Beginning Tool Purchases

[Jerry T]

I don't want to make the mistake of buying upteen dozen tools that will be used very seldom, so I am asking this question. What would you recommend as the first six tools for a newby to buy?

I have a good set of Flexcut with two interchangable handles. I know these will work OK for a while, but I also know that I will need to replace them sooner or later and would like to start buying a few tools as money will allow, but I want to buy the "right" tools.

Thanks ahead of time for your advice.

[Robson Valley]

Hard to suggest anything specific because the selection will be made based on what sort of things you like to carve. A Pfeil 9/15 gouge will be useless if you wish to carve wood spirits in Cottonwood bark.

Lee Valley Tools

Look at the 1000/4000 grit, combination water stone. Look at the wood-backed, leather strop and the honing compound. I'm quite safe in saying that dull tools are not only dangerous but really frustrating to try to use. I never tire of the satisfaction of watching the chips and shavings come off sharp tools.

[uvawyo]

You could buy little shavers beginners set it is releatively inexpensive
But I would really just stick with the flexcut set you have for a while and see what you enjoy most and then what you need

[mpounders]

I still use my Flexcuts, but you might consider making individual handles for them (don't buy them). My upgrades have been buying full-size Pfeil gouges, primaily #11s, since that has been what I use the most. I have upgraded my sharpening methods also, but it is something I built from parts. I like Shipley and Drake tools also, but you might consider what you feel like you are missing or what is needed when you carve. I needed several sizes of v-tools to do hair at one time, but I do hair differently now and may not upgrade those tools.

[wDonkey]

i went through this not so long ago
you have to determine what kind of tools suits your style, be it palm tools, full sized mallet tools, or something in between ?
then theres alot of manufacturers to chose from. i bought several tools off the internet. i choosed profiles i thought i wanted from pfeil, stubai, ashley iles and Henry taylors. i've tryed them, see how they feel, the handle is always something you can fix yourself id you dont like it. see how the tools sharpen, i have an old JB Addis #10 that wont dull even tho its hard to sharpen. i ended up liking my ashley iles more than the rest. i can always sell the ones i dont want as i replace them by those from the manufacturer i chose. and now, after some tweeking arround with the "sample" of tools i have, i know what i need and what i want a little bit more.

[Robson Valley]

Here's the kit of Pfeil tools that I bought, put together by a full-time professional carver. I offered him $60/hr for lessons beyond the workshop = nope, too busy. These tools sure did get me going with both relief carving and some 3D pieces.

D5/3 and 8/7 gouges, 3F/8 and 5F/14 fishtails, 12/8 Vee, 1/8 chisel. and a tool roll
wood backed leather strop and honing compound, 14oz Shop Fox mallet.

I rarely use the 12/8Vee (I prefer knife-made stop cuts and skews) or the 1/8 chisel (ditto)

[Claude]

Jerry:
You don't mention what type of carving you want to do. If you're carving 2 foot tall sculptures out of oak, a different set of tools is needed than if you're carving hand-held caricatures no taller than 6 inches.

FWIW, I have the Flexcut FR310, which I use constantly (all of them), and the SK108, most of which I use frequently. I have carved walnut figures up to 14 inches using a mallet, and stuff down to very small... I have also used them on cherry, maple, oak, purpleheart and padauk, and they work just fine. I take thin chips in the harder woods, but don't hesitate to use them...

Having said that, if you intend to do a lot of architectural carvings, read this: Tools I Can?t*Live*Without Fiebig and Yundt Woodcarving It's by a professional carver who makes his living carving...

Claude

[Irish]

To me the most important tool to purchase before anything else is a high quality bench knife or fine quality large chip knife. I use both of these tools more often than any other knife in my kit - my style is relief carving and cane carving.

As a relief carver I have used the Flex Cut twelve tool profile with the palm handle for many years. I do use a bull nose chisel on almost all carvings and a mid-sized dog leg chisel for undercuts. I also love my wide sweep round gouge for background work.

Susan