Pfeil or Woodcrafts Numbering system?

[Jim-Iowa]

I was looking at the Pfeil listings at Woodcraft.
What has me confused is what separates intermediate tools from the full size in their numbering system? They all look the same to me.

[James A]

From what I can tell, there isn't any difference in the numbering. The main difference is in the length of the tools.

[Jim-Iowa]

That was what I was seeing as well, I had a list of a half dozen I was thinking of ordering, but was unsure if what I was looking at were Intermediate or fullsize("professional") without knowing I could wind up with some of each(might not be all bad,) but would like to be sure.

[chuckt]

In looking at the Woodcraft website under the individual Pfeil tool listings, they have separate listings for the "Intermediate" vs regular full sized gouges. The designation on the numbering from Pfeil appears to be a "D" for the intermediate tools.

ChuckT

[brian-bailey]

Jim,

Pfeil's intermediate gouges are labeled intermediate.

Such as " intermediate # 3, #5, #7, etc".

Chuck's right, they have the letter D next to the sweep size on the tool handle.

[chuckbolton]

use the intermediate. i have purchased the full size and they are too large to use as hand tools-- but you can still use a mallet on them. i will complete a set of Intermidiate sizes before i buy another size of any kind. i have two full tool rolls of palm tools and wish i could get rid of most of them---i can do everything i want to do with the swiss made. good luck and happy carving.

[chuckt]

Hmm - don't mean to be contrarian here with you Chuck (especially with another Chuck!) - but I use my full size Swiss Made gouges mostly "as hand tools" - however, with two hands on the tools. This means the piece I am working on is secured to the bench or table somehow - whether by clamps, bench hook, carver's screw or whatever. This way both hands are on the tool and I have full control over the cut, and it's safe - no part of me in front of the edge. I do this mainly on relief work (and will do so for most in the round work as well when I start doing that - except when working on small pieces like little 5 minute wizards etc.).

Now, if I am working on hand held pieces like 5 min wizards or caricatures - then I tend to hand hold and use knife or palm gouges. Though I have used on occasion smaller "full sized" Swiss Made in a pencil type of grip.

I suppose if you find the Intermediates work better for you than Palm gouges for hand held work AND they can cover mallet work for you too - then that's a good thing. Me - I find I'd rather have full sized and palms and use each when and where I find appropriate.

I guess it always comes back to - ya gotta try for yourself and see what you are most comfortable with. There seem to be very few absolutes.

ChuckT

[mark yundt]

I have a set of the intermediate and have never used them.
Not once.
There is no reason at all that the full size set can't be used as "hand tools" . I as well as every other full time carver uses the full size chisels almost exclusively as "hand tools". If you know what you are doing there really is no substitute.
They simply are not just for mallets as many seem to think.That's an absurd notion.

For my entire career every single piece I have done from small to large has been done with nothing other than full size chisels. Either by hand ,,,OR using a mallet.
Quite simply it makes no difference.

[markken5889]

I agree with Mark Y and Chuck T. I only use the full-size tools, and on occasion micro's with a bench knife. I like the Pfeil's and also Two Cherries.

Mark

[oldbearx2]

I have a full set of the intermediate and 8 of the full size. Depending on the size of carving they get about equal use. Like Mark says no reason the full size can't be used as hand tools, just takes some getting used to. Some people just like being "closer" to the wood when they carve. I have used the intermeidate for smaller hand held carvings that the full size are more difficult to use. So I guess it's easier to use small tools on big carvings but harder to use big tools on small carvings?

Have fun, carve

Harold