new tools

[andrewm]

Here are the chisels and knives that I picked up for Hobby Lobby for $6.

There three gouges and one v tool plus some weird knives and I have some kind of stone but i do not know what kind it is.

I need to know how to sharpen all of these tool?

Also if I need a new stone what kind should I get and I need to get it from Lowe's or Menards and keep it under $10. I am a 17 year old homeschooler so I do not have a lot of money Sad

Thanks

[heineda]

Andrew,

Please send me a private email to heineda@yahoo.com and include your address, and I will send you some decent carving tools and a sharpening stone.

Happy Carving,
Dan Heine

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

do a search of "scary sharp" method of sharpening using sandpaper.....cheap and works very good! Also easy

[Mitchell]

Andrew, even though you are on a tight budget, do not buy tools from the discount type stores.

It's better to save up and buy one or two tools at a time than to buy a bunch that will not work for you.

You'll see the difference in what you purchased and what Dan will send. After a while, you will learn which tools you need and which you don't.

Spend a little time doing research now on gouges and sweeps, etc. Especially the numbering system used.

The tools that you have WILL be useful - you will get lots of experience in sharpening. The more you learn on sharpening the better. This skill is just as important in learning how to carve, IMO.

[Mitchell]

Here's an old thread on gouge profiles:

http://woodcarvingillustrated.com/fo...gouge+profiles

The higher priced tools generally have a better quality steel. These will allow you to keep them sharp and have much more pleasant experience in learning to carve.

Sharper tools are also safer. Get a glove and wear it on the hand that you use to hold your carving while working on it (left hand for right hand carver). This is not only a suggestion, but should be the RULE. Also, wear a thumb guard on the thumb of the hand that holds your knife.

Search for clubs in your area. I guarantee you that someone will be there that will be VERY happy to help you out.

[andrewm]

Thanks alot you guys that is very good info.

Thank you very very much heineda for the offer but my mom said no. so.. I was going to ask my grampas for Rick's begginer set for x-mass anyway.

Thanks alot you guys you have been so helpful.

I have made two carving so far with just Xacto Knifes and my grampas dremel. i will post pic. here soon.

Thanks again all of you.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

don't forget to look up the "scary sharp" method..and Mitchell is right, practice on those tools you have.....they are not great but if you get a decent edge they will cut wood. Besides you are not out anything practicing sharpening them....you need a good leather strop to...Ice Creamand a glove lol and.........and.......and.....ah tools!

[Kenny_S]

Not much that I can add that hasn't been said but, these tools you bought at Hobby Lobby are not worth much but the others covered the practicing and sharping.
Usually, You can't get one decent carving tool for six bucks let along the bundle you got. Good I deal on Rick's starter kit and for the bucks, You can't beat it anywhere else.
Xacto's are better than those from Hobby Lobby

[squbrigg]

Andrew....I had a set of similar tools many years ago, and while they weren't much in the way of tools, I had a lot of fun with them.

Others have given you some great advice on sharpening, and while sharpening stones are great, you can get excellent results using the "Scary Sharp" method that Hi Ho mentioned, very inexpensively. Stick to softer woods with those tools, and you will have a ball.

Perhaps your Mom might reconsider the offer if WCI was used as an intermediary. My Mom wouldn't want my home address given out either to a stranger (no offense Dan) , and I'm an old guy! Smile Ask her to think about it. I'm sure BobD would be happy to oblidge.

Bob

[Clifford_Parker]

Welcome to the wonderful hobby of carving Andrew. I understand the limited budget thing VERY well. I have the same set and, along with a few carefully chosen Ramelsons and some e-bay finds, still use them to this day.

You may find that you need a thinner gouge and veiner for detailing but Hobby Lobby also carries Speedball gouges in the arts section. I use a #2 V speedball gouge epoxied into one of the other handles for hair on my woodspirits.

You will need to learn to sharpen hone, and strop these tools to get them to work as good as they can and they will need honing and stropping more often but they WILL work just fine once you get them sharp.