[jamesfa]

does any one use eye punches? round or oval?
are they worthwhile adding to my tool collection or do you figure its cheating. i seem to have a problem getting both eyes the same size.

[Ric]

Using any tool levels the playing field. I have both round and oval eye punches. Although I don't use them a lot, I have used them in the past and they work pretty well. The one with the most tools in the end wins.
Ric

I've used the round eye punches to some degree of sucess....they are fairly reasonably priced, so not a bad investment.

I've heard it... 'He who dies with the most tools............is dead!'

Guess that means that somebody else has them now, but they were sure nice while I lasted!


Hey, I ain't dead yet, so they're still MINE!! 8)
Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

also, he who dies with the most tools loses the most! :

[mdallensr]

I have both round and oval eye punches, and have used both. The oval punches don't work as well as the round, but they do leave good reference marks so you can carve your own and have them be the right size. Eyes and other facial features can be tough to carve, and the best way to improve is to carve, carve, carve. Take a lesson or two, read some books and try a few things until you find something that you can replicate dependably. We need to quit worrying so much about cheating and do what we enjoy. If you like making chips, make chips. If you want a finished carving and are less into the carving process, that's fine too.

[Colin_Partridge]

Yes I have a couple of the eye punches and find they work just fine. I dont think it is cheating it is just another tool, another gouge if you would. I dont care what you use to get to the finished carving as long as its not a duplicater then you have done it by hand.
Colin

Colin
I agree, any tool that makes the job easier is fine. If I could afford them I would have every tool imaginable, whether I used them or not.
Now as for doing the job by hand, Ouch!!!!!!

I have to use the tools. My hands just do not seem to work very well as a knife or gouge or chissel or punch. My hand do however hold the tool or knife.

ROFLMAO

[Anthony Filetti]

I used eye punches when I first started carving with some success, but looking back now I just think I postponed the inevitable, learning to carve the complete face.

My advice is to use them to alleciate any initial frustration, but don;t put off learing to carve them yourself.