet.
However, you might do a search for Pfiel Swiss Made tools on this message board.
I recall a a thread with a couple of vendors in Canada that sold Pfiel tools at about
40% cheaper than Woodcraft.
Hope this helps!
Rando 8)

#7 04-05-2002, 07:20 AM

:-*Rando, thanks very much for your input. It was greatly appreciated.
For your info, I found that woodcraft stores tend to run higher on most of
their inventory. Although they are a good store. I have had very good
results shopping at Grizzly.com., and their prices are decent. Thanks
again for the help. Stacy

#8 04-05-2002, 07:27 AM

[quote author=Stacy link=board=Beginner&num=1017895849&start=0 #6 date=04/05/02 at 07:20:39]
:-*Rando, thanks very much for your input. Â*It was greatly appreciated.
For your info, I found that woodcraft stores tend to run higher on most of
their inventory. Although they are a good store. Â*I have had very good
results shopping at Grizzly.com., and their prices are decent. Â*Thanks
again for the help. Â*Thank you also , for all the info. from all you fine carvers.
[/quote]

Captain_Bandaid · #9 04-05-2002, 05:16 PM

I wanted to use a smiley face here but there isn't one gagging. PLEASE don't buy that stuff on eBay! Harbor Freight carries the same sets for $12 and they aren't even worth that. C45 steel is .45% Carbon, about half what is necessary to keep a good edge. They are usually not straight in the handle and the edges look like they sharpened them on the sidewalk! Most experts say buy your tools as you need them, not in kits. If you want a basic assortment that comes razor sharp and keeps their edge, try a set of 'Power Grip' tools. About $25 for a set of 5. If carving is not for you, write off $25. If you want better tools, the Power Grip set is great for travel. :P

mdallensr · #10 04-08-2002, 09:12 AM

Zebra. the X-acto set you show is a detail carving set that is a lot more robust than you suggest. I carve with some relief carvers who've been using similar tools for 15 years without any failures. They aren't mallet tools, and they aren't even plam tools meant for a lot of force, but they can do a good job for their intended use. Our instructor starts all new carvers with a similar set of detail tools, a Helvie carving knife, and a #11 X-acto knife. Most of our group still have and use those original tools, while just about everyone has added palm tools and some full size tools.

The web-site for Pfeil tools in Canada is www.kmstools.com. They offer a set of Pfeil tools on ebay for $180 and will sell other sets or individual tools through their on-line catalog. Most instructors won't recommend full size tools for beginners since they aren't likely to have a good way to secure the carving. I'ts best to use a knife and palm or detail tools to learn about the nature of wood and the actions of the tools. Its' too easy to carve yourself seriously with full size tools, before you really know what to expect.