What tools for a tankard?

[SamIamSL]

So I'm pretty new to all this and it may be a bit ambitious for a complete beginner but I really want to carve a wooden tankard/mug. I've been looking for information as to what tools I would want but I've gotten little success. Any information as to what to buy to carve the inside of the mug would be much appreciated!

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I have never, ever, done it, or even tried, but it I was going to do it with hand tools, I'd use a scorp or if that wasn't avaiable a bent knife. Stand by for a couple dozen other ideas that are sure to come.

[Nomad]

Well, if you have a bandsaw, that helps to cut it out. Forstner bits are good for removing a lot of wood to start the bowl of the tankard. To carve down deep, I prefer North Bay forge bent knives and bent gouges by Hans Karlsson which is what I used primarily on these two carvings.

[dennybell]

I drill out the inside of my mugs with a 3" forstner bit and use a hook knife to clean up the bottom and the sides. I leave about a 3/8" wall when it is roughed out and try to get a 1/4" for the finished piece.

The outside is bandsawed to shape and the hole through the handle is roughed out with an 1-1/4" forstner bit. My mugs can be seen at <http://www.cedarstump.us/Cedarstump/woodcarvings/Pages/Misc.html>.

Denny

[Donsexton]

This is just me but I would use a monster ball 1" carbide bit on a die grinder then use a 1" flap sander on a very low rpm to sand. You could use a spoon bent gouge I would go with a #9 1/2" for the inside and a #3 fishtail 1" for the outside.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Nice carvings Terry (Nomad), love the scoop !

Dave

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Handyman

Nice carvings Terry (Nomad), love the scoop !

Dave

Thanks Dave! I think I need one of those 3" forstner bits!!

[Gudirutta]

Terry - I Love the scoop!! What kind of wood did you use for that?

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by Gudirutta

Terry - I Love the scoop!! What kind of wood did you use for that?

Thanks! IIRC, it was boxelder.

[Rooster]

Nice mug shots guys. . I assume that your mugs are intended for actual use. I would like to carve one for my granddad with a piece of timber he gave me. What finish do you put on the wood. I haven't looked into it too much. I only thought this about a week ago. It's hardly just normal varnish, is it? I'm assuming that it needs a particular type of varnish. Non toxic would probably help!!! Tasteless, odourless, etc.

Thanks
Rooster.