Tools for the Beginner

[MJ1607]

Hey Everybody,

My name's Michael. I'm new to the forum and new to carving in general. I've done some whittling, but I always seem to end up with no more than a pile of wood shavings and dust. However, I am undaunted. I love wood. I love the feel of it and the extent of it as a medium.

But, being a reasonable person, I've decided that I really need to seek some help. Thus, I turn to you guys, who are far more knowledgable than I, for guidance.

I am interested in sculpture and I guess what could be called carousel carving. I would like to carve both human and animal figures. That being said, I don't have any tools. Therefore, I pose the following questions:

For a beginner, like me, what are the essential tools that I need to get started carving (e.g. what tools should I get to form the core of my tool kit)? Also, what woods should I be considering?

Thank you, in advance, for any help you can provide.

Michael

[Mitchell]

You did well in explaining what you want to carve - that helps.

There's been LOTS of threads on tools for beginners. Just look at a few in the section at the bottom of this page "Similar Threads". Search some of them. Same with wood.

It would help to know your skill level, what you have now, etc. Otherwise you'll be hit with lots of suggestions that aren't really relevant to your situation.

Forgot my tips: ALWAYS be aware of safety, learn to sharpen your tools, and seek help from another carver - a club would be best. If you live close to a supplier, go there and ask for advice (be aware that they want to sell, so MAY not always give the best suggestions, but should be knowledgable).

Look in the "Tools" forum also - there's lots of info on tool (questions/suggestions) such as this just today:

Question on carving tools

[squbrigg]

Purchasing tools for carving can be a big investment. And with a project as large as a carousel animal to begin with, well that takes large size tools.

My approach with new carvers has always been to start out with a beginners set from Rick's "Little Shavers" ......... they suite most beginning size carvings, they are sharp and good quality without breaking the bank, they are a good deal, and ideal for most beginners who really don't know what direction they will take in carving styles. With a definite goal like yours, I believe you are going to have to look at investing quite a bit more to achieve your objective. But please, study your selection carefully and unless you have lots of money to spend, choose carefully.

It will also depend on your preference of carving styles, traditional carving vrs power carving.

Power carvers might use an Electric chainsaw to rough out, perhaps a Merlin or Arbortech tool for shaping and a Foredom with plenty of burrs to detail, and then there's dust control to consider. Thats a lot of big ticket articles for a beginner.

Traditional carvers may use a set of full size carving tools, good quality ones will cost you but last a lifetime. I like Pfiel for my own large carvings, but there are several good quality makers out there. Henry Taylors, Stubi, Ashley Isles all make good full size tools.

Hope this helps some. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

Bob

[AlArchie]

That was good advice from both Bob and Mitchel. If you really plan on getting right into carousel style carving, after you get a beginners set to practice with, I'd suggest you find a good book on carousel carving. A fairly good one is "Carving Carousel Animals" by Bud Ellis and Rhonda Hoeckley for around 20 bucks. It has patterns for many animals and human forms used on carousels and the associated calliopes. It it you will also find tips on tool purchase, wood selection and glue up, finishing and painting...the works.

Al

[susieq]

Michael,
I don't know what part of the country you live in but the man who wrote the carosel animal carving book, has a carosel carving school in Soddy Daisy, Tenn. Just outside Chattanooga about 20 miles or so. He is a terrific man and his students often take their summer vacations from where ever and spend a week or two at the school working on their full sized carosel figure. Bud will store the animal for you until the following year when you come back and work on it some more, and the year after that and so on.

Chattanooga had an antique carosel but all the old animals had been canabalized off of it years ago to antique dealers, collectors, etc..... Bud Ellis and his students carved 52 carosel figures in two years and put them back on the carosel which is set up and running in the park in Chattanooga now. After spending a couple hours at the school with him a couple of years ago, we had to drive back into Chattanooga and ride the carosel. Most of the animals featured in his book are on that carosel now.... They did an amazing job. I hope to wind up in Tenn before too much longer. If I do, I will certainly be at the school often.
susieq

[Eddy-Smiles]

Soddy Daisy also has a fair football team! Go Trojans!

[MJ1607]

Thanks everybody for your help.

susieq, unfortunately, I don't live near Tennessee. I live in New Jersey and don't think it will be any time soon before I might be able to travel to Tennessee. If anybody knows anyone in New Jersey who might be able to help with me questions and getting started in wood carving, please let me know.

In terms of choosing tools, I know that it will be a big investment. I am looking to spread out the cost somewhat by buying tools as I need them. However, I still need a selection of tools with which to start out and I'd appreciate any suggestions on which tools & what sizes are best for me to consider (with my ultimate goal in mind).

Also could anyone suggest (if it is permitted), what manufacturers I should consider? I have been looking at several of the Henry Taylor carving tools. I know they are expensive but are they good? I don't mind investing in quality tools. I know firsthand that quality tools, if properly taken care of, can last for generations, as I have inherited several tools from grandfather that date to the early part of the 20th century and are still in excellent condition.

Thank you again, everybody, for all your help.

Michael

[revnate]

Be careful buying tools. I, in my zeal and excitement for carving bought tools I will hardly ever use.

[Eddy-Smiles]

Mike.... Almost all of the woodcarving suppliers have basic sets to get a newbie like yourself started. I suggest that you call Little Shavers or Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers, tell them what you want to do and get their suggestions. Also, Woodcraft sells a full line of Swiss made PFEIL tools including a moderately priced started kit which includes a knife. The only way for you to intelligently decide what tools you really need is to start out with a simple set and add on as the need arises. Starter sets run from $40-$200+. Be sure to ask if the tools come fully sharpened and carving ready.

[chuckt]

Mike -

Where in New Jersy are you? If you are anywhere near Wayne NJ check out http://www.americanwoodcarving.com/ . I've never been and I have no affilitation with them but I have heard good things about them. I am up in Orange Cty NY and about 45 min from Wayne, but I've been thinking about trying some classes there.

I think you are getting lot's of great advice on your other thread in the Tools section. I intend to try to visit Mark Yundt's studio in Bethlehem PA sometime soon. That may be something you'd want to approach Mark about too.
ChuckT