Best tool for carving a pit?

[livens]

Hello all,

I Have a project that I want to do, but Im not sure what type of tool(s) I need to get started. I want to carve a Mancala game board. I attached a picture to help explain what I am going for.

A typical Mancala board has 12 small pits and 1 or 2 large ones. The pits are around 2.5" to 3" wide and maybe .75" deep.

So what would you recommend for carving the pits?

Thanks,

Jeremy

[Claude]

The easiest tool might be a router with a bowl bit...but, if you want to hand-carve it, probably a gouge - maybe a #5 x 12mm, give or take.

Claude

[DMH1112]

If you want to do it primitively you could use a hook knife.

[bigEd_H]

A spoon gouge would also work.

[livens]

Thanks for the recommendations.

I had considered using a router bit, either a 2" corebox or a smaller bowl bit. But I dont want it to look like the mass produced boards out there.

Looking at the hand tools recommended I am thinking of using a #5 1/2" bent gouge. I have a hook knife that I made awhile back and Ill probably find a use for that also.

Another question. Any tip on how to use the gouge once I find one? I have only used straight chisels before.

Thanks again,
Jeremy

[Claude]

I don't have the exact reference, but if you are willing to hunt for it, about a year and a half or so ago, Mark Yundt posted a set of photos showing how he carves a spoon bowl using a standard Pfiel (Swiss-Made) full size gouge. Just click on Search in the green bar above, then Advanced Search, then put in Yundt and bowl...

Claude

[livens]

Originally Posted by Claude

I don't have the exact reference, but if you are willing to hunt for it, about a year and a half or so ago, Mark Yundt posted a set of photos showing how he carves a spoon bowl using a standard Pfiel (Swiss-Made) full size gouge. Just click on Search in the green bar above, then Advanced Search, then put in Yundt and bowl...

Claude

Thanks Claude,

I did track down Mark Yundt's post, which at the end led me to a gallery of photos by Mike Dallen Sr.,

Spoons - Wood Carving Illustrated Photo Gallery

exactly what I was looking for.