Fine detail tools

[WhiteShaman]

I've noticed some pretty intricate fine detail here and other places in many carvings.
Looking in my beginners toolbox for a tool to make the detailed small eyes I desire for a wood spirit in a walking stick leaves me empty handed.
I'm curious what you seasoned veterans use.
Do you use some type of dental tools or something?
Thanks for your help!
James

[jpittssr]

I use a set from Dockyard. I like it and it stays sharp forever (almost).

[WhiteShaman]

Ahhhh....I see now................micro-carving tools!
I knew I was missing something..........thanks Ed!
James

[markken5889]

Hi James,

Like Ed, I use the Dockyards too, although there are quite a few other manufacturers. (Cape Forge has some really nice ones!) Also, have you looked into palm tools? They're a little bigger than the micro's but can be pretty useful too. Hey - more toys!!!

Mark

[WhiteShaman]

Thanks Mark..I did see those when I did a search on micro tools.
I was wondering what I could do in the mean time (I'm in the middle of something I want to finish).
Can I put a nail to the grinding wheel or a small screwdriver?
Any macgyver's out there?
Blessings,
James

[Clifford_Parker]

You can carefully grind concrete nails to make detail tools. I use the Power Grip micros and a couple Ramelson micros for small detail work on my walking sticks.

Power Grip Carving Tools

[Claude]

James:
If you want a really quick way to make a small detail tool, take a standard Exacto blade and re-grind it to the shape you need. For example, if you need a 1.5mm double bevel skew chisel, just blunt the edge of the blade, then grind a skew tip on it, with a double bevel. You can also buy various blade shapes that are already sharp, and just need stropping. Exacto handles aren't comfortable for long term work, but for a few minutes of detail work, they are just fine. And the blades are cheap - sold at hardware stores, craft stores, hobby stores, *marts, etc...

Claude

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I use and like the Dockyard tools. Before I bought them I took an old small screwdriver and made a chisel out of it, still use it today.

Dave

[breezly]

I use dockyards nice micro tools to work with

[shane_1]

I like my flexcut and dockyard micro