next step for gouges

[LisaS]

I've very new to carving and am first interested in relief carving. I did get the Little Shaver starter kit - but find it seems like those are suited for detailing in-the-round but less suited for relief panels and bigger surfaces (think the Chris Pye beginner project).

I've read Chris Pye's list and I see his point in an 11 part set but that will be an up-front costly set to acquire in quality tools when I'm not 100% sure I'll continue on.
I know the general advice is not to buy a tool until you have a need/use for it - but when you're starting out you don't know what you need.

Pye recommends flat, med & deep gouges in 3 widths, plus a skew and a V-tool.

1. Sweep no. 3 x 1/4 " (5mm) - flat gouges
2. Sweep no. 3 x 1/2 " (12mm)
3. Sweep no. 3 x 3/4 " (18mm)
4. Sweep no. 6 x 1/4 " (5mm) - medium gouges
5. Sweep no. 6 x 1/2 " (12mm)
6. Sweep no. 6 x 3/4 " (18mm)
7. Sweep no. 9 x 1/4 " (5mm) - deep gouges
8. Sweep no. 9 x 1/2 " (12mm)
9. Sweep no. 9 x 3/4 " (18mm)
10. Sweep no. 2 x 3/8 " (10mm) - skew chisel
11. Sweep no. 39 x 3/8 "(10mm) - 60° Vtool

I've also read him say that you use the biggest tool you have to do the job until you need a smaller one.

I want to be reasonably ready to just sit and practice relief carving without being frustrated to work with the smaller tools I have.

So - I'm looking for advice. I'm inclined to pick up a #3, #6 and #9 in 3/4" to compliment what I have and perhaps the 3/8" V tool. I'm thinking Asley Iles rather than Pfeil so I used the English sizing, but am considering them for no particular reason other than Pye's recommendation.

Does that make sense? Should I make a different set of choices?

Am I being a bad beginner by wishing for bigger tools for relief carving than what came in the beginner set? I'll work with them over the next couple of weeks until whatever I order arrives so it isn't as if I'm refusing to learn to work with the small palm tools. It's just frustrating when the beginning books all refer to their first projects using tools that are bigger than what you have.

[BobD]

Chris uses both Ashley Illes and Swiss made. He's not a huge fan of the thick blades on the average AI chisel (I prefer it,but it's personal preference), but he does like the #2 1/2 that AI created under his guidance. That's a sweet tools for smoothing a final surface.

I'm a big fan of AI, but they are more expensive than Swiss made (Pfiel). It may be worth picking up your selections in Pfiel if you're not sure you're going to stick with it.

Depending in the size of your project, you may only need a 3/4" wide gouge in the medium gouge size for rouging out and can eliminate the other 3/4"-wide gouges....

Not sure if that helped at all.

Bob

[BobD]

Besides, you are not a bad beginner for wanting full-size tools for relief carving. I prefer full-size tools for relief. They are just more comfortable to me.

Bob

[Thor]

Hi LisaS,

I feel for you with your frustration on tool choices but don't worry, there are steps to getting clear of the beginning in everything.
I think you already know that Chris Pye knows what he's talking about, and his tool choices are for someone with a very healthy commitment from the get go.
I am a relief carver myself, and have a recommended list that I have compiled for beginners that are about as basic as you can get.

I do recommend pheil tools as they come already sharpened. That way, you know what to expect, and how sharp you need to learn to keep them.

First on the list...kevlar carving glove...a lot of folks don't use them when using long handled or mallet tools, but as sharp as they are, I always recommend and use one myself.

Pheill gouge 5/8 #05D04
8mm, Gouge, #5 Sweep

Pheill chisel straight 1/8 #05A03
8mm # 1 Sweep Straight Chisel - Double Bevel

Pheill skew 1 S/8 #05A10
8mm # 1 Sweep Skew Cut Chisel - Double Bevel

Pheill V parting tool 12/6 #05J06
6mm # 12 Sweep V-Parting Tool

I also recommend a mallet. I use a neoprene coated 12oz., but you can make one from a log if you have the patience.

A good way to keep them honed is to use a slip strop by flexcut. It has shapes to help with the different profiles.

You'll get as many recommendations on this forum as folks on here, but I've found that this list serves the students until they really want to do larger pieces. It is a beginning tool list. I have acquired many more tools over the years, and my list of "I want that" is still long.

This list will give you all you need for stop cuts, roughing out, and fine tuning carvings from small to large.

Pheil tools can be ordered from KMStools.com in Canada at a great savings, and I also get my pheil tools from Woodcraft.com

All of the top brand tools are excellent choices, but keep in mind, many come without a keen edge, and you have to make them sharp yourself.

I hope this helps.
Christina

[LisaS]

I'll have to measure/inventory what I got in the Beginner kit when I get home. I've made practice cuts with all of them but couldn't tell you the number or size of any of them. The 1st step is to know where you are, right?

Thanks for the safety reminder. I've got the glove and I am working on setting up a safe and well-lit work surface and area.

Thanks for the alternative starter set list. I enjoy looking at your work in the gallery.

I'll have to go price out that setup.

[BobD]

Anyone who knows me also knows that I suggest the AI Gonzalez Hooked Skew. This is THE first tool I reach for when carving. I've got the palm size (because I really like to choke up on this tool). It acts as a skew chisel, a flat gouge, and I can even use it like a knife.

Bob

[Thor]

Yeah, Bob, I want one.
I've used some Denny tools lately that I really like as well.
They are on my list also.
Christina

[BobD]

And I hear from my contacts at Woodcraft that Pfiel has even more profiles coming out <GRIN>

[mark yundt]

I do quite a bit of carving and the last tools I'd reach for or start with would be ones 3/4 inch wide. I don't even reach for them now.

[LisaS]

Good to know. No 3/4".