[Jaysonmol]

Hi, I just ordered and recieved a 'V' tool, (I'm a total beninnger) this is the 3rd tool in my collection... I ordered a full size stubai 4mm V-tool from Diefenbacher Tools. I figured I would keep it forever and wanted the best for the money. I love the sharpness of it, but man it's long. They also had the "palm" tools, I wonder if that wouldn't be better.

My question is: What gives better control, the long full size tool or the palm tool? Most of my carving will be on smaller pieces. I read another tread here about sort of making a fist and closing it to keep controll, there is no way I can do that with this. However with the longer handle and blade, it dosn't seem like to will take much effort to get it do what I want. My main reason for wanting it is for detail work. (fins, fur, feathers etc...)

Also has anyone boughten tools from Diefenbacher? what's their return policy could I return it even if I wanted too. What ever I do I would defenatly purchase another Stubai.

Thanks for any input your willing to share.

Jayson

[AlArchie]

Jayson, that's kind of like asking "What's better, a hammer or a saw?" Both are good tools, but are very different tools. Either full size or palm can be used but you have to adapt you method of holding. sometimes I can hold a fiull size gouge by the steel shank and use it like a palm tool for close in work, or you can hold the shank in your "weakhand" to guide it.

I'd suggest getting a five or six piece set of palm tools for the kind of carving you are planning and then you can decide on other individual tools as you develop your skills and needs/

Pretty much a personal thing, though

Al

[sheltiecarver]

Jayson,
Not to confuse you, but I usually recommend against buying a set, unless it is a sort of "custom" set put together by a vendor who is also a carver. Many of the sets have at least several tools you will use hardly at all. Perhaps it is better to pick a few - even though you will be doing small stuff, don't discount bigger tools not longer, but wider. A couple of gouges, perhaps 1/2 inch or so, like a shallow (5 sweep or maybe 3) and a deep gouge, (maybe a 9), and the biggest V-tool you can afford. Again that is widest, not longest. You can always just use it to cut in lightly, like your little one, but you will be amazed at how much you can use it, for making all those stop-type cuts without undercutting. Easier to sharpen too.
By all means get some of your tools in palm style, or those "stubby" handles. They are neat to take with you when you need a portable kit - to carve away from home. Just keep in mind that a few really quality tools are worth more that a big box of cheap ones, and learn to get and keep them sharp.
Good luck, and have fun. Sandy

[squbrigg]

Jayson, you raise a good point about tools......one that unfortunately there is no answer for. Which is better : short, medium or long lengthed tools. It all depends on several factors: size of the piece you are carving, how it is secured, and what is most comfortable in your hands and to your holding style.

You will find as you progress that you will change tools and use different tools for different cuts at different times, often depending on the piece itself. A short handled tool that you used before to undercut may not work on another piece because of the shape, and you find a long handled blade of the same shape works perfectly.

In the same light, you can always change the handle, or have it changed. I ran into that problem yesterday with a beautifully shaped and smooth cutting tool that I find just too long,so I'm going to shape a new handle for it to go over the existing handle and run further up the shaft. Perhaps I'll end up asking the manufacturer if they make or can make me a shorter handled version (I'll keep this one too because it works so well in other pieces I've worked too).

I'd suggest keeping the tool, if you can afford to and learning to get the most out of it, and perhaps get a short version and trying it too. With those two tools, you will solve your problem of deceiding which tool length is more comfortable for you.

Bob

[AlArchie]

I have generally to agree with Sandy about those "sets", on second thought. Most sets have one or two tools you will use and the rest will be there gathering rust. Most, but not all. Little Shavers has a six piece set in a beginners kit that has a good selection of useable tools. I've purchased two sets like that way before Rick got into the business, and I still rely on those five or six gouges regularly.

So, I'll adjust my advice somewhat, but still recomend those "beginner sets" of palm gouges. Those sets sell for around 35 bucks so you won't be investing a month's wages in them, and once there, you can purchase specific purpose gouges as you find, or need them. You will be shocked at how many tools you will decide you really NEED!

Al

[Jaysonmol]

Thank you all for the input. I think I will keep it and order the beginners set from Rick as well. (I've Read some great things about Rick reading these posts.)

Thanks again for all the advise.

Jayson

[Donna_T]

Jayson,
I know the guys have already mentioned replacing the handle, but I wanted to at least make you aware that Stubai also comes in a mid-sized tool range called European style. It is longer than palm and shorter than the full sized tools. I like them but they don't have the full range of tool sizes in that style.

When I'm using a full sized carving tool on small carvings or details, I usually "choke" up on the handle--even using the metal shaft of the tool to hold it (instead of the handle) and get better control of the carving motion.
Donna T

[Canopener]

Sorry to tell you this Jay, but your first tool was one too many, and a thousand will never be enough.
I have about ten v-tools of various sizes, and still want more! Some just never seem sharp or something is off, others are butter cutters!
Stick to the brands you like. Quality pays you back every time you carve. Being cheap slaps you in the forehead. You seem to be on the right track on that account.
Gouges will be your next question, and I have a variety. I wish I had invested more in veiners and #3s of various sizes. The other sweeps are good, but, odd numbers make odd cuts, but check back with me tomorrow and my opinion will undoubtably be as different as my current project.
We are all in this together, so just lay back, and enjoy the carve!
JIM
P.S. I am really interested, does anybody really use those skew chisels that seem to come with every store bought set??? I use them but not very much???

[squbrigg]

Canopener....I use skews a lot. I wish they made skew gouges too, it seems lately that I run into angles I'm trying to carve, where they would be perfect. Oh well.....I'll make do with what I have.

Bob

[Canopener]

Squbrigg,
Bob, they do make skew gouges !!! In fact Henry Taylor has a line named after Fred Cogelow available from www.woodcarverssupply.com
It is tops on my wish list!
I think all of the other companies make skew gouges also.
Best of luck,
Jim