basic relief tools

[Harry C]

My son thinks he'd like to take up relief carving. I'm planning on getting him a starter set of gouges and chisels to get him off the ground. Which 6 or 8 tools do you think would be most desirable for shallow releif work?

[mark yundt]

I do a considerable amount of relief work and I'm sure my thoughts will differ from many others. But you can see the results I get from the photo's on my blog..specifically the article "Greenman" listed under Other. Here I used only 6 chisels which I believe can be used in so many situations,,reliefs,,full carvings etc.This project isn't a true relief,, but this same set of chisels is used to carve all the other pieces you see in the gallery,,reliefs included.
Another consideration is are you working within a budget? That can be a determining factor as well as do you think this is something he might persue more fully? I know.. it's tough to say with kids and this early on in the hobby. Just some things to consider. Do you want to spend less than 50-75 bucks for all of them,, or would 25-30 per chisel be feasible?

[Paul_Guraedy]

Harry here are the tools I recommend for starting out in relief carving. In fact, add in the Ashley Isles hooked skew and this is pretty well what I use for most of my relief carvings. I would also go with the palm size tools for starting.


1) A carving knife
2) Two flat chisels (#1) beveled on one side. I use a ¼” and ¾”
3) A #5 gouge of 3/8”
4) A #11 gouge of ¼”
5) A ¼” V tool
6) A (#2) double bevel 3/8” skew

[Harry C]

Thanks for your response. I'm willing to invest in good quality tools. $30 -$40 a tool is not out of range. My son is 39 yrs old. He'll take a few lessons in late August. I expect he'll get into it gradually but good quality tools, like quality musical instruments, can be a great encouragement.

[AlArchie]

Harry, who is the instructor for that class your sone will be taking? I'd suggest contacting him/her an d ask about what tools are best for that particular class. If, perchance that class is one of Fred and Elaine Stenman's low relief, you can contact them at fstenman@msn.com or go through their site at STENMAN STUDIOS RELIEF WOODCARVING.

The reason I mentioned them is that they teach low relief and will be at Boulder Junction, Wisconsin for a seminar in mid August and then at our carving club in Bessemer, MI on the 15th, 16th and 17th.

Al

[Dylan]

Harry, these are the basic tools that I recommend.

Basic Relief Tools

#1-8mm
#2-12mm
#5-3mm
#5 or #7 -10mm
#11-3mm
v-tool -4mm
A knife

I do not recommend palm tools for relief carving, I suggest that you get the full size, or intermediate size tools. They'll be much more useful in the long run, and it'll be much easier to do relief carving with them.

Dylan

[carver33]

Harry,

Others have given you good advice on the tool selection, and I'd like to add to that.

First, get good tools - many carvers have become frustrated with cheap tools. One brand I'd recommend is Pfeil. Although I only have one, others I know have entire sets and are extremely pleased with them. I have had occasion to use some and I agree. There are a number of other good brands out there and you'll get a number of good suggestions if you ask.

Second, consider the size of work. For large panels (more than a couple of feet in each direction) you'll want full size tools. For smaller carvings, you'll probably want smaller palm tools.

Finally, while you can carve pretty much anything with one knife, there ain't no such thing as too many tools.

My $.02 worth
Bill, (Aiken, SC)

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Denny makes a couple dog leg chisels, they work great !

dave