[Lou]

Hi

My name is Lou and I've just started trying to carve. I've done a search to try and find more info on Hirsch carving chisels but I've come up dry. I am taking a carving class at Highland Hardware in a couple of weeks and the tool list calls for #41 "V" gouges, a 6mm and 9mm one. I believe the #41 is a Hirsch size--the Pfeils don't have a #41, they have 13, 14, 15 etc. I have seen and handled the Pfeil gouges at Woodcraft and I was always impressed by their looks and feel and was wanting to buy some of them. Does anyone know the equivelent Pfeil size?

Does anyone have experience comparing the two brands? I've never seen the Hirsch but they are the only chisels offered by Highland. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Lou

[rick-in-seattle]

I am not a big Hirsch fan, but;

The #41 is a 60 degree, straight V-tool; size may vary.
The #42 is bent
The #44 is spoon bent.

The comparable Pfeil V-tool is a #12

[Lou]

Thanks Rick. The tool list also calls for #3 and 7 straight chisels, #3 and #5 fishtail chisels and #11 straight gouges--are the #3 and 5 fishtail chisels the same as #3 and 5 Pfeil sweeps? And can you help me with the #3 and 7 straight chisels? I was looking at the Woodcraft web page, http://www.woodcraft.com/articles.aspx?articleid=396 and I was getting a little confused.

Thanks for your help
Lou

[rick-in-seattle]

Straight simply means straight.

Fishtail is shaped like the tail of a fish, the largest part at the cutting edge.
These are not considered standard or professional tools, they are supplemental; similar to Winged V-tools, Macaroni & Fluteroni, or Back-bent tools.

Pfeil uses a fairly simple numbering system, When they say #3 Gouge, they mean a #3 straight gouge. If they say #3F Gouge, they mean #3 Fishtail Gouge.

A common notation might be 3F/10; this tells me it is a #3 sweep Fishtail Gouge 10 mm wide (inside) at the cutting edge.

3F/10 is much simpler than what I just said.

[rick-in-seattle]

Lou,
I have to appoligize, sometimes I get in a hurry and don't really answer the questions asked.

If I have this right;
#3 straight gouge (will be the same at Woodcraft)
#7 straight gouge (will be the same at Woodcraft)

#3 Fishtail gouge (Woodcraft designation is "3F")
#5 Fishtail gouge (Woodcraft designation is "5F")

#11 straight gouge (will be the same at Woodcraft)

What is even more important is what width are you supposed to buy?
Hirsh and Pfeil both use millimeter designation for tool width.
If your list gives the sizes in inches, Woodcraft can convert them for you.

I have a feeling you will be doing relief carving, if that is the case, and you will be sitting at a table, buy intermediate length tools; unless the tool you want is not available in intermediate length. Then full size would be the next choice for relief carving.

When using Full-size tools you should stand and use your body movement to get the maximum performance from them; but standing all day is not my idea of relaxing carving.

[Lou]

Thanks Rick, that really answered my question. The sizes they gave me were in mm and it seems like the Pfiels are all 1 mm larger or smaller than what the list calls for. I hope that doesn't matter too much.

The class is in relief carving taught by Chad Awalt, I'm really looking forward to it. Thank you very much for your help.

Lou

[rick-in-seattle]

Lou, You're welcome, have fun in your class.
(just be careful picking up and putting down tools; that is when you will most likely be cut)

One mm +/- should not make any difference at all.