Missing tools carver in article is using .....

C. McCoy · #1 05-20-2008, 01:53 PM

I was wondering what those of you do when you are doing a carving from an article from one of the woodcarving magazines and you don't have the exact same tool the carver of the article states he/she is using on a particular part of the carving.

For example: Let's say the author states he/she is using a #6-1/4" gouge to remove the wood for the eye sockets. But you don't have a #6-1/4". But you have a #5 or #7 - 1/4" gouge. Do you make do or do buy a #6 ??

Which brings me to my question .... Do you always buy the required tool or do (can you?) make do with what you have ??

BobD · #2 05-20-2008, 02:11 PM

Excellent question! And it brings to mind another related question: What do you do when the author is using Pfiel tools, which are not exactly the same sweep as the tools that use the Sheffield list?

For me, I use tool suggestions as a guideline. I tend to use odd numbered tools (3, 5, 7, 9, 11). In the case when an author suggests an even number, I try the two odds closest to it on a piece of scrap wood, and see which works best for me. It's amazing what you can do with similar tools.

I'll have to hunt a bit for it, but Mark Yundt showed in a greenman carving how to use a few tools to carve the entire project. Professional carvers will use the same tool as long as they can before switching tools...

So...the short answer for me is NO, I don't go buy the exact tool an author suggests. I'll try to use what I have first, then buy it if I need it...within reason. If I only have a 1" #5, and a 3/4" #3, and the author is calling for a 1/4" #4, I'll probably go get a 1/4" #5 or #3.

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

Just Carving · #3 05-20-2008, 03:00 PM

NOW YOU TELL ME!!!!

I thought the point of wood carving was to buy every tool and collect as many as you can?!?!

redbird46 · #4 05-20-2008, 09:13 PM

Just remember the #1 rule of woodcarving tools. The carver who dies with the most tools wins!!

Norb

Marci MN · #5 05-20-2008, 10:01 PM

I dont have many tools.. *just the beginners kit from Rick and the micro's from Rick* And my problem is when you read the article they dont show the tool they are using. Its frustrating for me a real novice not even knowing what the tools look like in order to purchase something simular. Tool sizing/shapes has been really hard for me to figure out.

Just Carving · #6 05-20-2008, 10:27 PM

Marci

I find that it is better to concentrate on the end results than means of getting there. In most cases, the tools you have will work fine--even if you need to make small adjustments in the pattern--which is another thing that people get hung up on--matching the pattern exactly. A little creativity is a good thing--it gives you the right to call the work your own.

Bob L

Dan S · #7 05-20-2008, 10:43 PM

I'm sorry, but you are all doing this wrong (except perhaps redbird). The first thing to do before choosing a carving project is find out what you wife or her mother really likes. Plan ahead for aniverserys, birthdays and other special occasions. It's improtant that you have some, but not all, of the tools that the project requires.
Next you approach her with a nice photo of the project and tell her how much you would love to carve this for her or her mother. She will almost always agree to this.
Next, you start the project and announce that you need this tool or another. (look sad and frustrated) I find that I can get away with two tools per project. Larger projects warrant three tools and additional paint.
Good luck,
Dan

Just Carving · #8 05-20-2008, 11:00 PM

Dan, In the words of the great duck:

"Dith-pick-a-ble!"

Dan S · #9 05-21-2008, 01:21 AM

AAAWWW... You're just jelous that you didn't think of it first. Now be honest, now that the idea is in your head can you resist the temptation of that new detail knife or Pfiel gouge? Remember she does it to you when she needs to accessorize that new dress that she bought on sale!

See you at the tool store!

Dan

Marci MN · #10 05-21-2008, 03:38 AM

Shucks I do that to get all the carving books.. " Hun, I'd love to be able to carve these bears, comical faces, dolls, bark.. ect.

I own alot of books but sure do need to start doing something about my tool collection.

But sometimes reading an article or book I have to say.. what the heck is a sweep? or dogleg? or why is the tool described as bent? and a fishtail? HUH? And not being able to SEE what that tool is I'll just have to keep on guessing. The number system is like talking chinese to me.... :S