just starting

I have been carving for three months and would like to know what kind of tools are nessesary for caricature carving? Also what kind of tools are a good quality? And where I could find some step by step caricatures (patterns)?


Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Â* Thanx

Welcome to the world of carving! You should search this website, there are several threads on tools. And you will find many diffrent opinions on this topic. I for one belive that you get what you pay for. And a cheap tool isn't worth the trouble. I have the same tools I have been carving with since 1977 paid a good price for them but hey, they are still going strong!

[lorax]

I agree with wood butcher on tool quality--enough said on that. Since you know specifically what kind of carving you want to do, it's a little easier to decide on your tools. Personally I would suggest you get a good carving knife and a few palm tools. I say palm tools because the the price is a little cheaper, and the size is ok for the size of the usual caricature carvings. The basics you would need is a v tool, #3 gouge, and a chisel. this will keep the cost the cost down, and you can get more as you go along (you'll know what tools will make things easier). Dont forget to budget sharpening equipment, youll be a sad carver if you try to carve with dull tools. You'll need a stone or two, and a strop with stropping compound. My favorite stones are the Rolling Stones---oh wait I mean ceramic stones ( I have one with two different grits that is simply fabulous). The strop is usually a piece of leather, the compound can be found in numerous catalogs or carving stores near you.
BTW- my palm gouge set was ordered from a Sears catalog, Name brand is 'Footprint' it was $40 for 6 tools, that was a long time ago but I still uses those chisels (you dont hear much about Footprint brand). As far as a step by step, I can't help you much but I would say that Chip chats has a lot of good caricature patterns in it, as well as WCI. I better stop before I get long winded :P
PS You couldnt go wrong finding a carving club near you

Thanx woodbutcher and lorax for the info. It is greatly appreciated. I will try your suggestions. I have tried the library and other places but always came up alittle short. Thanx again!

step-by-step books:

Pete LeClair,s 'Carving a Characature from Scratch'
Harley Refsal's 'Scandinavian Figure Carving'
? Bolinger,s 'Carving and Painting and Heirloom Santa'

Not sure if I got the titles exact or spelling right but they are close. You should be able to find them with a quick internet search. Good Luck.

Dave

[Callynne]

Â* Â* Hey newbee, welcome to the wonderful world of carving and this bulletin board. Â*It is the best place for beginners to learn a lot of really great advice from people who know what they're talking about!! (Not including myself in that yet!! )
Â* Â* I have been carving for almost two years and knew absolutely nothing when I started out. Â*One of the best pieces of advice I got early on was to go to www.littleshavers.com I was told the guy who has it, Rick, was really great and would help me with my selections and not take advantage of my ignorance. Â*That was the truth, I'd email my questions to him and he always answered back very quickly, often suggesting something less expensive that I thought I needed. Â*I'm sure there are many people like that out there but Rick's the one I have personal knowledge of.
Â* Â* I can tell you that in the time I have been carving I have learned a lot about what I need and just as important, what I don't need and you will to. Â*So take some time and don't rush into buying too much too fast! Â*And be sure to wear a safety glove, that is super important!!! Â*Good luck! Callynne

These folks are all too right. Â* Â*The only advice I can add is to RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!

Carving is a sickness, and once it gets into your blood, you'll forget appointments, your kids' names, sometimes even your own....your brain will think of nothing except playing with wood and sharp implements. Â* Â*

On the other hand, it's great fun, and so it this place. Â* Welcome aboard!!

Teri

Steve Prescott in his book, 'Carving Blockheads' recomends the following:
Knife
Small V tool
1/4 ' Veiner
3/16' Veiner
1/2' Shallow gouge.

Marv Kaisersatt recommends:
3 mm V tool
8 mm V tool
2mm veiner
5 mm veiner
7 mm veiner
#5 20mm gouge
#6 10mm gouge
#7 5mm gouge

All palm tools.

I recently went through the same drill as you are doing and went with the latter set. Now that I've done it I'm o.k. with it but think starting with the former set and adding as needed would be the better course of action if your on a budget. I find the knife is what I use the most anyway, but that could be because I'm a converted (knd of) whittler.

[millhoused]

When I started all I had was a murphy bench knife. I bought it from Smokey Mountain Woodcarvers Supply @$10. http://www.woodcarvers.com/murphyknives.htmThey even sharpen it for free (important for my first knife).
I also use their method of sharpening. http://www.woodcarvers.com/SHARPENING.HTM

The three main tools I use for small carvings are a small V tool, gouge, and knife.

[LMiller]

I bought the $100 FlexKnife set (DELUXE HANDCARVING KIT - Kits) and have used about half of them. I would have been better served with the smaller set.

I believe the advice to use a carver's mitt, thumb guard, and fore-finger guard will save you emergency room stitches! I have already purchased a replacement thumb guard -- the first was sliced in numerous places within just a few hours...

Be safe and be happy!