New member & new to carving

[polarlys]

Hello, I'm a newbeee here and also new to carving. I have been working in wood making furniture for quite awhile and know my way around cabinetmaking machinery and tools. I am now getting into making furniture that requires a bit of carving. I've been working with a friend in Kansas that is an accomplished cabinetmaker & carver. Now it's my turn. I try to purchase the best I can afford and hope to keep it up with carving tools as well. I'm looking to purchase some basic carving tools and see the common names in various catalogs. Pfeil, 2 cherries, Henry Taylor, Sorby, Stubai and would appreciate some guidance in this area. Pfeil is easy. It's available in the cataloges I get. Some of the others I have to look for. If someone out there in carvingland could push me in a direction I would appreciate it. Of the names I've provided ( and others you may provide) how would they be ranked in terms of overall quality, comfort of use, edge holding and edge sharpening. Thanks in advance for any input and Happy Carving.


Roger in Irene soaked NJ

" Democracy is the worst form of government. Except for all the rest"
Winston Churchill, 1948

[Steve Reed]

Roger,
Anytime you ask for tool recommendations, prepare to get inundated! Carvers all have their own "favorite" maker/brand. Of the list that you mentioned, all are quality tools and with proper sharpening, honing and stropping, should provide years of service. My advice is to purchase the best tools you can afford and learn to sharpen properly. Also, I would tell you to stay away from "sets". In my experience, you will end up with at least one or two that you will rarely, if ever use. Instead, start with a few individual tools and add as you progress. As an example, I started carving - a LONG time ago, with a set of Sears chisels! They were available and cheap, and oh yeah, worked fine.
Welcome to the crazy world of woodcarving, and to the forum!

[polarlys]

Thanks Steve. I agree with you completly about the purchase of "SETS". They usually have one or two common tools and a couple of real oddballs that are rarely used. I've already gotten that advise from my friend in Ks. But it's good to hear a confirmation. I'm building a tall case grandfather clock out in Ks. At the top are rosettes that the plan calls for using a common turned one that are easily made or purchased. I decided to turn a basic start and then carve a design of a type common to 18th century furniture. They were easy and came out nicely. Now I have other pieces in mind with more complicated carving. So maybe I've been bitten by the bug. We'll have to see about that.

Thanks again,
Roger

[breezly]

Welcome to the forum Steve has given you some good advice . Everbody has their favourite for one reason or another.

[FARMALL RON]

Welcome to the forum....................Ron

[One Thumb Carver]

Roger;
Welcome and welcome to the Forum There are great carvers in this group who are more than willing if you ever need a helping hand. I know speaking from experience. Have a great weekend

[Bob K.]

Welcome to the forum...Steve is right on with his advice!