Tool Recomendation

[Valkiera]

Hello everyone,

I've just ordered 2 books to get me started, Whittling Little Folk by Harley Refsal and Relief Carving Wood Spirits by Lora S. Irish. I know these are two different styles of carving, but I'm hoping someone may be able to recommend a few tools/items that I will need to get me started. I see many suggest the Beginner kit from Little Shavers, but seems they are out currently. I may get to make a trip over to the Seattle Woodcraft store this weekend, so a "shopping list" would be nice. Just so I don't go NUTS buying goodies I'm not looking for brands, just a tool description, I'll see what feels good, both in my hands and to the bank account.

If not, I'll be ordering them, and would like to have them, and some basswood on the doorstep not long after the books arrive.

Also any other learning material you would suggest?

Thanks all,
Cindy

[carver33]

To be honest, I've seen the beginner's kit from Little Shavers, and while they will get you started, I'd recommend that you spend a few extra dollars for his Startup Carving Set. The tools are higher quality and will serve you well for many years.

[Bob K.]

For carving miniatures you will want to look into micro gouges...not more than about 1/8". And depending on how large you are doing relief carving you will deed either a good set of palm tool or full size gouges. Most of what I carve is usually less than about 6" and I use Flexcut palm gouges. You can buy them individually or in sets. Most of your good online wood carving suppliers carry them.

[SlowMover]

You must have a carving glove (I recommend Bass Pro Shops Fillet glove for an economical choice, see older threads on gloves), a finger protector or carving tape (my choice), and a knife. All will agree ( I think)these are the minimum to carve.
A ruler is very useful, and you also must have a strop or hone of some sort to maintain your edges.

As far as tools...I would go with a 4 or 6mm V, a 1 or 1.5 mm V, and similar sized veiners. A 5 or 6 mm #3 is helpful in roughout. This is what I consider the minimum to start, others will disagree I am confident. You have to decide on a sharpening method, for economy I would go with sandpaper and emery cloth (search for scary sharp).

Don't forget to have bandaids handy, a pencil is vital, and a comfortable place to work will help tremendously.

Hope you have fun with your new hobby...you will figure out what you like to do and then will get tools to help you do that..don't get too hung upon a single style of method at first, wait until you have a little time in the hobby and then go with what make you happy.

[Robert Cahill]

For the carvings in whittling little folks, I like the Harley knife myself. I personally prefer the 2" blade. I am not that much of a relief carver to make suggestions.
Pinewood Forge Catalog

[BobT]

You have received really good advice about tools. Now you need good wood. Cheap/Bad wood will only discourage you. Buy the best wood (not really expensive at all) from Heinecke Wood Products

Then you will know what good wood is!

[Valkiera]

Thanks everyone!

I did make it over to woodcraft today. Picked up a few things, it would be really easy to go nuts in there... So here is what I came home with for a start.

2 Flexcut knives (cutting and detail) affordable to start with, once I know what blade profile I like, I may get another from one of the master tool makers.

Then I bit the bullet and bought a few pfeil tools:

#1 8mm
#3 8mm
#11 3mm
#15 3mm

The first two will allow me to remove a good amount of wood and undercuts for the relief work I want to try. The second two should make some of the detail work a bit easier. For anything smaller, the palm and micro tools felt easier to control (those will be a future purchase once I know what I need).

A strop, thumb and finger guard (didn't like the gloves they had (SlowMover thanks for the tip, I'll check out our local outdoor store)).

A basswood plank and a grab box of basswood to practice on.

So later in the week I hope to have a couple little items to show for comment.

BobT - Thanks for the link, this will be a good resource. I'd rather pay the shipping than deal with Seattle traffic!!! There is a reason I live in the boonies. I like the quiet slow pace

Off to my corner to make a few chips

Cindy

[Nomad]

Cindy, you can't go wrong with Pfeil palm tools. They are excellent. I'd seriously consider getting some Wimp Wrap (not vet wrap) from the Woodcraft Shop instead of using that leather thumb guard. Those thumb guards tend not to stay in place and a good sharp knife will go right through them.

I see you got the Whittling Little Folks book as well. If you don't have a bandsaw, you might consider getting a couple roughouts from Pinewood Forge to start out.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Sounds like you are off to a great start. Lots of great advice above, Terry's advice about wimp wrap is very important! Best of luck, have fun!

Dave

[scooter]

Originally Posted by Valkiera

Thanks everyone!

I did make it over to woodcraft today. Picked up a few things, it would be really easy to go nuts in there... So here is what I came home with for a start.

...

list of tools

...

Off to my corner to make a few chips

Cindy

For those who can't wait for Little Shavers to re-stock, Drake makes a starter set as well.


S~