Tools/Chisels

[Stormbringer]

Complete newbie at wood carving here.
Bought a 12 pce. carving set from the local Cambodian (Canadian) tire store for $15.00. It has some tools that I have no idea what they are for, but I'll sort that out as I go.

Now I am thinking of buying some tools that may be a better quality as those which I have seem to get dull rather quickly. Mind you I still haven't purchased quality sharpening equipment either.

One website in Washington State that I have been looking at is the Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply. Does anyone have any pros/cons with their stuff??? They have a beginner's starter kid which includes some neat stuff such a protective glove, tools, etc.

Thanks to anyone for your input.
Ron

[AlArchie]

Ron, you absolutly CANNOT go wrong dealing with Rick at Little Shavers. He sells only quality supplies, makes sure all the tools he sells are razor sharp, and is just "one of the good guys"! He's also pretty free with good advice and tall tales. The advice you can take to the bank...the tales ya better take with a grain of salt.

Al

[squbrigg]

Everyone here will tell you pretty much the same thing about Little Shavers. They sell good tools, and their tools come sharp, and are really nice folks. You can't go wrong if you purchase tools from Rick and Theresa.

Bob

[Simplyme]

Rick & Theresa truly are the best. You will not regret the purchase.

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Ron. I'm sure you'll like it here and you'll enjoy carving a lot once you get good sharp tools.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I agree 100 % with what others say about Rick and Theresa, just wanted to add, you might also want to order from them a glove and thumb guard, very important !

Dave

[Stormbringer]

Thanks all for your help.

Cheers

[CarverFromNoWhere]

I would agree about little shavers, as for buying pre made sets of tools I would advise against it. A good idea would be to figure out what you want to carve then ask other carvers what tools work for them and make your own set that way. I never wear a glove and have only cut myself a few times, but the worst cuts I have ever seen (not to scare you) where on gloved hands. Just don't ever forget to wear it if you do get one because it wil become adependancy without your knowlage. I don't like the feel and they seem to get everything dirty also not much protection from stabs.
Good Luck Have Fun
Carve Safe Everyone

[susieq]

I would add to Carver/Turner's words about gloves.... when I use gouges or chisels, I use both hands on the tool and my work is held fast by a carving vise or an armature of some kind. When you have both hands on the tool, you have way more control of the tool.....and your not going to cut yourself with it. For knife carving, I sometimes used a thumb guard..... control is the big thing. Never push so hard that when the blade finally goes through the wood, it keeps going a ways before you can stop it. Control, control, control....... a glove would be awkward for me also....

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Another thing is that it's hard for me to find a glove that is big enough to fit my hands, but even if I did I wouldn't wear it. I have only cut myself bad about 3 times now, knock on wood. The worst one came while I was carving a leftsa paddle, I was using the flexcut roughing knife and it went over the back of the paddle, I put to much force into it and wasn't paying enough attantion. The knife sliced open my left leg a little bit up from my knee and on the inside, it was worthy of stiches. But I butterfly bandaged it and kept carving, it did wreck my favorite pants. I now use (wen I am carving where my legs are at risk) a very heavy apron that I had my mom sew up just to fit me. It is made from a very heavy denem fabric and is three layers thick, also it's camo. It has proven its use as it has slowed down the knife or gouge heading for my legs, enough to not cut me again. It is extra long so when I sit and carve it still covers all the way over the sides of my legs and it is wide enough to wrap around.
Thank you for posting susieq nice to see theres another carver on here who doesn't use gloves.
Good Luck Have Fun
Carve Safe Everyone