tools confusing help

[opakitas]

Ok I have been looking at what tool set I should get. Too many to decide from and I am totally confused. Can someone please direct me into a nice beginners set for making wildlife and animals. I want to hopefully make life like animals from things like dragon flies, birds, fish, four legged animals etc. I want to start with minis and then maybe adventure to bigger. Have no clue as to what tools I should get so am lost should I say. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

thanks
Tammy

[squbrigg]

I recommend starting with a Beginners set from Rick Ferry at Little Shavers. This set will give you the basics and you can build on it as you progress in experience. Have fun.

Bob

[opakitas]

are they small enough to do the carvings i mentioned? They seemed so big? Also I do know that I don't think I want the rounded handle. I have small hands and worry about getting cramps in my palms with the round piece.
do you think it will do that?

[Tom-H]

Tammy,

Based on only the personal experiences of myself, I would not recommend starting to learn to carve, by carving mini's. I would start with pieces a bit larger. I would learn and try to perfect the cuts on pieces that were larger, then move on down to the mini size. As to the size of the tools, I carve 1/4" by 1/4" Santa head, with a pocket knife with a blade that is 1 1/4 inches long (cutting surface). I use a 1/4" V tool to do the whiskers on the minis too. The suggestion about Little Shavers Starter kit is right on the money..

Good luck and happy carving.

Tom H

[Frank D]

Hi Tammy,
I don’t think you have to worry about getting cramps in your hand from using palm tools. When your tools are sharp you don’t have to push that hard (and you are really pushing with the heel of your palm anyway).
I’m not sure what your definition of “mini” is but, you may find it easier to learn on a piece of basswood about 1.5” X 1.5” X 3” and see how that works for you.
I wish I knew about that Beginners set from Rick Ferry when I started. It even comes with a carving glove.
Also, don’t worry about making mistakes, everyone makes them and they are a lot easier to accept if you think of them as lessons.
Good Luck,
Frank D.

[markken5889]

Hi Tammy,

I want to emphasize Frank's point about making sure you get a carving glove, especially is you're interested in carving mini's. Get a good bench knife (I like Cape Forge) and maybe a set of micro tools like Dockyard's to go along with your palm tools.

Good luck, and welcome to a great hobby!

Mark

[Just Carving]

If you're interested in doing mini carving Google on powergrips. They're very comfortable to use. And you can use them like a pencil or a palm tool.

Here's the lowest prices and best selection that I could find:

Power Grip by Mikisyo Tools

Japanese Detail Carving Tools - Lee Valley Tools

However, for $3.99 plus S&H you can try out your first tool that will probably be useful to you as you get more into carving:
Power Grip Carving Tools - Woodcraft.com

Bob L

[bigEd_H]

Hi Tammy, welcome to the forum.

The Beginner's Carving Set at Little Shavers is a great tool set to start with. It has a bench knife, palm tools a carving glove and thumb guard plus other items. It comes with a nice wood box to keep them all in. The biggest advantage of getting the Little Shavers kit is that Rick Ferry puts it together and sharpens all the tools so they are ready to use. He will sharpen them for life. All you need to do is strop them on occasion to maintain a good edge.

[opakitas]

I was going to order that kit but problem is that I have to mail it in. I would like to place the order on line. Any other thoughts?

thanks
Tammy

[Just Carving]

Tammy,

If you're talking about the kit from Little Shavers, call by telephone. Ask for Rick and tell him you're new to wood carving and just joined the WCI Forum. Tell him we sent you. He'll help you, and answer your questions and get you started on doing what you want. Teresa, his wife, will also help you with your order.

You can also order by fax or e-mail and then just call with your credit card number.

They are closing early today--the home page says 2 PM. I assume that's 2 PM their time.

Bob L